Homemade Chocolate Turtles

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Form the Clusters: Drop spoonfuls of the caramel-pecan mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate until the clusters set, about 20 minutes.
4. 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:

1. 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.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat liner.
3. 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.
4. Form Turtles: Drop spoonfuls of the caramel-pecan mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate for 20 minutes until set.
5. Melt the Chocolate: Melt almond bark or chocolate in the microwave or double boiler, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
6. 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.
7. Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.

Enjoy!