Pecan Turtles Candy
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Everyone loves homemade pecan turtles candy, which is much easier to make than you think! Toasted pecans are topped with homemade caramel and chocolate. These are such a classic treat and perfect for gifting!
These salty-sweet pecan turtles clusters are one of my go-to Christmas candy recipes during the holiday season.
Every year, I dream of making every treat on my list, but life always has other plans. That’s why I love adding easy, no-bake options like pecan pralines, rocky road candy, chocolate honeycomb candy, frito candy, and these pecan turtles candy to add to my dessert tray—they save me time without sacrificing deliciousness!
Everyone loves the classic pecan candy (I love it so much I’ve even turned it into a turtle cheesecake dip!), and they fall deeper in love when they discover the homemade version.
Toasted pecan clusters topped with chewy caramel and a hardened chocolate “turtle” shell make the tastiest bite. They are super simple to make and a fun and festive way to deliver everyone’s favorite caramel, chocolate, and nutty flavor trio.
Serve a bowl of these pecan turtles on your dessert table or wrap them up as an edible gift. Snack on them while watching your favorite Christmas movies, or set a few out for Santa. However you enjoy them, this turtle candy recipe will leave you saying, “Mmm, I love turtles” with every bite!
Why you’ll love this turtle candy recipe
- A no-bake treat made with just 7 ingredients.
- Delicious combination of pecans, caramel, and chocolate.
- Homemade turtles stay fresh for weeks or frozen for months.
- Make a great gift for friends, neighbors, teachers, etc…
Ingredients
This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Pecan halves – Toasting them first is optional, but recommended. It adds a crispier texture and an extra nutty flavor. See note below on how to toast your pecans at home in just a few minutes.
- For the caramel – You’ll need butter, light brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, salt, and about half a can of sweetened condensed milk. If using salted pecans omit adding any extra salt to the caramel.
- Chocolate – I recommend Ghirardelli Chocolate melting wafers. They melt easily and taste delicious. Either the milk chocolate or dark chocolate varieties will work well for this recipe. High-quality milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and semi-sweet chocolate chips also work.
How to Toast Pecans
Arrange the pecans in an even layer on a cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 mins at 350 F. You can also toast them in a saucepan on the stovetop for 3-5 minutes, stirring often. Let them cool before handling.
How to Make Pecan Turtles
This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
Step 1: Arrange pecan halves in clusters of 4 in an X shape on parchment-lined baking sheets, with their edges touching at the center. It’s important to do this ahead of time, so you’re not scrambling while you should be working quickly with the caramel and chocolate.
Step 2: Bring the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup to a boil over medium heat. Use a heavy bottom saucepan for even heat distribution and to avoid burning. Once boiling, stir in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and salt. Use a candy thermometer to get a reading and continue stirring until it reaches 245℉.
Step 3: Work quickly to spoon some of the caramel mixture onto each of the pecan clusters, making sure to add a dollop into the center where they meet. Let them harden at room temperature.
Step 4: Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl for 20-second intervals, stirring in between. Once it is melted and smooth, again work quickly to spoon some melted chocolate overtop the caramel and pecan clusters.
Let them set before storing or serving, and enjoy!
Jaclyn’s Kitchen Faves
The ThermoPro digital candy thermometer takes the guesswork out of making caramel, toffee, and more with precise, easy-to-read temperatures. Plus, its easy-to-clean design makes upgrading a no-brainer!
Storage
Refrigerator: Homemade chocolate turtles can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 weeks, but they’re also just fine on the counter in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. I suggest layering them with parchment paper so they don’t stick together when stacked.
Freezer: These freeze nicely for up to 3 months. When the cravings hit, take as many as you need out and let them thaw for about an hour at room temperature.
Recipe Tips
- Double the recipe and use a whole can of sweetened condensed milk. Since turtles stay fresh for weeks, are freezer-friendly, and travel well, make as many as you can!
- Add a sprinkle of course sea salt on top of the melted chocolate for a finishing touch. It gives it a sweet and salty bite.
- Be sure to line your baking sheet. Parchment paper or silicone mats work well to prevent the clusters from sticking to the pan.
More No Bake Holiday Treats
Pecan Turtles Candy
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups pecan halves toasted*
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk half a can
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 10 ounces Ghirardelli melting wafers or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange pecan halves clusters of 4 in an "X" shape on a parchment-lined baking sheet (see photos).
- In a heavy bottomed saucepan, bring the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup to a boil over medium heat. Add the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and salt. Insert your candy thermometer and continue cooking and stirring until the mixture reaches 245℉.
- Working quickly, spoon about a tablespoon of the caramel on each pecan cluster, connecting the 4 pecans together.
- Allow them to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, or until caramel has set.
- In a microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate as directed on the package or in 20 second increments, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.
- Working quickly, spoon a bit of the melted chocolate on top of the caramel on each candy. Allow the chocolate to set before storing or serving.
Notes
- In the Oven: Bake pecans on a sheet pan in an even layer for 8-10 mins at 350℉.
- On the Stovetop: Heat for 3-5 minutes on the stovetop, stirring often.
- Allow toasted pecans cool to room temp before handling.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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