This homemade Chocolate Turtles recipe is a delightful combination of soft, chewy caramel, toasted pecans, and rich chocolate, making it a perfect treat for the holidays. What makes this version extra special is the easy-to-make homemade microwave caramel that adds a fresh and indulgent touch.
Why I LOVE this treat:
- Quick Homemade Caramel: Unlike many chocolate turtle recipes that rely on store-bought caramels, this one features a microwave caramel that’s just as easy to prepare and tastes amazing.
- Great for Gifting: These chocolate turtles make wonderful homemade gifts. You can easily scale up the recipe to make enough for friends, family, and neighbors during the festive season.
- Chewy and Delicious: With the ideal balance of caramel, pecans, and chocolate, these treats are sure to impress your loved ones.
How to make Homemade Chocolate Turtles:
- Toast the Pecans: Begin by toasting your pecans in the oven or a skillet until fragrant and lightly browned. After they cool, roughly chop them and set aside.
- Make Microwave Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter. Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and corn syrup. Stir to combine, then microwave for 6-8 minutes, until the mixture reaches 235°F, or use the ice water test to check its consistency. Stir in vanilla extract and chopped pecans.
- Form the Clusters: Drop spoonfuls of the caramel-pecan mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate until the clusters set, about 20 minutes.
- Dip in Chocolate: Melt almond bark or high-quality chocolate, then dip each pecan cluster into the melted chocolate. Tap off excess chocolate and place the clusters back on parchment paper to cool and harden.
Storing and Freezing:
- To Store: Keep your chocolate turtles in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for up to 3 weeks.
- To Freeze: Place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for an hour. Then transfer them to a freezer bag and store for 2-3 months.
These homemade chocolate turtles make a wonderful treat for any holiday celebration, and they’re especially great for gifting. Enjoy making these irresistible candies and share them with your loved ones!
Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 16 oz almond bark or high-quality chocolate
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast and chop pecans: Spread pecans onto a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, stirring once, until toasted and fragrant. Let cool and chop roughly.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat liner.
- Make the Microwave Caramel:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter.
- Stir in brown sugar, granulated sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and corn syrup.
- Microwave on HIGH for 6-8 minutes, or until the caramel reaches 235°F (use an instant-read thermometer) or passes the ice water test.
- Stir in vanilla extract and chopped pecans.
- Form Turtles: Drop spoonfuls of the caramel-pecan mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate for 20 minutes until set.
- Melt the Chocolate: Melt almond bark or chocolate in the microwave or double boiler, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Dip in Chocolate: Use a fork to dip each pecan cluster into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Tap off excess chocolate and place on the parchment-lined baking sheet to set.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.
Enjoy!
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