My easy homemade turtle candies are the perfect mix of crunchy pecans, chewy caramel, and creamy chocolate. With just 4 simple ingredients, this chocolate turtle candy recipe is quick to make and no-bake, which means less fuss and more time enjoying!
No Bake Chocolate Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramel
Making old-fashioned turtle candies couldn’t be easier! Using chocolate chips, pecans, caramel, and a touch of coconut oil, you can melt and assemble everything in the microwave–no oven or stovetop juggling required. I love making a big batch of these as gifts or party treats during the holiday season. My homemade chocolate turtle candy tastes even better than store-bought options, and it’s more affordable to make them myself! And if one bite’s not enough, try my turtle bars.
Email this Recipe
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Easy Dessert Recipes.
Homemade Turtle Candies Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 24 individually-wrapped caramels
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 1⅛ cups chopped pecans divided
- ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Place unwrapped caramels in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave caramels in 30-second intervals, stirring frequently, until they are completely melted.24 individually-wrapped caramels
- Stir in coconut oil until it melts.1 teaspoon coconut oil
- Stir in 1 cup of the pecans until they are completely coated.1⅛ cups chopped pecans
- Using a teaspoon, place scoopfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Set aside.
- Microwave the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring frequently, until they are completely melted.¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- Spoon melted chocolate over the caramel clusters.
- Crush the remaining ⅛ cup (2 tablespoons) of pecans and sprinkle them over top of the chocolate. Chill and allow chocolate to harden.
Notes
- Optionally, you can briefly toast the pecans in a dry skillet or 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes before mixing. It deepens the nutty flavor and makes the candies taste more gourmet.
- Sometimes, 30-second intervals can be too long in the microwave. If your chocolate or caramel is almost fully melted, don’t be afraid to check up on it before the 30 seconds is up.
- To add more texture, consider making the nut mixture half pecans and half walnuts.
- If your melted caramel is still too thick after adding coconut, add more, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- If the caramel mixture feels sticky when scooping, lightly grease your spoon with nonstick spray; it helps form neat clusters without mess.
- Let the caramel-nut clusters cool slightly before adding chocolate. This prevents the chocolate from sliding off and creates distinct, glossy layers.
- If you like salted caramel, add a small pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the still-warm chocolate along with the crushed pecans.
- If you’re short on time, pop the baking sheet in the freezer for 15 minutes instead of chilling for hours. Just be sure they’re fully hardened before storing.
- Once set, place the candies in mini cupcake liners for a polished look. They make perfect homemade holiday gifts or party favors.
Use Coconut Oil, Not Shortening
Most recipes use butter or shortening to thin caramel, but I’ve found that a little coconut oil is the secret for flawless chocolate turtle candies. It keeps the caramel smooth, glossy, and pliable so your candy stays chewy rather than brittle. This trick ensures every bite is soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
How to Store and Freeze
Store homemade turtle candies in an airtight container at room temp for 2 weeks. Be sure to keep them in a cool, dark area that’s out of direct sunlight! If you want to make these candies last even longer, pop them in the freezer. When frozen, they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, let it thaw out at room temperature for an hour or so.
Leave a Reply