How to make 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.
Flavorful Additions
Although 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.