Pecan Turtles Candy Recipe

Introduction

Pecan Turtles Candy is a classic treat that combines toasted pecans, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate into bite-sized delights. These sweet, nutty clusters are perfect for gift-giving or satisfying your own sweet tooth.

Ingredients

• 3 cups pecan halves (toasted*)
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk (half a can)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 10 ounces Ghirardelli melting wafers (or chocolate chips)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange pecan halves in clusters of 4 in an “X” shape on one of the prepared baking sheets.
2. Step 2: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Step 3: Add sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Insert a candy thermometer and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches 245℉ (hard ball stage).
4. Step 4: Working quickly, spoon about a tablespoon of caramel onto each pecan cluster, connecting the pecans together.
5. Step 5: Let the caramel set at room temperature for 15 minutes or until firm.
6. Step 6: Melt the chocolate wafers or chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second increments, stirring after each until smooth.
7. Step 7: Spoon a small amount of melted chocolate over the caramel on each cluster. Allow the chocolate to set completely before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

• Toast pecans lightly in a dry skillet to enhance their flavor before assembling.
• Use high-quality chocolate for a smoother, richer finish.
• Try mixing milk and dark chocolate wafers for added flavor depth.
• If you don’t have a candy thermometer, test caramel doneness by dropping a small amount into cold water—it should form a firm ball.

Storage

Store Pecan Turtles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To soften hardened chocolate slightly, let the candies sit at room temperature before serving. Avoid refrigeration as it may cause the chocolate to bloom.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use raw pecans instead of toasted?

Yes, but toasting pecans brings out their natural oils and enhances flavor, making the candy taste richer and more aromatic.

What if the caramel doesn’t thicken properly?

If your caramel is too soft, continue cooking it a bit longer until it reaches the proper temperature. Using a candy thermometer ensures accurate results and prevents undercooking.

Pecan Turtles Candy Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 610 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: About 30 candies 1x

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Description

Delight in the rich, buttery, and crunchy goodness of Pecan Turtles Candy, featuring toasted pecan clusters drenched in homemade caramel and topped with smooth, melted chocolate. This classic confection is perfect for gifting or enjoying as a sweet treat any time of year.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pecan Clusters

• 3 cups pecan halves (toasted)

Caramel

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk (about half a can)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Chocolate Topping

• 10 ounces Ghirardelli melting wafers (or chocolate chips)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Pecans: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange the toasted pecan halves in clusters of four in an ‘X’ shape on the parchment-lined baking sheet, forming the base for each turtle candy.
2. Make Caramel: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and light corn syrup. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Once boiling, add the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt, then insert a candy thermometer. Continue boiling and stirring until the caramel reaches 245℉, indicating the firm ball stage.
3. Assemble Candies: Quickly spoon about one tablespoon of the hot caramel onto each pecan cluster, using it to bind the four pecans together. Work swiftly as the caramel will begin to set.
4. Set Caramel: Let the caramel-bound pecan clusters sit at room temperature for 15 minutes or until the caramel has fully set and firmed.
5. Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate wafers or chips according to package instructions, heating in 20-second increments and stirring between each until smooth and fully melted.
6. Top with Chocolate: Quickly spoon a small amount of melted chocolate over the caramel on each pecan cluster, covering it to create the signature ‘turtle’ look. Allow the chocolate to cool and set completely before handling, storing, or serving.

Notes

• To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350℉ for about 8-10 minutes, stirring once, until fragrant and lightly browned.
• A candy thermometer is essential to achieve the perfect caramel consistency.
• Use parchment paper to prevent candies from sticking and to ease removal.
• Store the candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• For a glossy finish, you can temper the chocolate before topping the candies.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Candy
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Pecan turtles, homemade candy, caramel pecans, chocolate turtles, holiday candy, easy candy recipe