Description
Indulgent Turtle Candy weaves together rich chocolate, creamy caramel, and crunchy pecans in a delightful Southern-inspired treat. Layers of sweet and salty flavors melt together, promising pure confectionery bliss with each irresistible bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups pecan halves, toasted
- 20 soft caramels (about 7 ounces / 198 grams)
- 1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
Binding Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Optional Finishing Ingredient:
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable oil (optional, for a glossy finish)
Instructions
- Carefully arrange toasted pecan halves into small, compact clusters on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring each cluster has an even, attractive formation.
- Gently heat caramels with cream in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring intermittently until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy liquid with no lumps remaining.
- Delicately spoon warm caramel onto the center of each pecan cluster, allowing the caramel to slightly cascade and connect the nuts while maintaining their structural integrity.
- Create a decadent chocolate coating by melting chocolate chips in controlled, short microwave intervals, stirring thoroughly between each heating cycle to prevent scorching.
- Incorporate coconut oil into the melted chocolate to enhance its shine and create a silky, professional-looking finish.
- Generously drizzle the molten chocolate over each caramel-laden pecan cluster, ensuring complete and even coverage that encapsulates the caramel and nuts.
- Allow the confections to solidify naturally at room temperature or expedite the process by placing them in the refrigerator for approximately 15 minutes until the chocolate sets completely.
- Once hardened, carefully transfer the turtle candies to an airtight storage container, layering with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their pristine appearance.
Notes
- Enhance pecan flavor by lightly salting them before toasting for a more complex taste profile.
- Prevent caramel from burning by using low microwave power and stirring frequently during melting process.
- Create uniform clusters by using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to position pecans consistently.
- Achieve glossy chocolate coating by tempering chocolate or adding a small amount of coconut oil for smooth shine.
- Make dairy-free version by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream and using dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Store turtles in a cool, dry place to maintain chocolate’s crisp texture and prevent melting.
- Elevate presentation by drizzling contrasting white chocolate over dark chocolate for visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 162
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg