Homemade Turtle Candy Recipe

Gooey chocolate, smooth chocolate and crunchy pecans come together to make this homemade turtle candy recipe. This treat is the perfect candy to make for gifts, and always feels a little extra special, and is great for sharing!

 

Why We Love Homemade Turtles

• Recipe That Feels Special – We only really had turtle candies growing up for holidays, special occasions, or maybe if we went to a chocolate shop. These homemade turtles feel a little extra special because it’s not a treat most people eat all the time, and make great gifts.
• Delicious Taste – Creamy chocolate, chewy caramel and crunchy pecans are a classic mix that works so well together, and the shape makes these cute little turtles instantly recognizable.

Ingredients For Turtle Candy Recipe

• pecan halves 
• butter salted, if you have unsalted butter just add 1/4 teaspoon of salt as it melts.
• brown sugar
• corn syrup
• sweetened condensed milk
• vanilla extract
• chocolate chips – you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate

How To Make Chocolate Turtles

1. Line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper. Place pecans in clusters of four on top of the parchment paper.

2. In a heavy bottomed saucepan add butter, brown sugar and corn syrup. Turn the heat to medium heat. Allow the mixture to just come to a boil.

3. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla to the pot, then continue to stir. Measure with a candy thermometer and continue cooking and stirring the mixture until it reaches 245 degrees.
4. Work quickly and spoon about a tablespoon of the caramel on top of each cluster of pecans. Then set the pans to the side to harden.

5. Place the chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Melt chocolate on half power in the microwave then stir. Continue heating in 30 second increments until the chocolate forms a smooth sauce.

6. Spoon a little of the chocolate on top of the caramel on each caramel pecan cluster. Let the candies sit until they set, at least an hour, then enjoy!

Do I Need A Candy Thermometer?

You will need a candy thermometer for this recipe to make sure the caramel comes to the right temperature. While I don’t normally love using a candy thermometer, I know even if you are a beginner you can make this easy recipe.

A candy thermometer usually has a long metal stick than a meat thermometer, and a clip so you can stick it on the side of the hot pot to monitor the temperature. This keeps you safely away from the hot boiling sugar which can cause a bad burn if you spill it on yourself.

Can I Use A Meat Thermometer?

I don’t recommend using a meat thermometer because it doesn’t keep you far enough away from the boiling homemade caramel to keep you safe, plus will in the end be less accurate for this kind of recipe.

If you don’t have a candy thermometer a meat thermometer can be used in a pinch. Using a meat thermometer can simply be a little more dangerous because you have to keep reinserting the thermometer into the hot caramel to measure it, which puts your hands close to the hot liquid. Keep yourself safe when making the homemade caramel and buy or borrow a candy thermometer for this recipe.

Variation Ideas For Homemade Chocolate Turtles

Add Some Toppings – Try adding festive sprinkles, flaky sea salt, or chop pecans to go on top of the homemade candy.

Toast The Pecans – Toasting the pecans adds to the flavor of these turtles, and gives a little more crunch to this chocolate turtles recipe, especially right next to the caramel. You can toast pecans easily in the oven.

How Long Will Turtle Candy Last?

Expect these turtle candies will taste better if eaten within a week, but can be enjoyed after that. Store turtles in an airtight container at room temperature on the counter to keep them freshest.