This simple guide to making your own Chocolate Turtles offers the perfect blend of sugary and savory flavors. Indulge in each mouthful of gooey caramel, crispy pecans, and heavenly chocolate.
Homemade caramel turtles are incredibly delicious. Once you try making your own chocolate turtles, you’ll become addicted. Creating homemade candy is simple and the outcome is mouthwatering.
The sweet and salty combination in homemade chocolate turtles make this so tasty. Also, the sea salt on top adds to the candy recipe. It is fabulous. I also love to make Rolo Pretzel Turtles and Easy Rolo Pretzel Bites.
Table of contents
Why We Love This Recipe
- It is so easy using a microwave. You don’t need the oven or even a candy thermometer to make this recipe.
- Only 5 ingredients. The entire recipe is just 5 easy ingredients!
- Homemade candy saves money. It is very simple and saves money to make this at home. It also makes a great gift, and everyone loves Christmas candies.
- Sweet and Salty. The combination of sweet and salty flavors is delicious.
Ingredients
- Pecans. You need to use pecan halves for the perfect size turtles.
- Caramels. Use your favorite brand.
- Heavy Whipping Cream. Makes the mixture so creamy.
- Semi-Sweet Melting Chocolate. Semi-Sweet helps to cut down on the sweetness.
- Sea Salt. Coarse sea salt enhances the flavor for the best sweet and salty blend.
Find the complete list of ingredients at the bottom of the page.
How to Make Chocolate Turtles
- Step 1. Prepare the baking sheet. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2. Arrange the pecans. Place 5 pecan halves in a cluster in a star shape onto the baking sheet.
Step 3. Melt the caramel. Place the caramels and heavy whipping cream in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute. Stir and then continue to microwave in 30 second intervals.
Step 4. Top the pecans with melted caramel. Pour approximately 1 tablespoon of the melted caramel on top of each pecan cluster. Allow the mixture to set for the caramel to harden.
Step 5. Melt the chocolate. Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute. Stir and then continue to microwave in 30 second intervals. You can also use a double boiler over low heat. Pour approximately 2 teaspoons of the melted chocolate over the top of the caramel. After spooning the chocolate, sprinkle with sea salt. Allow to set before serving.
Storage
Store turtles in an airtight container or bag at room temperature up to 3 weeks. Make sure to store them in a cool dry place so the chocolate does not melt.
Can You Freeze?
Prolong the shelf life of this candy or make in advance by freezing them. Place the turtles inside a freezer container and separate the layers with parchment paper.
Freeze up to 2 months. Allow to thaw at room temperature when ready to serve. This is a great make ahead method for holidays and such.
Expert Tips
- Caramels. You can use your favorite brand of chewy caramels. We love Kraft or Werther’s caramels.
- Heavy Cream. Just a tiny bit is needed to melt the caramels. Be careful that you don’t add too much heavy cream to the caramels.
- Chocolate. Semi sweet chocolate instead of milk chocolate is perfect in this recipe. You can also use chocolate chips if you prefer.
- Toasted pecans. While not necessary, if you have a few extra minutes to toast the pecans, it will enhance the flavor.
- Don’t overcook the caramel. You do not want to burn the caramel so make sure that you melt in intervals.
- Almonds. Substitute almonds in this recipe for another great flavor.
- Overlap the pecans. It is helpful to slightly overlap the nuts so the caramel does not ooze out.
Frequently Asked Questions
This candy is made with chocolate, caramel and pecans.
Melt the caramel in the microwave for about a minute total using a microwave safe bowl. However, melt in 30 second increments so it does not overcook.
Stir in between each interval. Continue to microwave until it is completely melted. The heavy cream will help produce a creamy texture.
It is a sweet and salty combination of flavors in each bite. The texture is soft from the caramel and crunchy from the pecans. It all comes together for a delicious candy.
You can use melting chocolate or chocolate chips. Choose your favorite type of chocolate. Some ideas include dark chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate or milk chocolate.
While Turtles are traditionally made with pecans, you can substitute other nuts if desired. You can use peanuts or almonds.
This candy is called Chocolate Turtles because it looks like a turtle once the ingredients are arranged. Turtles candy originated in the 1900’s by a candy chef named Louis Gordon Hooper.
It is currently made by the DeMet’s Candy Company in Chicago.
More Easy Candy Recipes
Try these delicious Chocolate Turtles for a fabulous treat. Please share your feedback after you try them in the comment section.
Chocolate Turtles
Ingredients
- 4 ounces Pecan Halves
- 8 ounces Caramels
- 1 Tablespoon Heavy Whipping Cream
- 6 ounces Semi-Sweet Melting Chocolate
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place 5 pecan halves in a cluster in a star shape onto the baking sheet.
- Place the caramels and heavy whipping cream in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute. Stir and then continue to microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval until fully melted and smooth.
- Pour approximately 1 tablespoon of the melted caramel on top of each pecan cluster. Allow the mixture to set for the caramel to harden.
- Place the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute. Stir and then continue to microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval until fully melted and smooth.
- Pour approximately 2 teaspoons of the chocolate over the top of the caramel. Sprinkle the sea salt on top.
- Allow the turtles to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes for the chocolate to harden. Then they are ready to serve and enjoy!
