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.
Chocolate Turtles Recipe
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.
Why is it called Chocolate Turtles?
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.
You will love Chocolate Turtles recipe because:
- 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.
- Sweet and Salty. The combination of sweet and salty flavors is delicious.
Ingredients:
- Pecan Halves
- Caramels
- Heavy Whipping Cream
- Semi-Sweet Melting Chocolate
- Sea Salt
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. Another option is to use chopped pecans if that is all you have.
- 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. Stir after each interval until fully melted and smooth.
- 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. Stir after each interval until fully melted and smooth. - Step 6. Top with chocolate. Pour approximately 2 teaspoons of the chocolate over the top of the caramel.
- Step 7. Add the sea salt. Sprinkle the sea salt on top.
- Step 8. Allow to set. 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!
Storage and Freezing
Store turtles in an airtight container or bag at room temperature up to 3 weeks. Make sure to store them in a cool place so the chocolate does not melt.
Freezer:
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.
This recipe is so easy and does not require any baking or candy thermometers. The chocolate and caramel can be melted in the microwave without much work or time.
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.
Print the recipe for Chocolate Turtles below:
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!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
More Easy Candy Recipes:
