Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Chill : 30 mins
Total: 45 mins
Servings: 12 servings
Yield: 24 candies
“Toasty pecans with soft, sweet caramel and slightly bitter chocolate balance each other perfectly. Once you have all the caramel centers in place, you can gently press the edges down to be sure the pecan halves are secured in the caramel.” —Melissa Gray
A Note From Our Recipe Tester
Ingredients
Cooking spray
6 ounces toasted pecan halves, about 1 1/4 cups (96 pecan halves total)
11 to 12 ounces soft caramels, homemade or store-bought
8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips, about 1 1/4 cups
Steps to Make ItGather the ingredients. Prepare a cookie sheet by covering it with foil or parchment paper and spraying it with cooking spray. Set aside.
Arrange the pecans in 24 clusters (4 each). Each pecan should point in a different direction resembling the four limbs of a turtle. Alternatively, you can just drop them in small clusters on the baking sheet but be sure they overlap to avoid the caramel oozing down the spaces between nuts.
Place the unwrapped caramels in a medium microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high until melted, stirring every 30 seconds. If the caramel seems very stiff, add a spoonful of water to help soften.
Allow the caramel to cool slightly, about 3 minutes. Scoop a spoonful of caramel into the center of each pecan cluster (if desired, you can use a rubber spatula to help scrape the caramel off the spoon). If the caramel begins to stiffen, reheat in the microwave to soften, about 30 seconds.
Add the chocolate to a medium microwave-safe bowl, and microwave on high until melted, stirring every 30 seconds. Alternatively, use a double boiler.
Spoon the melted chocolate over the caramel to cover completely, letting some drip down the sides. Use the back of the spoon to help nudge the chocolate around, if needed.
Place the baking sheet of candies in the refrigerator to fully set the chocolate and caramel, about 30 minutes. For the best taste and texture, serve the turtles at room temperature.
How to Store Chocolate Turtles
Extras can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Unless it’s very hot on your kitchen counter, don’t place the turtles in the refrigerator, as the caramel can harden too much and make the turtles difficult to eat.
Flavorful AdditionsAlthough these candies are pure perfection as they are, other ingredients can be added for texture or for a different flavor profile. Here are some ideas:Use crushed pretzel between the caramel and chocolate layer for an extra crunchy bite.
Sprinkle sea salt or pink salt on top of the chocolate to complement the caramel and chocolate flavors.
Use half dark chocolate and half white chocolate and make black and white turtles, or use one as a drizzle to make beautiful designs on the shells.
Sprinkle coconut flakes on top of the chocolate for a tropical flavor.
Use other crushed nuts on top to decorate, either with a pattern or simply crushed on top. Before the chocolate hardens completely, use some nuts to make little eyes for the turtles.
Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder into your melted chocolate for a more adult version. Use coffee beans to decorate and identify this variation.