🐢 Homemade Chocolate Turtle Candies
🍬 Makes: ~24 turtles
⏱️ Total Time: ~45 minutes (plus cooling)
🛒 Ingredients:
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2 cups pecan halves (toasted)
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1 package (11 oz) caramel candies (like Kraft or Werther’s soft caramels)
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2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
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1 ½ cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (or melting wafers)
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Optional: 1 tsp flaky sea salt (for topping)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Toast the pecans (optional but recommended):
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 6–8 minutes, until fragrant. Let cool.
2. Arrange the turtles:
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Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
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Arrange 3–4 pecan halves in a cluster (like turtle legs and head) — this will be the base of each candy.
3. Melt the caramel:
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In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the caramels with cream over low heat or in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
4. Add caramel:
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Spoon about 1 heaping teaspoon of melted caramel over each pecan cluster.
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Let them sit for 10–15 minutes to set slightly.
5. Melt the chocolate:
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Melt chocolate in the microwave (30-second bursts, stirring between) or using a double boiler until smooth.
6. Top with chocolate:
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Spoon or drizzle about 1 teaspoon of chocolate over each caramel mound to cover most of it.
7. Finish & set:
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Optional: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty finish.
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Let cool at room temperature or refrigerate for faster setting (about 15–20 minutes).
🧊 Storage:
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Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for 2–3 weeks. Freeze for up to 2 months (separate layers with parchment).
🔄 Variations:
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Use white chocolate or milk chocolate
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Add a touch of vanilla or bourbon to the caramel for flavor
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Try cashews or almonds instead of pecans
Would you like a completely homemade caramel version (no store-bought candies), or a low-sugar/keto option?
