Homemade Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramel
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Making turtle candy is a tradition in my family. Every year, we get together to make homemade turtles with pecans and caramel. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it because the end result is delicious! This year, I’m going to be the one who makes the turtles.
I can’t wait to see everyone’s faces when they taste them!

The recipe is simple: pecans and caramel, mixed together and rolled into balls. But the key is to let the candy cool slowly so that the flavors really meld together.

Looking for a festive and delicious treat to make with your kids this Halloween? Look no further than these amazing homemade turtle candies! They’re packed with flavor and will be sure to please everyone.
Plus, they’re simple enough that even young children can help make them.

This turtle candy recipe is so easy to follow and the results are delicious. The caramelized pecans add a lovely crunch while the chocolate provides a rich, sweet flavor. Be sure to make a big batch because these candies will disappear quickly!
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know how it went in the comments below.

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Table of Contents
- Why this recipe works
- What Is The Difference Between Turtles And Pralines?
- Can I Use Other Types Of Chocolate?
- Can I Use Another Type of Nut?
- What Type of Caramels Should I Use?
- Can I make these in muffin tins instead of on a baking sheet?
- Why Did My Chocolate Seize up?
- Tips for Success
- Ingredients:
- How to make Homemade Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramel:
- How to Store Turtle Candy
- Can you freeze turtle candy?
- Is turtle candy gluten-free?
- How long is homemade turtle candy good for?
- Homemade Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramel
- More Holiday Sweet Treats

Looking for a spooky and sweet treat to make with your kids this Halloween? Look no further than these amazing homemade turtle candies! They’re packed full of flavor, so you’ll be sure not disappoint anyone.
Why this recipe works
We love this recipe because it’s homemade, and it has pecans and caramel. Plus, turtles are just so darn cute! This candy is the perfect treat for any turtle lover.

What Is The Difference Between Turtles And Pralines?
Turtles and pralines are both candies that feature nuts and caramel. However, there are some key differences between the two sweets.
- First, turtles typically have pecans as their nut of choice, while pralines generally use almonds.
- Additionally, turtle candy often includes chocolate in the recipe, whereas pralines do not.
- Finally, turtles are typically shaped into bite-sized pieces, while pralines are usually formed into larger, disc-shaped confections.
Can I Use Other Types Of Chocolate?
Yes, you can use other types of chocolate for this recipe. If you want to use milk chocolate, I would recommend using a high-quality brand. I also think that dark chocolate would be delicious in this recipe. If you use sweeter chocolate, you may want to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe.
Can I Use Another Type of Nut?
You can certainly use another type of nut in place of the pecans called for in this homemade turtle candy with pecans and caramel recipe. Some other good choices would be almonds, walnuts, or even peanuts. If you have a nut allergy, you could try using seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. Just be sure to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe to account for the different sweetness levels of the various nuts and seeds.
What Type of Caramels Should I Use?
When it comes to making homemade turtle candy, the type of caramel you use can make all the difference. For a truly rich and decadent treat, we recommend using dark or milk chocolate caramel. If you prefer a lighter caramel flavor, then a white chocolate variety will be just as delicious.
No matter which type of caramel you choose, we guarantee that our homemade turtle candy will be a hit with everyone who tries it. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
Can I make these in muffin tins instead of on a baking sheet?
Yes, you can make homemade turtle candies in muffin tins. Simply place a pecan in the bottom of each cup and then top with the caramel and chocolate mixture. Let the candies cool completely before serving.
Why Did My Chocolate Seize up?
If your chocolate has seized up, there is unfortunately no way to rescue it. However, there are a few things you can do with seized chocolate. You can use it as an ingredient in baked goods such as cookies or brownies, where the seizing won’t matter as much. Or, you could try using it as a decoration on top of a cake or cupcakes. Seized chocolate can also be used to make chocolate bark by spreading it onto a sheet of wax paper and letting it set.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect homemade turtle candy:
- Use good quality chocolate. This is key for making rich and flavorful turtle candy. Be sure to use chocolate that you would enjoy eating on its own.
- Toast the pecans before adding them to the candy. This will give them a lovely flavor and aroma that really enhances the overall taste of the turtle candy.
- Allow the caramel to cool slightly before adding it to the chocolate and pecans. This will help to prevent the caramel from hardening too quickly and ruining the texture of the candy.
- Be sure to use fresh, plump pecans for the best flavor and texture.
- Store homemade turtle candy in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
- Pecan halves
- Baking/cooking caramels
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat

