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.
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I can’t wait to see everyone’s faces when they taste them!
For many families, the tradition of making this candy is a highlight every year. It may seem like a lot of work, but when each member of the family helps it is not so terrible and it is a great treat to enjoy later.
These caramel and pecan treats are called Turtle candies. They make a perfect treat year-round, but are often considered over the Holidays.
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.
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know how it went in the comments below.
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What makes this recipe special?
Turtle Candy with pecans and caramel is a great treat that combines crunchy and sweet together. The best part is that when the time is taken to make these the way they are meant to be, they are really cute.
What is the difference between Pralines and Turtles?
The turtles contain pecans and chocolate, the pralines do not. Pralines use Almonds in the recipe, Homemade Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramel, uses pecans.
Can I use a different Chocolate in the Turtle candies?
You could use milk chocolate, white chocolate, and even dark chocolate.
Can I use a nut other than Pecan?
You could use Almonds, peanuts or walnuts. Some people with nut allergies have used Pumpkin seeds or Sunflower seeds.
Is there a certain type of caramel that I should use?
For the Turtle Candy recipe with Pecans and caramel, we suggest using darker caramel. This gives it a richer flavor. However, the vanilla caramels work perfectly, also.
Can I make these in a muffin tin rather than on a baking sheet?
They can be made in the bottom of a muffin tin. Follow the same process and allow them to set completely before removing.
Why did my chocolate seize up?
While there is no way to save seized up chocolate, you can use it in other items such as cookies Meantime, it can be spread out on a lined baking tray and then used as Almond bark.
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.
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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
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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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How should I store the Pecan Caramel Candy?
These candies should be stored in an airtight container in a cool place. If the chocolate is exposed to heat or moisture, it begins to develop white spots or streaks, and the caramel becomes hard. The refrigerator is the best place to store Turtle Candy.
Can Homemade Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramel be frozen?
Yes, as long as the candies are wrapped tightly they can be frozen. Thaw at room temperature for an hour before eating.
Are these Turtle candies gluten-free?
The only ingredients included with this candy are pecan, chocolate, and caramel. It is gluten-free.
How long is the Homemade Turtle candy with Pecans and Caramel good for?
As long as the candy is stored in an airtight container in a cool place, the candies should last for at least two weeks. However, if you notice the candies are becoming hard, toss them out and make a new batch.
More Holiday Sweet Treats
Turtle Caramel Cake – One of my favorite desserts ever!
My Mom’s Fudge – Simply irresistible.
Praline Crunch – So good!
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