For the past 30 years, I’ve been making these irresistible homemade turtle candies, and before me, my mom spent 20 years perfecting the recipe. It’s a family tradition that’s been passed down and loved through the generations.
These classic treats combine toasted pecans, gooey caramel, and silky smooth chocolate to create a candy that’s simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them as a thoughtful gift, a holiday treat, or just a sweet indulgence for yourself, this recipe never fails to impress. The rich combination of textures and flavors—crunchy nuts, chewy caramel, and creamy chocolate—makes each bite absolutely heavenly. It all starts with pecans, which are the foundation of this candy.
You’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F and arrange the pecan halves in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toasting them for about 8 to 10 minutes brings out a deeper, nuttier flavor, and once they’re lightly browned and fragrant, let them cool completely before assembling the candies. While the pecans are cooling, it’s time to melt your caramels. You can use store-bought soft caramels or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious. If you’re using a microwave, place the caramels in a microwave-safe bowl and heat them in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted and smooth. If you prefer, you can melt them gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Once the caramel is ready, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to make cleanup easier. Then arrange the toasted pecans in small clusters of three or four, laying them out in the shape of a turtle—with the pecans representing the head and legs. Spoon about a tablespoon of the melted caramel onto each cluster, letting it drizzle over the center so it binds the nuts together. Let the caramel set for about 10 to 15 minutes before moving on to the next step. While the caramel is firming up, it’s time to melt the chocolate.
Use semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars for a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the caramel and nuts. Again, you can use the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth, or you can use a double boiler if you prefer a gentler method. Once melted, spoon about a tablespoon of chocolate onto each caramel-pecan cluster, making sure to cover the caramel completely. Use the back of your spoon to spread the chocolate out evenly, giving each piece a nice glossy top. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature for about an hour, or if you’re short on time, place the tray in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes. Once the chocolate has hardened, your homemade turtle candies are ready to enjoy. These make fantastic gifts during the holidays—just wrap them up in a decorative tin or box and you’ll have a homemade treat everyone will love. As for storage, keep your turtle candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. However, they’re so delicious that they rarely stick around that long. This recipe is one that has stood the test of time in my family, and it’s easy to see why. It brings back memories of my mom making these in our kitchen during the holidays, the smell of toasted pecans and caramel filling the air. Now, I get to share that tradition with my own loved ones, and every time I make them, it’s like a warm hug from the past. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you too can create a batch of these delightful turtle candies that are sure to become a favorite in your home.
