Turtles candy is a holiday classic that never goes out of style, and for good reason! This easy, three-ingredient treat is the perfect blend of gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and smooth, rich chocolate. It’s no wonder this recipe trends every holiday season—it’s simple to make, ridiculously delicious, and an absolute showstopper on any dessert table.
Searching for more quick candy ideas? Try my Salted Caramels, Homemade Lollipops, and White Chocolate Pretzels!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Ingredients: With just three simple ingredients, this recipe is budget-friendly and perfect for quick holiday treats.
- Easy to Make: No candy thermometer or complicated steps—this is a straightforward recipe anyone can master.
- Great for Gifting: These candies are perfect for wrapping up as thoughtful, homemade holiday gifts.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Turtle candies store well, allowing you to prep them in advance for stress-free holiday hosting.
Turtle Candies are one of those treats that feels fancy but is ridiculously easy to make at home. Inspired by my grandma, who had a mild (okay, major) obsession with these little delights, I knew I had to recreate a homemade version. She always kept a stash in her candy jar, and while the store-bought ones were good, nothing beats the taste of fresh, homemade turtles with gooey caramel and crunchy pecans covered in rich chocolate. Bonus? You only need three ingredients to make them!
This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves effortless holiday treats. No special tools, no complicated techniques—just a quick melt, scoop, and drizzle. Whether you’re gifting them, sharing at parties, or indulging solo, these candies bring all the nostalgia and festive vibes without any stress. Trust me, once you try these homemade Turtle Candies, you’ll never go back to store-bought!
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Ingredient You’ll Need
Making this Turtle Candy recipe at home is so simple, and the ingredients are likely ones you already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips to help you achieve candy perfection.
- Pecans: The base of this treat! Use whole pecan halves for the classic look and texture. Toasting them lightly in the oven beforehand enhances their flavor and gives your turtles that warm, nutty depth.
- Caramel Ice Cream Topping: This is the secret to a quick and easy caramel layer. Look for a thick caramel sauce to avoid runny candies. If it feels too thin, you can microwave it briefly to thicken slightly before using.
- Chocolate Chips: Milk chocolate chips are a go-to, but you can use semi sweet chocolate or dark chocolate based on your preference. High-quality chocolate makes a noticeable difference here—choose your favorite brand for the best flavor.
- Shortening (Optional): Adding a teaspoon of shortening to your melted chocolate helps thin it out, making it easier to drizzle and coat evenly. This step isn’t required but can make your candy look extra polished.
With just these four ingredients, you’re on your way to creating a holiday classic. Simple, sweet, and perfectly indulgent, Turtle Candy is a must-have on your seasonal baking list!
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of pecan turtles lies in its versatility! Whether you want to mix things up or adapt the recipe to what you have on hand, here are some fun variations and easy substitutions to try:
- Walnuts or Almonds: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds to give your turtles a slightly different crunch and flavor profile.
- Peanut Lovers: Use salted peanuts for a salty-sweet combination that’s irresistible.
- Homemade Caramel: Feeling ambitious? Make your own caramel sauce for a richer, more buttery flavor.
- Chewy Caramel Squares: Melt down soft caramel candies with a splash of cream if you don’t have caramel sauce on hand.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Add a decorative touch by drizzling melted white chocolate over the top.
- Sea Salt Sprinkle: Top your turtles with a pinch of flaky sea salt for a gourmet twist.
Turtle Candy is a canvas for creativity—play around with these ideas to make a version that’s uniquely yours!
Candy Turtles Recipe
These homemade Turtles are as simple as can be, perfect for satisfying those holiday cravings. With just a few steps, you’ll have a batch ready to impress your family and friends!
- Toast the pecans: Lightly toast in a 350°F oven for 7-10 minutes to enhance their flavor.
- Chop (optional): Roughly chop the pecans for smaller clusters if desired.
- Mix with caramel: Stir toasted pecans with caramel topping until well coated.
- Form clusters: Drop heaping tablespoons onto parchment paper and refrigerate for 1-2 hours until solid.
- Melt chocolate: Combine chocolate chips and optional shortening in a heatproof dish. Microwave in intervals, stirring every 15-20 seconds until smooth.
- Drizzle and set: Spoon melted chocolate over the pecan clusters, allow to set, and enjoy!
