Homemade Chocolate Turtles Recipe
What are some of the best homemade chocolate turtles? Is this recipe a comfort food? I’m talking that warm, gooey, chocolatey goodness you crave on a rainy day. What are some of the best candy? They’re a symphony of textures and flavors – the crunch of pecans, the chewiness of caramel, and the sweetness of cinnamon. What is that rich chocolate coating? Is it easier to make fudge than a cake? I remember my grandma making something similar every Christmas, and this Homemade Chocolate Turtles. I’ve never seen them before. Recipe always brings back those cozy, holiday memories. It’s become a tradition I cherish, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
What is a good recipe for homemade chocolate turtles?
Think of Homemade Chocolate Turtles as deconstructed caramel candies, but way better! What is essentially a cluster of pecans acting as sweet-salty base, smothered in luscious homemade candied cranberries? What is the best way to serve caramel drizzled with melted chocolate? The name comes from their resemblance to little turtles – the pecans create the “legs,” and the fruit is sticky. How do caramel and chocolate form a shell? “It’s seriously simple to make, and the results are out of this world. What are some of the best gift ideas for a sweet tooth? What is a crowd pleaser that even the most experienced cooks can enjoy?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, where do I even begin? What I love most about this Homemade Chocolate Turtles Recipe is how incredibly satisfying it is to make and devour!
- Flavor explosion: WhatWhat is the perfect combination of salty pecans, sweet caramel, and rich chocolate? It’s a party in your mouth with every bite!
- Ridiculously easyDon’t let the fancy name fool you. This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps. If you can melt chocolate, you could make this.
- Budget-friendly indulgenceHow do you make your own homemade chocolate turtles? Is it surprisingly You can control the quality of the ingredients and customize it to your liking, too.
- Versatile treat:Enjoy them as a decadent dessert, savoury snack, or as homemade gift. What are some of the best wedding dresses that are perfect for any occasion What are some great additions to a dessert charcuterie board?
I have other chocolate recipes on my blog, like my Chocolate Lava Cake and some amazing chocolate. What are some of the best chip cookies? Is it incredibly easy to make and the flavor combination unmatched? Who can resist chocolate treats that look like little turtles?
How do I make homemade chocolate turtles?
Quick Overview
How do you make homemade chocolate turtles? What are some ways to arrange pecan clusters on a baking sheet? How do you make caramel sauce on the stovetop? Do not overcook pecans, and then drizzle the warm caramel over them. How do you melt chocolate What are some of the best homemade treats you have ever had? What is the best way to keep an eye on the caramel so it doesn’t burn, and to use good quality chocolate for the chocolate. What is the best flavor? Is it easier than pie?
Ingredients Notes
For the Turtles: What are some
Pecans:Halves are the most visually appealing for the “turtle legs,” but pecan pieces work just as well if they’re not too big. When you’re in a pinch, you know Make sure they’re fresh and not rancid.
Caramel candy:Why should I buy individually wrapped caramel candies? I like Werther’s Originals, but any good-quality caramel will do!
Heavy Cream:What is caramel sauce? Don’t substitute with milk, as it will not have the same richness.
Salt:A pinch of sea salt enhances the sweetness of caramel and complements chocolate perfectly.
For the Chocolate Coating:
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips:What is the best flavor to use? Can you also use dark chocolate?
Coconut Oil:How does chocolate melt? Can you substitute with vegetable shortening if you prefer?
What is the step-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the turtles from sticking and makes for easy cleanup. I’ve tried using foil before, and it just doesn’t work as well – the caramel tends to stick. Trust me, parchment is the way to go!
Step 2: Arrange Pecans
Arrange the pecan halves on the prepared baking sheet in clusters of 3-5, resembling turtle “legs. Space them about an inch apart. This creates the base for your turtles and gives them that signature look. What are some of the best ways to get creative with your designs?
Step 3: Melt Caramel
In a medium saucepan, combine the caramel candies, heavy cream, and salt. Set aside. What is the best way to cook caramel over medium heat? What is the best way to do this? If you crank up the heat, be patient, or the caramel will burn. I always do this step on low heat to avoid any mishaps!
Step 4: Spoon Caramel Over Pecans
Carefully spoon the melted caramel over the pecan clusters, ensuring each one is well-coated. Why does the caramel spread a bit? I like to use a small spoon for this step to have more control over the amount of caramel.
