ADVERTISEMENT
This indulgent homemade Turtle candy is a delicious combination of crunchy pecans, gooey caramel, and smooth chocolate. It’s a simple yet irresistible treat that makes for a perfect gift or a sweet addition to any celebration!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups pecan halves
- 1 cup caramel (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups milk chocolate chips (or dark chocolate if preferred)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- **Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pecan Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan halves evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Toast the pecans in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until they’re golden and fragrant. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Remove from the oven and let the pecans cool slightly.
2. Make the Caramel:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the caramel (if using store-bought, you can heat it in the microwave for a few seconds to make it easier to pour).
- Add the butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the caramel. Stir until smooth and well-combined.
3. Assemble the Turtles:
- On a parchment-lined baking sheet, place clusters of pecans in groups of 4-5, creating small circles for each “turtle.” Leave a little space between each cluster.
- Pour a spoonful of warm caramel over each pecan cluster, making sure the caramel coats the nuts but doesn’t spill too much over the sides.
4. Add the Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with a tablespoon of butter in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and fully melted.
- Spoon the melted chocolate over each caramel-coated pecan cluster, covering the caramel completely and allowing some of the pecans to peek out from under the chocolate.
5. Chill the Candies:
- Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the chocolate harden and the candies set.
6. Serve or Store:
- Once the chocolate has set, remove the turtle candies from the parchment paper. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Tips:
- Customizations: You can also drizzle extra chocolate on top of the turtles or sprinkle them with sea salt for a sweet and salty touch.
- Caramel Substitute: If you prefer to make homemade caramel, melt together 1 cup of granulated sugar with 6 tbsp butter and 1/2 cup heavy cream, cooking until golden and bubbly.
- Nut Variations: While pecans are traditional, you can use walnuts or almonds for a twist.
These homemade Turtle candies are easy to make, decadent, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who loves caramel, chocolate, and nuts!
ADVERTISEMENT