Homemade turtle candies with pecans and caramel are a delicious treat. Here’s a recipe for making these delightful candies at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1 cup soft caramels, unwrapped (store-bought or homemade)
- 12-14 ounces melting chocolate (milk, dark, or a combination)
- Sea salt (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare Pecan Clusters:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place pecan halves on a baking sheet in a single layer and toast them in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove from the oven and let them cool.
- Arrange Pecans:
- Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper.
- Arrange clusters of pecan halves on the parchment paper, creating a base for the caramel and chocolate. Make sure to leave space between clusters for the caramel and chocolate to spread.
- Melt the Caramels:
- In a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop using a double boiler, melt the soft caramels until smooth and creamy. Stir occasionally to ensure even melting.
- Assemble the Turtles:
- Spoon a small amount of melted caramel over each cluster of pecans, creating a base for the chocolate. The caramel should adhere to the pecans and act as a binder.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler until it’s smooth and fully melted.
- Coat with Chocolate:
- Spoon the melted chocolate over the caramel and pecan clusters, completely covering them. Use the back of a spoon to spread the chocolate if needed.
- Set and Garnish (Optional):
- Allow the turtle candies to set at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the chocolate is firm.
- Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the chocolate before it fully sets for a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
- Serve or Store:
- Once the chocolate has set, remove the turtle candies from the parchment paper and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
These homemade turtle candies with pecans and caramel make for a delightful sweet treat, perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself. Customize them by using different types of chocolate or adding a touch of sea salt for an extra flavor dimension.