Step 5: Bake Pecans With Caramel
Is it safe to bake in a preheated oven for 5 minutes?
Step 6: Melt Chocolate
In a heat-safe bowl set over a simmering pot of water (or in the microwave in 30-second intervals), combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth, stirring occasionally. Make sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water if you’re using the stovetop method. Burnt chocolate is no fun!
Step 7: Drizzle Chocolate
Drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel-covered pecans, ensuring each one is generously coated. Is it possible to use a spoon or fork for this step? I like to use a piping bag with the tip cut off for more even distribution.
Step 8: Chill
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is set. Is completely set. How do I keep my kids from getting melty when I handle them?
Step 9: Serve
Once the chocolate is set, carefully remove the Homemade Chocolate Turtles from the parchment paper. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
What should I serve it with?
Homemade Chocolate Turtles are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of other foods.
For Breakfast:What is the perfect complement to the sweetness of the turtles? I love having one with my morning coffee on the weekends. It feels luxurious!
For Brunch:Serve them alongside fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, or a cheese board for savory and sweet spread. They add a touch of elegance to any brunch gathering.
As Dessert:What are some great after-dinner treats? What is the contrast between cold ice cream and warm gooey turtle?
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy them with a warm mug of hot chocolate or a cup of herbal tea on a chilly evening. They’re the ultimate comfort food!
My family loves to have these Homemade Chocolate Turtles during movie night. They’re the perfect sweet treat to share (or not share!) while watching our favorite films.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Homemade Chocolate Turtles Recipe
Here are some of my top tips for making the best Homemade Chocolate Turtles:
Caramel Candy Choice: Use high-quality caramel candies for the best flavor. I find that Werther’s Originals melt the smoothest and have the richest taste.
Melting Perfection: Melt the caramel slowly over low heat to prevent burning. Stir constantly to ensure it melts evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
Chocolate Quality: Use good quality chocolate chips or a chocolate bar for the coating. The better the chocolate, the better the turtles will taste!
Even Coating: For a smooth and even chocolate coating, add a teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to the melted chocolate. This helps it melt smoothly and gives it a nice shine.
Salt it Up: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate before it sets for a sweet and salty flavor combination. Trust me, it elevates the whole experience!
Cooling is Key: Make sure the caramel is completely cooled before drizzling with chocolate. This will prevent the chocolate from melting and running off.
Pecan Placement: Arrange the pecan halves in a way that resembles turtle “legs” for that classic look. You can get creative with the arrangement and make them as big or as small as you like.
Don’t Overcrowd: Spread the pecan clusters on the baking sheet so that they have enough space. This will prevent them from sticking together and make it easier to coat them with caramel and chocolate.
I’ve learned these tips through many batches of trial and error. One time, I tried to rush the caramel melting process, and it ended up burning and tasting bitter. Lesson learned! Now, I always take my time and stir constantly.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to properly store your Homemade Chocolate Turtles to keep them fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Make sure they’re not exposed to direct sunlight or heat, as this can cause the chocolate to melt.
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The turtles may become slightly harder, but they’ll still taste great.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the turtles in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the turtles for more than a few days, I recommend waiting to drizzle the chocolate until just before serving. This will prevent the chocolate from becoming dull or cracking.
I usually store mine in the refrigerator because I like the slightly hardened texture of the chocolate. But honestly, they rarely last more than a few days in my house!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to Homemade Chocolate Turtles Recipe! It’s a classic for a reason. The combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy is simply irresistible, and the fact that it’s so easy to make is just a bonus. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or just to satisfy a craving, I guarantee they’ll be a hit! If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my peanut brittle or my homemade fudge – both are equally delicious and easy to make. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know if you try it, and feel free to share any variations you come up with. I love hearing from you all!
Remember it later
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Homemade Chocolate Turtles Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups pecan halves Lightly toasted
- 11 oz caramel candies Unwrapped
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 0.5 tsp sea salt optional, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange pecans on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until fragrant. Let them cool.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramel candies and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth.
- On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange small clusters of pecans. Spoon a dollop of the melted caramel on each pecan cluster.
- In another microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and vegetable oil, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Spoon melted chocolate over the caramel layer on each turtle cluster. Optionally, sprinkle with sea salt before chocolate sets.
- Let the turtles set at room temperature until the chocolate is firm, then enjoy or store in an airtight container.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