Now you have a holiday treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Storage Instructions
These pecan turtles candies are not only easy to make but also store wonderfully, ensuring you can enjoy them long after they’re made.
- Refrigerator: Store the candies in an airtight container and place parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep them refrigerated for up to 2 weeks to maintain their freshness and texture.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the candies in a freezer-safe container or bag with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
- Room Temperature (Short-Term): If your home is cool and dry, these candies can sit at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Avoid warm areas to prevent the chocolate from melting.
By storing these candies properly, you’ll have a stash of sweet treats ready for when the holiday cravings hit!
Tips for Success:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips and caramel topping for the best flavor. The richness of these ingredients makes a big difference in the final taste of your candies.
- Keep It Cool: Work quickly when assembling the candies to prevent the caramel from becoming too runny. If your kitchen is warm, you can chill the pecans and caramel mixture briefly before adding the chocolate.
- Microwave Chocolate Carefully: When melting the chocolate, heat it in short intervals of 15-20 seconds and stir in between to avoid scorching. If you prefer, use a double boiler for more control.
- Line Your Baking Sheet: Always use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Customize the Size: Prefer bite-sized treats? Chop the pecans into smaller pieces before mixing them with the caramel for smaller, snackable clusters.
- Chill for Best Results: Refrigerate the clusters after each step to ensure they hold their shape and set perfectly.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use raw pecans, but toasting them enhances their natural flavor and gives the candies a richer, nuttier taste. It’s worth the extra step!
Not necessarily. Leaving them whole creates a more traditional turtle candy, but chopping them into smaller pieces makes bite-sized candies that are easier to eat and perfect for sharing.
Absolutely! Homemade caramel will work beautifully and can add a more personal touch to your candies. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the pecans together when dropped onto the parchment.
Yes! Homemade turtles freeze very well. Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving.
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Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves
- ¼ cup caramel ice cream topping the thicker kind
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon shortening optional
Instructions
- If your pecans aren’t toasted, spread them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 7-10 minutes, stirring halfway through. This enhances their flavor. Let them cool completely before using.
- Optional: Roughly chop the toasted pecans into smaller pieces for more manageable clusters.
- In a mixing bowl, stir the toasted, cooled pecans with the caramel topping until the nuts are evenly coated.
- Drop heaping tablespoons of the caramel-coated pecans onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them out to avoid sticking. Place in the refrigerator to chill for 1-2 hours, or until solid.
- In a heatproof or glass bowl, combine the chocolate chips and optional shortening. Microwave in 15-20 second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat.
- Using a spoon, drizzle or pour the melted chocolate over each pecan cluster, ensuring they are well-covered. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or refrigerate for quicker results.
- Once the chocolate is set, your Turtle Candies are ready to serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy the perfect blend of nutty, sweet, and chocolatey goodness!
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Comments & Reviews
Jeanette says
I’m not going to make this recipe. I’m a seasoned cook/baker. I know for a fact that using Ice cream caramel will never work to make a handheld turtle. its impossible. Not sure how you came up with this recipe???
Jesseca says
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I’ve made this recipe over two dozen times, and it’s always a hit—friends and family request it often! The ice cream caramel works wonderfully in this recipe because it’s simple, quick, and achieves the perfect consistency once set. I understand that everyone has their own techniques, but I encourage you to give it a try before ruling it out! You might be pleasantly surprised.
Mary E. Timman says
I made them today and they are delicious. Today I used Carmel Sauce for Ice Cream, which does not set, but they still were delicious. I am going to use apple dip for apples, that is much thicker and spoon the carmel over the nuts, then spoon the chocolate on top and I’m sure they will turn out very nicely. Thanks for recipe.
Jesseca says
Oh, that is a great idea Mary!
Vickie H. says
I made these using Hershey’s caramel ice cream topping, but the caramel is not hardening (it’s been 3-4 hours). What can I do? If I melt more chocolate chips and snoop it on more parchment paper, then put the chilled turtle on top, refrigerate – would that work do you think? (So, that it can be held without carmarel running.)
Jesseca says
Hi Vickie, these will be a little softer. I would definitely try dipping and chilling. In fact, I’m going to try that tomorrow. I think it’s a great tip.