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Homemade Turtle Candy Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 71 reviews

This irresistible homemade turtle candy recipe features toasted pecans coated in a rich caramel made from brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and sweetened condensed milk, topped with creamy milk chocolate. It’s a delightful treat combining crunchy nuts, gooey caramel, and smooth chocolate, perfect for gifting or enjoying as a sweet indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pecans

  • 3 cups pecan halves

For the Caramel

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Topping

  • 1½ cups milk chocolate morsels (chocolate chips)
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable shortening

Instructions

  1. Toast the Pecans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the raw pecan halves evenly on a large baking sheet and toast them for 10 minutes. Toasting enhances the nuts’ flavor, making the turtles more delicious. Once done, remove the pecans and line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Arrange the Pecans: On the parchment paper-lined baking sheet, carefully group the toasted pecans into 34 separate clusters, each 2 to 2 ½ inches wide. These will form the base for your turtle candies.
  3. Cook the Caramel: In a 5-quart stockpot over medium heat, combine the light brown sugar, corn syrup, and unsalted butter. Stir until melted and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the pinch of salt, vanilla extract, and sweetened condensed milk. Continue cooking and stirring frequently until the candy thermometer reads 240°F (soft ball stage). Remove from heat and let the caramel cool for 10 minutes to thicken slightly for easier spooping.
  4. Top the Pecans with Caramel: Spoon about ¾ tablespoon of the cooled caramel over each pecan cluster. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to allow the caramel to harden slightly.
  5. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe glass bowl, combine the milk chocolate morsels and vegetable shortening. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and creamy.
  6. Add the Chocolate Topping: Remove the caramel-coated pecan clusters from the fridge. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of melted chocolate over each one, covering the caramel layer.
  7. Chill to Set: Return the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill until the chocolate hardens completely. Once firm, the homemade turtle candies are ready to be enjoyed or stored.

Notes

  • Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  • A candy thermometer is essential for precise caramel cooking to achieve the perfect soft ball stage.
  • Vegetable shortening in the chocolate helps achieve a smooth, shiny finish.
  • Store finished turtle candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
  • You can substitute milk chocolate with dark or semi-sweet chocolate based on preference.

Keywords: homemade turtle candy, caramel pecans, chocolate pecan clusters, nut candy, holiday treats, caramel candy, easy candy recipe

Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/homemade-turtle-candy-recipe/