Description
These homemade Pecan Turtles Candy combine rich caramel, crunchy toasted pecans, and smooth chocolate, making them a perfect sweet treat. They’re easy to make, with a few simple ingredients, and they’re great for holidays, parties, or just an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheets:
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange the toasted pecan halves into clusters of four in an “X” shape on one of the prepared baking sheets. - 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 constantly to combine.
Stir in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt. - Cook to Soft-Ball Stage:
Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pot. Continue cooking the caramel mixture, stirring constantly, until it reaches 245°F (soft-ball stage). This will take about 10-15 minutes. - Assemble the Turtles:
Working quickly, spoon about 1 tablespoon of the hot caramel over each pecan cluster, ensuring that the caramel connects all four pecans. Let them set at room temperature for 15 minutes, or until the caramel is firm. - Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. - Coat with Chocolate:
Spoon a dollop of the melted chocolate over each caramel-covered pecan cluster. Use the back of the spoon to gently smooth the chocolate and cover the caramel completely. - Set the Candy:
Allow the turtles to set at room temperature until the chocolate is firm. Alternatively, you can refrigerate them for faster setting.
Notes
- Make sure to toast the pecans before assembling the turtles for the best flavor. You can use other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts if you prefer.
- You can use any type of chocolate for the coating. Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate will work.
- If you’re in a hurry, refrigerating the turtles will help them set more quickly, but they will set just fine at room temperature as well.
- For an extra touch, you can drizzle a little bit of chocolate over the top of the turtles after they set.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 turtle
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg