Ingredients You’ll Need
To bring these candies to life, gather the following ingredients:
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 2½ cups pecan halves
- ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- ½ teaspoon shortening (helps smooth out the melted chocolate)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 stick of butter (½ cup)
- 12 oz. milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
These pantry staples come together to create a rich, layered treat that tastes like something straight out of a gourmet candy store.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Turtle Candies
Let’s break down the steps to make this recipe smooth and stress-free.
🥜 1. Prepare the Pecan Base
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange pecan halves in groups of three—these will form the “legs” of your turtles. Be sure to leave some space between each cluster, as the caramel will spread slightly.
🍯 2. Cook the Caramel
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine:
- Butter
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Corn syrup
- Brown sugar
Stir constantly as the mixture heats and thickens. Use a candy thermometer and remove from heat when it reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage). Immediately stir in the vanilla extract.
🍮 3. Spoon the Caramel
Using a spoon, quickly drizzle a small amount of caramel over each pecan cluster. Work swiftly before the caramel begins to harden in the pot.
🍫 4. Melt the Chocolate
Melt the milk chocolate chips with the shortening in a double boiler or heat-safe bowl over simmering water. Stir until smooth and glossy.
🍬 5. Add the Final Layer
Spoon the melted chocolate over the caramel-covered pecans. Make sure each piece has a good chocolate coating—it helps seal in the flavor and adds that classic turtle shine.
❄️ 6. Cool and Set
Let the turtles sit at room temperature or pop them in the fridge for faster setting. Once the chocolate is firm, they’re ready to enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Turtles Every Time
- Use fresh pecans: Stale nuts can ruin the flavor.
- Don’t overcook the caramel: A candy thermometer is your best friend here.
- Use parchment, not wax paper: Caramel can stick to wax paper and make removal tricky.
- Add sea salt: Sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate for a sweet-salty twist.
Creative Twists to Try
Want to change it up? Here are a few fun variations:
- Dark Chocolate Swap: Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Nut Mix: Replace some pecans with almonds or cashews.
- Festive Flair: Drizzle with white chocolate or add colorful sprinkles for holidays or celebrations.
Store and Share
Once cooled and hardened, store your pecan turtles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They also freeze beautifully—just layer with parchment paper and freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
A Sweet Gift From the Heart
Whether you’re prepping for the holidays, a special celebration, or just want something decadent on hand, these homemade Chocolate Pecan Turtles are a timeless classic that never disappoints. They also make wonderful edible gifts—wrap them in a clear bag tied with ribbon or a decorative tin for a thoughtful and delicious surprise.