How to make Homemade Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramel:
Step 1. Place the pecan halves flat side down on a parchment or silicone baking mat-lined baking sheet. Separate them into sets of four, and form them into cross or “x” shapes. Leave some room between each set of four pecan halves. These will be the base for your turtle candies.

Step 2. Unwrap the caramels and place them into a microwave-safe bowl. Add a tablespoon of water to the bowl, and microwave for 30 seconds at a time until completely melted and smooth.

Step 3. Use a spoon to spoon the caramel mixture over the center of each group of pecan halves on your baking sheet. You can use generous help for each one.

Step 4. Add the chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl, and heat for 30 seconds at a time until completely melted and smooth.

Step 5. Spoon the chocolate mixture over the caramel mixture in the center of each candy.

Step 6. Place the turtle candies into the freezer to set for at least half an hour before serving.


Need a fun, tasty treat to make with your kids this Halloween? Look no further than these amazing homemade turtle candies! They’re packed full of flavor and will be sure satisfy any Sensible edible need.
How to Store Turtle Candy
If you’re lucky enough to have homemade turtle candy, you’ll want to know how to store it so it stays fresh and delicious. Turtle candy is a delightful combination of pecans, caramel, and chocolate, and it’s important to keep all three elements in good condition.
The best way to store turtle candy is in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If the turtle candy is exposed to too much moisture or heat, the chocolate will start to bloom (develop white streaks) and the caramel will become hard and difficult to bite.
If you’re not going to eat the turtle candy right away, it’s best to keep it stored in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze turtle candy?
Yes, you can freeze turtle candy. Wrap it well in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn… When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen treat, let it thaw at room temperature for about an hour. Enjoy!
Is turtle candy gluten-free?
Is turtle candy gluten-free? This homemade turtle candy recipe is made with pecans, caramel, and chocolate. So, it is safe to say that this tasty treat is indeed gluten-free! You can enjoy this delicious candy without having to worry about any unwanted side effects. Indulge in this sweet treat without the guilt – homemade turtle candy is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth!
How long is homemade turtle candy good for?
Assuming you store your homemade turtle candy in an airtight container, it should last for several weeks. If you notice the candy starting to harden or the flavor becoming muted, it’s probably time to toss it and make a new batch. Enjoy!

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Homemade Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramel
Ingredients
- 64 Pecan halves
- 11 oz. Baking/cooking caramels
- 1 Bag semi sweet chocolate chips
- Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
Instructions
- Place the pecan halves flat side down on a parchment or silicone baking mat lined baking sheet. Separate them into sets of four, and form them into cross or “x” shapes. Leave some room between each set of four pecan halves. These will be the base for your turtle candies.
- Unwrap the caramels and place them into a microwave safe bowl. Add a tablespoon of water to the bowl, and microwave for 30 seconds at a time until completely melted and smooth.
- Use a spoon to spoon the caramel mixture over the center of each group of pecan halves on your baking sheet. You can use a generous helping for each one.
- Add the chocolate chips to a microwave safe bowl, and heat for 30 seconds at a time until completely melted and smooth.
- Spoon the chocolate mixture over the caramel mixture in the center of each candy.
- Place the turtle candies into the freezer to set for at least half an hour before serving.
Nutrition
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More Holiday Sweet Treats
Turtle Caramel Cake – One of my favorite desserts ever!

My Mom’s Fudge – Simply irresistible.

Praline Crunch – So good!
