Pecan Turtles Candy Recipe

I recently made these Pecan Turtles Candy for a family gathering, and they were an absolute hit! The combination of toasted pecans, creamy caramel, and rich chocolate creates the perfect bite-sized treat. The moment they were ready, they disappeared in no time! What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to make, yet it looks and tastes like something you’d get from a gourmet candy store. The layers of flavor are absolutely delicious, and the texture is just perfect—the crunch of the pecans, the soft, chewy caramel, and the smooth chocolate make every bite a treat. My family couldn’t get enough of them, and I’m already planning to make another batch soon. Whether you’re looking for a quick gift idea or a dessert to impress your guests, these Pecan Turtles Candy are the way to go!

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Turtles Candy Recipe

This Pecan Turtles Candy recipe combines the best of sweet and savory in one decadent bite. With just a few ingredients—pecans, caramel, and chocolate—you can create a treat that’s sure to please everyone. The process is straightforward, and the results are nothing short of delicious. The toasted pecans provide a perfect crunch, while the caramel adds a soft chewiness that complements the chocolate. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; it’s easy to make yet incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can make a batch for the holidays, special occasions, or even just as a sweet treat to have on hand. If you love the combination of caramel and chocolate, these Pecan Turtles Candy will become your go-to candy recipe!

Ingredients

• 3 cups pecan halves, toasted*
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• 7 oz sweetened condensed milk (half a can)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• 10 oz chocolate or chocolate chips

*To toast the pecans, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan halves in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant. Let them cool before using them in the recipe.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Sheets:

• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange the pecan halves into clusters of four in an “X” shape on one of the prepared sheets. This will be the base of each turtle.

2. Make the Caramel:

• In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
• Stir in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue stirring until the mixture becomes smooth.

3. Cook to Soft-Ball Stage:

• Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pot and continue cooking the caramel mixture, stirring constantly, until it reaches 245°F (soft-ball stage). This should take about 10-15 minutes.
• Once it reaches the desired temperature, remove the saucepan from the heat.

4. Assemble the Turtles:

• Working quickly, spoon about 1 tablespoon of caramel over each pecan cluster, making sure it covers the tops and connects all four pecans.
• Let the caramel set at room temperature for about 15 minutes, or until it firms up enough to hold the pecans in place.

5. Melt the Chocolate:

• In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted.

6. Coat with Chocolate:

• Spoon a dollop of melted chocolate over each caramel-covered pecan cluster. Use the back of a spoon to gently smooth the chocolate, covering the caramel completely.

7. Set the Candy:

• Allow the turtles to set at room temperature until the chocolate hardens. Alternatively, you can place them in the refrigerator for faster setting (about 10-15 minutes).

Nutrition Facts (per serving, 1 candy)

• Serving Size: 1 candy (about 1 turtle)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 45mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Set Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 36 pieces

How to Serve

• For Parties or Gatherings: These Pecan Turtles Candy are perfect for serving at parties or holiday gatherings. They look elegant and taste amazing.
• As Gifts: Package these candies in small gift boxes or jars and give them as homemade treats for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.
• With Coffee or Tea: These rich, sweet candies pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them a great afternoon treat.
• For Dessert: Serve these candies as a sweet after-dinner treat or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• For Snack Time: These candies are great for a quick, satisfying snack when you need something sweet and crunchy.

Additional Tips

1. Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans brings out their natural flavors and adds a richer taste to the candy. Be sure not to over-toast them, as this can cause bitterness.
2. Use a Candy Thermometer: A candy thermometer is key to getting the right texture for the caramel. Without it, it can be hard to achieve the soft-ball stage needed for the perfect consistency.
3. Chill the Turtles: If you’re in a hurry, pop the turtles in the fridge for 15 minutes to speed up the setting time. They’ll firm up quickly without losing any flavor.
4. Substitute Nuts: If you prefer other nuts, feel free to use walnuts, almonds, or pecans as a substitute. Each nut brings its own unique flavor to the candy.
5. Double the Recipe: If you’re making this recipe for a crowd, simply double the ingredients. The recipe is easy to scale up, and the turtles will still turn out perfect!

FAQ

1. Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate? Yes, you can use dark chocolate if you prefer a richer, less sweet flavor. It pairs beautifully with the caramel and pecans.
2. Can I use other types of nuts? Absolutely! You can use walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts in place of the pecans, depending on your preferences.
3. How do I store these candies? Store the candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
4. Can I freeze these candies? Yes, these candies freeze well. Store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
5. Can I add more caramel? If you like extra caramel, you can increase the amount of caramel and drizzle it over the top of the pecans. Just be mindful that it may make the candies a bit messier to handle.
6. What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk? Sweetened condensed milk is essential for the creamy texture of the caramel. If you need a substitute, you can make your own by simmering regular milk with sugar until it thickens, though the texture may vary.
7. How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing? Make sure to melt the chocolate slowly, stirring frequently. If it starts to seize, add a small amount of vegetable oil or shortening to loosen it up.
8. Can I make these without peanut butter? Yes, you can omit the peanut butter if you prefer a more traditional caramel flavor, or substitute with another nut butter, such as almond or cashew butter.
9. Can I use crunchy peanut butter? Yes, if you prefer a bit more texture, you can use crunchy peanut butter. It will add an extra crunch to the candy.
10. How do I make sure the caramel doesn’t burn? Keep the heat medium to low and stir the caramel mixture constantly. Make sure to keep an eye on the temperature with a candy thermometer to prevent it from burning.

Conclusion

These Pecan Turtles Candy are the perfect combination of rich chocolate, creamy caramel, and crunchy pecans. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a holiday gathering, or just a sweet treat for yourself, they are sure to be a hit. With simple ingredients, an easy process, and the option to make them in advance, this recipe is a keeper. Try it out, and enjoy the perfect bite of chocolate, caramel, and nuts in every delicious piece!

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