Homemade Chocolate Turtles

Introduction

If you love chocolate, caramel, and nuts, then you’ll adore this Homemade Chocolate Turtles recipe. These sweet and salty treats are just like the classic Turtle candy, only made fresh in your own kitchen with the perfect balance of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans.

These indulgent candies are so easy to make and require only a few simple ingredients, making them perfect for holiday gifting, special occasions, or whenever you want a sweet treat that will satisfy your chocolate cravings. With a smooth layer of chocolate, a delightful caramel center, and a generous sprinkle of toasted pecans, these homemade chocolate turtles are a must-try!

Ingredients (in Grams)

200g pecan halves (or another nut of choice, like walnuts)
150g soft caramel candies (unwrapped)
1 tablespoon heavy cream
200g semisweet chocolate chips (or your preferred chocolate)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Spread the pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Toast the pecans in the oven for about 7-10 minutes, or until they’re golden and fragrant. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Once toasted, remove from the oven and let them cool.

Step 2: Make the Caramel

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the caramel candies and heavy cream. Stir frequently until the caramel is fully melted and smooth.
Once melted, remove the caramel from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate using a double boiler.
Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Chocolate Turtles

On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange the cooled toasted pecans into clusters. You’ll need about 5-6 pecans per cluster.
Spoon a small amount of caramel over each pecan cluster. Use the back of a spoon to slightly flatten the caramel so that it covers the pecans.
Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel, completely covering the caramel and pecans. Use a spoon to spread it evenly if necessary.

Step 5: Let the Chocolate Set

Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened.
Once set, the chocolate turtles are ready to enjoy!

Step 6: Store and Serve

Store the homemade chocolate turtles in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator if you prefer them to stay firm.
Serve as a delightful treat during special occasions or as a homemade gift.

Nutrition Information (Per Turtle – Based on 20 Servings)

Calories: 160 kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 13g

(Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.)

Tips and Tricks

1. Can I Use Different Nuts?

Yes! You can swap out pecans for other nuts like walnuts, cashews, or even almonds. Each nut offers a different texture and flavor, but pecans remain the classic choice for their buttery richness.

2. Make Them Extra Fancy

For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle a little white chocolate over the top of the turtles once the dark chocolate has set. You can also sprinkle some sea salt over the caramel for a sweet-salty combo.

3. Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Yes! These chocolate turtles can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature or longer if refrigerated.

4. Gifting Tips

These homemade chocolate turtles make an excellent gift! Package them in a decorative tin or gift box, and they’ll make a sweet and thoughtful present for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love These Homemade Chocolate Turtles

✅ Rich and indulgent with a perfect balance of flavors
✅ Easy to make with simple ingredients
✅ Great for gifting or sharing
✅ Customizable with different nuts and chocolates