Homemade Chocolate Turtles
These Homemade Chocolate Turtles are a recipe my family has been making for years. They’re so simple for any beginner baker with just 4 ingredients for the perfect no-fuss, sweet and chewy treat great for the holidays.
There’s something so nostalgic about chocolate turtles, they’re an old school treat that truly can’t be beat. Chocolate and caramel are the perfect match, and these soft and chewy Homemade Chocolate Turtles are the easy at-home version of the classic candy. Prepped in 15 minutes, these were always my grandma’s famous treat and now they have become my go-to holiday sweet to serve too.
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Layered with soft store-bought caramels, toasted pecans, and a rich chocolate coating, these Homemade Chocolate Turtles are no-fuss with no candy thermometer or fancy equipment required. Anyone can make them, and we love that they’re customizable, so you can switch them up all season long. We hope you enjoy, just don’t be surprised when they’re the first to go anytime they’re served.
If you’re a fan of these sweet flavors, try this easy Turtle Cake and this rich and decadent Caramel Pecan Cheesecake for a few other dessert ideas.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No candy thermometer needed. These turtles are so simple and no-fuss. No extra equipment required with this easy method. The microwave does all the work for you.
- Great holiday gift. Everyone loves a sweet treat and these make for the perfect edible gift to give during the holidays. Whether it’s a host gift or a thank you, these are loved by all.
- Made with just a few ingredients. Whip up these bakery-quality treats easily, anytime, with a handful of ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Customizable chocolate coating. Use your favorite chocolate depending taste preference. Dark, milk, semi-sweet or even white chocolate are all delicious options.
Ingredients
Scroll Down to the Bottom of this Post for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Printable Recipe Card
- Pecan Halves: Nutty and crunchy, the signature turtle “shell”. Toasting them adds even more flavor.
- Soft Caramels: Perfectly sweet, buttery and melt-in-your-mouth. Find these at any grocery store.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: For added richness.
- Milk or Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Use whichever you’d prefer, both are sweet and pair nicely with the nuts and caramel.
- Flaky Sea Salt: For a salty finishing touch.
Tools You’ll Need
How To Make Chocolate Turtles
- Optional Step: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread the pecans on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan in an even layer. Toast the pecans for 5–7 minutes until fragrant. Cool completely.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange 5 pecan halves in a star/turtle shaped cluster, touching each other.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramel and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Rest 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator to thicken.
- Scoop or spoon about 1 teaspoon caramel onto the center of each pecan cluster. Refrigerate 10 minutes.
- Add chocolate to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Spoon over each set caramel pecan mound, spreading over the pecans with the tip of a knife.
- Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt.
- Refrigerate the turtles 15–20 minutes until firm. Carefully transfer to an airtight container until ready to serve or gift.
Expert Tips
- Toast pecans for a deeper, nuttier flavor. This step is worth it! Do this before assembling for an extra nutty, toasted flavor and crunch.
- Work in small batches. So the caramel doesn’t set before you’re able to shape the clusters. Do a few at a time and work in batches.
- Use parchment or a silicone mat. This is key for removing the turtles cleanly and easily.
- Try white chocolate or a chocolate drizzle combo. Classic milk or semi-sweet chocolate is always delicious but try adding a white chocolate drizzle or a combination of several chocolates for a fun flavor twist and presentation.
Variations
- Try different nuts. Swap pecans for crunchy walnuts or even nutty cashews for a tasty spin.
- Make mini bite-size clusters. Small and perfectly poppable, these are great for a party platter and entertaining.
Storage
If you have leftovers, lucky you! Store turtles in an airtight container in between layers of wax paper or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. They’ll keep in the fridge, on the counter, or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Let them come to room temperature before enjoying, if refrigerating or freezing them.
These are a great make-ahead treat. Assemble and store them however you prefer, then serve when you’re ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The caramel might be too soft if too much cream was added to it. Fix this by microwaving it for a few more seconds until it reaches the desire consistency. If the caramel is too hard, it’s probably overcooked. Remedy this by added a splash of cream, stirring, and microwaving if needed.
If the caramel is too soft or runny, the chocolate won’t properly set up on top, and the turtles won’t set the way they’re supposed to. This can also happen if the chocolate is too hot, and breaks.
Using candy melts or adding a teaspoon of coconut oil to the melted chocolate to help “temper” it will help the chocolate hold it’s “shell” and shape, and keep them in a cool area.
More Holiday Dessert Recipes
- Gingerbread Bundt Cake
- White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- Cranberry Orange Pound Cake
- Holiday Coffee Cake
Chocolate Turtles Recipe
Ingredients
- 120 pecan halves
- 6.5 ounces soft caramels
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
- 6 ounces milk or semi-sweet chocolate chopped bars or chips
- flaky sea salt for finishing
Instructions
- Optional Step: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread the pecans on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan in an even layer. Toast the pecans for 5–7 minutes until fragrant. Cool completely.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange 5 pecan halves in a star/turtle shaped cluster, touching each other.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramel and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Rest 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator to thicken.
- Scoop or spoon about 1 teaspoon caramel onto the center of each pecan cluster. Refrigerate 10 minutes.
- Add chocolate to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Spoon over each set caramel pecan mound, spreading over the pecans with the tip of a knife.
- Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt.
- Refrigerate the turtles 15–20 minutes until firm. Carefully transfer to an airtight container until ready to serve or gift.
Notes
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in between layers of wax paper or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. They’ll keep in the fridge, on the counter, or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Let them come to room temperature before enjoying, if refrigerating or freezing them.
- Make these ahead of time: Assemble and store them however you prefer, then serve when you’re ready.
Tips
- Toast pecans for a deeper, nuttier flavor. This step is worth it! Do this before assembling for an extra nutty, toasted flavor and crunch.
- Work in small batches. So the caramel doesn’t set before you’re able to shape the clusters. Do a few at a time and work in batches.
- Use parchment or a silicone mat. This is key for removing the turtles cleanly and easily.
- Use candy melts. These tend to have a firmer, glossier appearance and texture once they set at room temperature.
- Try white chocolate or a chocolate drizzle combo. Classic milk or semi-sweet chocolate is always delicious but try adding a white chocolate drizzle or a combination of several chocolates for a fun flavor twist and presentation.
Nutrition
About Laura
Taught by some of the best, cooking and entertaining has always been my favorite hobby. Food is my love language! The conception of Dinner in 321 came from my family talks that sharing our dinners would help others learn new skills, tasty recipes, and make cooking fun! Read more…
