Description
This Pecan Turtles Candy Recipe is a deliciously rich and gooey treat combining toasted pecan halves, a buttery caramel center, and smooth chocolate coating. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a decadent homemade candy with a delightful crunch and sweet, creamy flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Pecans
- 3 cups pecan halves, toasted
Caramel
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 7 oz sweetened condensed milk (about half a can)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Chocolate Coating
- 10 oz chocolate or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Toast the Pecans: Begin by toasting the pecan halves in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes until fragrant. This enhances their flavor and adds crunch to your turtles.
- Prepare the Caramel: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the light brown sugar, light corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and salt. Stir continuously and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Allow it to boil for about 5 minutes while stirring constantly, ensuring the mixture thickens to a caramel consistency.
- Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the caramel’s flavor.
- Assemble the Candies: On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange the toasted pecans in small clusters or groups (usually 3-4 halves per candy). Spoon a small amount of the hot caramel mixture onto each cluster, allowing it to coat the pecans and hold them together. Let these cool slightly until the caramel firms up but is still tacky.
- Melt the Chocolate: Melt the chocolate or chocolate chips using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to avoid burning. The chocolate should be smooth and melted completely.
- Coat the Turtles: Spoon melted chocolate over each caramel-pecan cluster to cover them fully. You can use a spoon or dip the clusters carefully. Return the candies to the parchment-lined sheet.
- Cool and Set: Allow the chocolate-coated turtles to cool and harden completely at room temperature or place them in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to set faster.
- Serve and Store: Once set, serve the pecan turtles or store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Toasting pecans enhances flavor and crunch but be careful not to burn them.
- Use good quality chocolate for the best taste and texture.
- The caramel mixture will be hot and sticky; handle with care to avoid burns.
- Ensure the caramel cools slightly before adding chocolate to prevent melting the coating.
- You can customize by using dark, milk, or white chocolate depending on your preference.
- Store pecan turtles in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
