Homemade Pecan Turtle Candy may take a little time to prepare, but trust me when I tell you that this recipe is worth every minute.
There's nothing like making homemade candy to either keep for yourself or give as a gift. I have many different types of homemade candy on my site that I think you'll enjoy. For instance, Homemade Buttermint Candy Flowers are excellent for springtime, Copycat Payday Bars are perfect any time for any reason, and these amazing Coconut Pecan Pralines are super delicious and always a huge hit.
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Table of Contents Found Here
- A bit of a back story about this recipe:
- Why this recipe works:
- What I wrote about this recipe in 2013:
- The ingredient list:
- Ingredient information:
- Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
- Why do these homemade turtles require a candy thermometer?
- How long will the caramel take to come to a firm-ball stage?
- What will happen if the caramel doesn't come to a firm-ball stage?
- Proper temperatures for the different stages of sugar syrup for candy making:
- How many chocolate-coated pecan turtles does this recipe make?
- Can chopped pecans be used in this recipe?
- Can other types of nuts be used?
- Why are toasted nuts best for making candy?
- Can nuts be left out of this candy?
- Can other types of chocolate be used?
- Additional homemade candy recipes:
- Printable Recipe Card
- Please comment if you've made this recipe.
A bit of a back story about this recipe:
I originally shared this recipe in 2013. I've recently updated this post with additional information, including a recipe card complete with nutritional information and a full video of making these homemade turtles. However, the recipe has remained unchanged, except I added an additional sprinkling of kosher salt over the caramel and kept the pecans whole.
My dad loved this homemade turtle recipe so I used to make them for him for special occasions. Now, every time I make them, I make them with his memory upfront in my mind. These are for you, Dad!!
Why this recipe works:
Rich and buttery, these homemade turtles will win over any heart so you should consider making them for your special Valentine this (and every) year!
What I wrote about this recipe in 2013:
Whenever I make these Chocolate Caramel Pecan Turtle Candy, I plan on sharing the recipe, but I never have.
It's not like I've been trying to keep them a secret or anything; it's just that I've been very tortoise-like about getting it done.
Today, I'll cross the finish line regarding sharing the recipe with you.
Trust me when I tell you they'll leave all other homemade candy in the dust! Well, maybe that's a little strong, but I was trying to make a tortoise and the hare reference here (in case you couldn't tell). Ha Ha!
The ingredient list:
*Please note that the exact measurements along with a "shop the recipe" feature from Instacart and Walmart is available inside the printable recipe card.
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Ingredient information:
BUTTER - I always use salted butter in my cooking, baking, and candy-making. You may use unsalted if you prefer, but why?
LIGHT CORN SYRUP - This ingredient, of course, adds additional sweetness to the caramel along with a bit of elasticity.
LIGHT BROWN SUGAR - I didn't want the flavor of the caramel to overpower the other ingredients, so I chose to use light brown sugar. If dark brown sugar is all you have, use it by all means, but I prefer light brown for this recipe.
SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK - Have you ever noticed that all the best dessert recipes call for sweetened condensed milk? Naturally, this delicious pecan turtle recipe is no different. You'll need one can.
PURE VANILLA EXTRACT - Always use pure vanilla extract for the very best flavor. You may also use vanilla bean paste.
TOASTED PECANS - Toasting the pecans on a baking sheet in the oven will bring out even more of their nutty flavor. Please don't skip this critical step, as it adds much more depth of pecan flavor to the finished turtles.
MILK CHOCOLATE CHIPS - Milk chocolate chips are my personal preference for these turtles. However, if you prefer using semi-sweet or even white chocolate chips, by all means, be my guest.
SHORTENING - A tiny touch (one tablespoon) of shortening will keep the chocolate smooth, loose, and velvety during the melting process. Do not attempt to thin melted chocolate with anything other than shortening or oil, as the chocolate will seize and harden if using something that isn't 100% fat.
KOSHER SALT - I love using kosher salt in baking and cooking. Please note the gray box below if you prefer using iodized table salt.
*Important Note—If using table salt instead of kosher salt, please cut back on the amount of salt called for in the recipe card by half because they measure differently due to grain size.
Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
- candy thermometer (important)
- heavy bottom 3-quart saucepan
- baking sheets
- silicone spatula
- parchment paper
- measuring cup and spoons
- medium size microwave-safe bowl
- ice water (precaution for sugar syrup burns)
- candy boxes for gifting
Why do these homemade turtles require a candy thermometer?
You'll need to bring the caramel mixture to a firm-ball stage, which requires a specific temperature of 248 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long will the caramel take to come to a firm-ball stage?
Be patient and don't rush the process.
Bringing the caramel to a firm-ball stage takes 15-20 minutes using medium to medium/low heat.
What will happen if the caramel doesn't come to a firm-ball stage?
It will be much too loose and runny, and the caramel won't have the proper consistency to hold its shape once it's spooned over the toasted pecans.
Proper temperatures for the different stages of sugar syrup for candy making:
How many chocolate-coated pecan turtles does this recipe make?
