Homemade Chocolate Turtles (Pecan Caramel Candy)

These homemade chocolate turtles are toasted pecan clusters topped with melted caramel, dark chocolate and flaky sea salt, and this small batch makes 12 turtles with no candy thermometer.

Toasted pecans, a puddle of soft caramel, dark chocolate, and a pinch of flaky salt on top. That’s a turtle, and it’s the first thing I’d grab out of any candy shop box.

Chocolate turtles are a candy made by topping small clusters of pecans with melted caramel and then a layer of chocolate, so the pecans poke out like a turtle’s head and legs under a chocolate shell. This version uses store-bought caramels melted with a splash of milk and 100g of dark chocolate, makes 12 turtles, and needs no candy thermometer.

Victoria, one of you in the comments, got up early to make a batch for her family’s Christmas, and that’s exactly the kind of candy this is: small enough to make in one morning, and nice enough to give away.

Ingredients for Chocolate Turtles

Exact measurements are in the recipe card below.

• Pecan halves: use halves, not pieces, so each cluster holds its turtle shape. Toasting them first makes them nuttier and crunchier.
• Soft caramels: individually wrapped soft caramel squares. Skip jarred caramel sauce, because it never firms up.
• Milk: just a splash to help the caramels melt smooth. Too much and the caramel stays sticky.
• Dark chocolate: a chopped 100g bar melts smoother than chips. Milk or semi-sweet chocolate work too if you prefer them.
• Coconut oil: one teaspoon gives the chocolate a glossy finish. Use refined coconut oil if you don’t want any coconut flavor.
• Flaky sea salt: optional, but it’s what makes these taste like candy shop turtles.

How to Make Chocolate Turtles

1. Toast the pecans on a baking sheet at 350F for 5 to 7 minutes, until fragrant.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper and arrange the pecans in clusters of 3, touching.
3. Melt the caramels with the milk in a double boiler over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.
4. Spoon a small amount of caramel over each cluster so it touches all 3 pecans, then let it cool for a few minutes.
5. Melt the dark chocolate with the coconut oil in a double boiler over low heat, stirring until smooth.
6. Spoon the chocolate over each turtle to cover the caramel, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt while it’s still wet.
7. Let the turtles set for a few hours at room temperature, or pop them in the fridge to speed it up.

Tips for Chocolate Turtles

• Overlap the pecans a little. Gaps between the nuts let the caramel drip straight through to the parchment, so nudge them together before you pour.
• Keep the heat low. Caramel scorches and chocolate seizes when they get too hot, so melt both slowly and keep stirring.
• Salt while the chocolate is wet. Once the chocolate sets, the flakes won’t stick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are they called chocolate turtles?

The pecans stick out from under the caramel and chocolate like a turtle’s head and legs, and the rounded chocolate top looks like its shell.

Why are my chocolate turtles sticky?

Usually the caramel got too much milk, which keeps it soft, or the room is warm. Add the milk slowly next time, and store finished turtles in the fridge. If they’re stuck to the parchment, 10 minutes in the freezer helps them release.

How do you store homemade chocolate turtles?

Keep them in an airtight container with parchment between layers. They last up to 2 weeks at cool room temperature, up to 1 month in the fridge, or up to 3 months in the freezer. If a white film shows up, that’s chocolate bloom from temperature changes. It doesn’t look as pretty, but it’s safe to eat.

Are chocolate turtles gluten-free?

Pecans, caramel and dark chocolate are naturally gluten-free, so these usually are. If you need them strictly gluten-free, check the labels on your caramels and chocolate.

More Holiday Candy

• Gluten Free Christmas Crack (Cracker Candy)
• 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge
• Homemade Twix Bars (Gluten Free and Vegan)

If you make these, leave a star rating and a comment below, because it helps other candy makers find the recipe. Snap a photo of your holiday tray and tag me @basicswithbails on Instagram with #basicswithbails, or save it to your Pinterest Christmas candy board.