Turtle candies are a delightful combination of crunchy pecans, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate, making them a beloved treat for many. With just a few simple ingredients, you can easily recreate these delicious confections at home. This recipe guides you through the steps to make your own batch of homemade turtle candies, perfect for gifting or indulging in yourself.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of pecan halves
- 1 cup of caramel (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup of chocolate chips or melting chocolate
- Sea salt (optional)
Instructions:
- Toast the Pecans: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan halves in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove them from the oven and let them cool.
- Prepare the Caramel: If you’re using store-bought caramel, simply melt it in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. If you’re making homemade caramel, follow your favorite recipe or use a trusted one.
- Assemble the Candies:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Arrange the pecan halves in clusters of 3-4 on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cluster.
- Using a spoon, drizzle a generous amount of melted caramel over each pecan cluster, ensuring the caramel covers the pecans but doesn’t spread too much.
- Add the Chocolate: Melt the chocolate chips or melting chocolate in the microwave, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth. Then, drizzle or spoon the melted chocolate over the caramel-covered pecan clusters. If you like, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each candy for a sweet and salty contrast.
- Chill and Set: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes, or until the candies have fully set and hardened.
- Enjoy or Store: Once the turtle candies have set, you can enjoy them immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. They also make for great gifts when wrapped in decorative packaging.
Conclusion:
Making turtle candies at home is not only easy but also allows you to customize the ingredients to your liking. Whether you prefer dark, milk, or white chocolate, or want to experiment with different types of nuts, this versatile recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the sweet, crunchy, and rich flavors of these homemade treats!
