Description
Delight in these classic Pecan Turtles Candy featuring toasted pecans covered in buttery caramel and rich chocolate. This easy-to-make treat combines crunchy pecans, a smooth caramel layer, and a luscious chocolate topping for a perfect blend of textures and flavors. Ideal for holidays, gift-giving, or satisfying your sweet tooth with homemade goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Toasted Pecans
- 3 cups pecan halves, toasted
Caramel Layer
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 7 oz sweetened condensed milk (half a can)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Chocolate Topping
- 10 oz chocolate or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Toast the Pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan halves evenly on a baking sheet and toast them for about 8-10 minutes until they are fragrant and slightly browned. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and light corn syrup. Stir constantly until the butter is melted and the mixture reaches a gentle boil. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Flavorings: Slowly whisk in the sweetened condensed milk, continuing to cook and stir for another 5 minutes until the caramel thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt for enhanced flavor.
- Assemble the Turtles: Arrange toasted pecan halves on a parchment-lined baking sheet, grouping them into clusters to form the turtle shapes. Spoon a small amount of warm caramel over each pecan cluster, making sure the nuts are coated and caramel holds the cluster together. Allow the caramel to set slightly at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, gently melt the chocolate or chocolate chips until smooth and glossy. Be careful not to overheat or burn the chocolate.
- Apply Chocolate Coating: Drizzle or spoon the melted chocolate over each caramel-coated pecan cluster, fully covering them. For a clean finish, you can also dip each cluster in the chocolate. Return the baking sheet to the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden.
- Serve and Store: Once the chocolate is set, remove the Pecan Turtles from the refrigerator. Store the candies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for longer freshness. Enjoy your homemade Pecan Turtles!
Notes
- Toast pecans carefully to prevent burning and enhance nutty flavor.
- Use good quality chocolate for best taste and texture.
- If chocolate thickens too much while melting, stir in a small amount of vegetable oil or shortening to smooth it out.
- Store candies in a cool, dry place to avoid melting and stickiness.
- These candies can be refrigerated for up to two weeks or frozen for longer storage.
- Customize by adding a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the caramel for a twist.
