Decadent Homemade Turtle Candy: A Sweet Treat with Pecans and Caramel

If you’re a fan of indulgent sweets that perfectly balance rich caramel, crunchy pecans, and velvety chocolate, then you’re in for a treat! In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of making homemade Turtle Candy—a beloved confection that’s sure to impress friends and family alike. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create these irresistible candies right in your own kitchen. So, let’s dive in and satisfy those sweet cravings!

Turtle Candy is a classic confection that combines the flavors of caramel, pecans, and chocolate into one delightful treat. Named for its resemblance to a turtle’s shell, this candy is beloved for its rich and indulgent taste. While store-bought versions are readily available, there’s something truly special about making Turtle Candy from scratch. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to create your own homemade Turtle Candy using soft caramels, toasted pecans, and delicious chocolate.

Ingredients

12 ounces soft caramels (homemade or store-bought)
6 ounces pecans (halves, toasted)
8 ounces chocolate (semi-sweet, chips are fine)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

If you haven’t already done so, toast the pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant. Be sure to stir them frequently to prevent burning. Once toasted, set aside to cool.
Unwrap the soft caramels and set them aside. If using homemade caramels, be sure they are soft and pliable.

Step 2: Assemble the Turtles

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper.
Take one toasted pecan half and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
Top the pecan with a soft caramel, pressing down gently to adhere.
Repeat this process until all of the pecans are topped with caramels, spacing them out on the baking sheet.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth and fully melted.
Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stove.

Step 4: Dip the Turtles

Using a fork or candy dipping tool, carefully dip each caramel-coated pecan into the melted chocolate, coating it completely.
Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing the turtle back onto the lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Once all of the turtles have been dipped in chocolate, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to allow the chocolate to set completely.
Once set, remove the turtles from the refrigerator and transfer them to an airtight container for storage.
Serve and enjoy!

Cook Notes and Variations

Salted Caramels: For an extra flavor boost, consider using salted caramels instead of regular caramels. The combination of sweet and salty is simply irresistible!
Nut Variations: While pecans are traditional in Turtle Candy, feel free to experiment with other nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or even macadamia nuts.
Chocolate Options: While semi-sweet chocolate is classic for Turtle Candy, you can also use milk chocolate or dark chocolate according to your preference.

Keto and Low-Carb Version

For those following a keto or low-carb diet, you can make the following modifications to create a keto-friendly version of Turtle Candy:

Sugar-Free Caramels: Look for sugar-free caramel candies or make your own using a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia.
Low-Carb Chocolate: Use sugar-free or dark chocolate with a high cocoa content to keep the carb count low.
Nutritional Information: Be sure to calculate the nutritional information for your homemade Turtle Candy to ensure it fits within your dietary goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of soft caramels? A: While store-bought caramel sauce may work in a pinch, it may not provide the same consistency and texture as soft caramels. For best results, we recommend using soft caramels specifically designed for candy-making.

Q: How long will homemade Turtle Candy last? A: Homemade Turtle Candy can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can store them in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.

Q: Can I freeze Turtle Candy for later? A: Yes, you can freeze homemade Turtle Candy for up to three months. Be sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.

In conclusion, homemade Turtle Candy is a delightful indulgence that’s surprisingly simple to make. With just a few basic ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a batch of these irresistible treats to enjoy and share with loved ones. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, homemade Turtle Candy is sure to be a hit. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the magic of homemade candy-making for yourself?