Homemade Turtles
These Homemade Turtles are a delightful blend of toasted pecans, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate. Easy, customizable, and perfect for gifting or indulging!
Servings: 24 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pecan halves roasted, lightly salted
- 25 pieces caramel squares unwrapped (about 1 heaping cup)
- 0.5 cup cream or half-and-half divided
- 16 ounces chocolate roughly chopped, melted, mix of dark and milk chocolate
- sea salt optional for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan halves evenly on a baking sheet and toast for about 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant and slightly darker. Let them cool completely before assembling.
- In a small saucepan, combine the unwrapped caramel squares with 1/4 cup of cream or half-and-half. Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly until the caramel melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Remove from heat.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Arrange the toasted pecan halves in small clusters, roughly the size of a cookie, leaving a little space between each.
- Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drizzle or dollop the warm caramel over each pecan cluster, making sure it seeps into the nooks and crannies. Allow the caramel to set slightly, about 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
- Melt your chopped chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Use a spatula to smooth the melted chocolate over each caramel-covered pecan cluster, fully encasing the caramel and pecans.
- Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the chocolate while it’s still warm if you like a subtle contrast to the sweetness. Let the turtles cool completely until the chocolate firms up. You can speed this up by placing the baking sheet in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.
- Once set, your Homemade Turtles are ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
- Small Saucepan
- Spoon or Small Cookie Scoop
- Spatula
Notes
- Make sure your pecans are fully cooled before adding caramel to prevent melting and spreading too thin.
- When melting chocolate, use low heat and stir frequently to avoid burning and seizing.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
- Consider using a cookie scoop for uniform turtles.
- Store turtles in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks; refrigerate only if necessary.