The key to perfect turtle candy lies in the balance of flavors and textures. Toasting the pecans brings out their rich, nutty flavor, which pairs beautifully with the smooth, buttery caramel. The caramel itself should be creamy and just thick enough to hold the pecan clusters together without being overly chewy. Finally, the chocolate coating adds a layer of sweetness and a satisfying snap when you bite into it. For an extra touch of sophistication, a sprinkle of sea salt on top can elevate the flavor profile, providing a delightful contrast to the sweet chocolate and caramel. Enjoy these candies as a delicious homemade treat that’s sure to impress
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of pecan halves
- 20 caramel candies (such as Kraft or Werther’s Original)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chocolate melting wafers)
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (optional, to thin the chocolate)
- Sea salt (optional, for sprinkling on top)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pecans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the pecan halves in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast the pecans in the oven for about 8–10 minutes, or until they are fragrant. This step enhances the nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the turtles. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, let them cool completely.
- Melt the Caramel:
- While the pecans are cooling, unwrap the caramel candies and place them in a microwave-safe bowl with the heavy cream.
- Microwave the caramels and cream in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until the caramel is fully melted and smooth. This should take about 2 minutes. Be careful not to overheat the caramel as it can burn easily.
- Assemble the Turtles:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Arrange clusters of three to four pecan halves on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about a teaspoon of the melted caramel over the center of each pecan cluster. The caramel should touch each pecan to help hold the cluster together. Allow the caramel to set slightly before moving to the next step.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. If the chocolate is too thick, stir in the vegetable oil to thin it out for easier coating.
- Coat with Chocolate:
- Spoon about a tablespoon of the melted chocolate over each caramel-pecan cluster, ensuring it covers the caramel and pecans. Use the back of the spoon to gently spread the chocolate, if needed.
- Optionally, sprinkle a little sea salt on top of each turtle for a salty-sweet flavor combination.
- Set the Turtles:
- Allow the turtles to sit at room temperature until the chocolate has fully set, about 1–2 hours. Alternatively, you can place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to speed up the process.
- Serve and Store:
- Once set, carefully remove the turtle candies from the parchment paper and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.