Print

Homemade Chocolate Turtles Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 575 reviews

Homemade Chocolate Turtles are a delightful treat combining toasted pecans, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate. This recipe guides you through making the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors with a soft caramel center encased in a chocolate coating, perfect for gifting or enjoying as a special snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Caramel and Nuts

  • 6 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups pecan halves

Chocolate Coating

  • 16 oz almond bark or high quality chocolate

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees F to prepare for toasting the pecans.
  2. Toast and chop pecans: Spread pecan halves evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, stirring once, until they are golden and fragrant but not burned. Let them cool, then roughly chop and set aside. Alternatively, toast pecans in a hot skillet for 5 minutes while stirring constantly.
  3. Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat liner to prevent sticking and for easy removal of the turtles.
  4. Make caramel base in microwave: Melt butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and corn syrup to the melted butter, mixing until combined. Microwave on high for 6-8 minutes, stirring intermittently, until the mixture reaches about 235°F or passes the ice water soft ball test.
  5. Test caramel consistency: Spoon a bit of the hot caramel into ice water. When cooled, pinch it to see if it forms a soft ball. If not, microwave for an additional 30 seconds and test again.
  6. Add vanilla and pecans: Carefully remove bowl from microwave using hot pads. Stir in vanilla extract, then add the toasted chopped pecans, mixing well to distribute evenly.
  7. Form the turtle shapes: Drop large spoonfuls of the caramel-pecan mixture onto the prepared baking sheet forming individual mounds. You should get around 20 pieces depending on size. Refrigerate for about 20 minutes until set.
  8. Melt chocolate: Melt the almond bark or chocolate in the microwave or on a double boiler, stirring every 30 seconds until completely smooth and melted.
  9. Dip and coat turtles: Using a fork, dip each pecan caramel mound into the melted chocolate, coating all sides. Lift it out and gently tap the fork to let excess chocolate drip off, then place on the lined baking sheet to set.
  10. Store properly: Once set, store the chocolate turtles in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate. They will keep well for 2-3 weeks.

Notes

  • Ensure pecans are toasted to enhance their flavor but avoid burning them to maintain a rich nutty taste.
  • The soft ball test with ice water is crucial for achieving the perfect caramel texture.
  • Use high-quality chocolate or almond bark for the best coating and flavor.
  • Cooling the turtles in the fridge helps them set faster and keeps their shape when dipped in chocolate.
  • Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.

Keywords: Chocolate turtles, homemade candy, caramel pecans, chocolate pecan recipe, holiday treats, easy candy recipe

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/homemade-chocolate-turtles-recipe/