As written, this recipe will make 30-32 regularly sized turtle candies (approximately 1½" in diameter).
However, if you choose to make your turtles larger (or even smaller), the amount of finished candy will naturally be different.
Can chopped pecans be used in this recipe?
Sure thing.
The finished product won't look like traditional chocolate turtles, but the taste will be the same.
If you choose to make these turtles with chopped nuts, carefully mix the toasted chopped nuts into the prepared caramel before dropping the caramel/nut mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Can other types of nuts be used?
Of course. Use whatever nut you like best or have on hand.
I prefer pecans in my turtle candy, but you do you!
Why are toasted nuts best for making candy?
When you lightly toast a nut, it brings out more nut flavor than a standard raw nut.
Of course, you can still make this recipe without toasting the nuts, but if you're taking the time to make homemade candy (with nuts), then why not take a few extra minutes to make the finished product as delicious as possible?
Can nuts be left out of this candy?
Yes!
Just omit all the nut steps and continue with the recipe as written.
Can other types of chocolate be used?
You bet!
If you're feeling wild and crazy, why not use white chocolate, semi-sweet, or even a mix of melted chocolate chips?
Additional homemade candy recipes:
*Tropical White Chocolate Candy Bites (shown below and featured in the video)
These easy-to-make Tropical White Chocolate Candy Bites are the perfect thing to make and gift to someone who loves to indulge in a sweet little treat from time to time.
*No-Bake Peanut Butter and Chocolate Granola Jumbles (not shown)
This fast and easy recipe for No-Bake Peanut Butter and Chocolate Granola Jumbles will satisfy your sweet tooth and give you a boost of energy that will last you all through the afternoon.
*Butter Toffee Cashew Crunch (shown below)
When you care enough to give the very best, this recipe for butter toffee cashew crunch candy should be at the very top of your gift-giving list.
*Homemade Candy Dots (not shown)
Homemade Candy Dots conjure up childhood memories of simpler times. These tasty little treats are easy to make, and they’re fun to eat…Just like you remember!
*Homemade Pecan Turtles (shown below) THIS IS THE PLACE!!
When you make today's recipe (and I hope that you will), I'd appreciate it if you'd take the time to come back and give it a star rating along with a comment on why you rated as you did.
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Printable Recipe Card
Homemade Pecan Turtle Candy
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter I use salted
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 2 ¼ cups light brown sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt plus additional for sprinkling
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ pounds pecans halves lightly toasted
- 1 standard package milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoons shortening
Instructions
- Spread the pecans evenly on a baking sheet and bake them in a 350-degree F oven (175 degrees C) for approximately 7-10 minutes (they're ready when you start to smell them). Set aside to cool.
- Meanwhile, melt the butter over medium-low heat in a 3-quart, heavy-bottom saucepan.
- Add the corn syrup, brown sugar, and salt and cook, occasionally stirring, until all the sugar has dissolved.
- Gradually add in the sweetened condensed milk and cook and stir over medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Continue boiling the mixture, stirring frequently. Be patient as you'll be boiling and stirring for approximately 15-18 minutes.
- Continue boiling and stirring until the mixture reaches 248-degrees F (firm ball stage) on an instant read candy thermometer.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the pecans and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Carefully drop the caramel and nut mixture, by tablespoon measurements, onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2" apart. If desired, sprinkle each caramel lightly with a touch of kosher salt. Refrigerate until firm.
- Meanwhile, melt the chocolate chips and the shortening together in a microwave-safe bowl on half power at 30-second intervals, stirring at each interval until the chocolate is smooth and melted.
- Dollop each turtle with approximately 2 teaspoons of melted chocolate (or you can drizzle chocolate over the top using a piping bag or fork) and return the turtles back to the refrigerator to firm up before serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
I sincerely hope you'll enjoy making (and eating) these delicious milk chocolate homemade pecan turtle candy as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!
Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!
Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!
Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!
Mark says
These taste as good, if not better, than the store-bought ones. A lot of flavor.
Renée says
I agree with you, Mark!
Thanks so much,
Renee
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
Oh wow, this looks so delicious. My family is going to devour it!
Renée says
They surely will, Shadi. Enjoy!!
Allison says
My daughter and I love making homemade candy. Absolutely delicious!
Renée says
How fun to have something you and your daughter enjoy doing together.
I'm happy to be a part of the fun!
Take good care,
Renee
Gina says
I've always loved this candy so much, so delicious! Fun to make yourself too!
Renée says
Thanks, Gina! I agree about it being fun to make!
Renee
Paula says
Oh my, YUM!! Your heart plate is adorable too 🙂
SallyBR says
hello there! I am stopping by to say I left a note for you at the SRC Facebook page, just received the BEAUTIFUL painted wine glass I won in that giveaway.... thank you SO MUCH!
If you have a moment, stop by the Facebook page because it's a long story = but witha happy ending! 😉
Suzanne says
I love turtles and have always wanted a recipe. Thanks for posting this!