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Pecan Turtles Candy Recipe

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  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 36 pieces
  • Category: Candy
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This classic Pecan Turtles Candy recipe features toasted pecan halves coated in a rich caramel made from butter, brown sugar, and sweetened condensed milk, then topped with a luscious layer of melted chocolate. The perfect sweet and nutty treat for any occasion, these candies offer a delightful combination of crunchy, chewy, and creamy textures all in one bite.

Ingredients

For the Pecans and Caramel

  • 3 cups pecan halves, toasted
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • 7 oz sweetened condensed milk (approximately half a 14 oz can)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt

For the Chocolate Topping

  • 10 oz chocolate or chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Toast the Pecans: Begin by toasting the pecan halves in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove and set aside to cool.
  2. Prepare the Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the light brown sugar, light corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
  3. Cook the Caramel: Allow the caramel to boil for about 4-5 minutes while stirring constantly. This helps thicken it and develop the right chewy texture. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract immediately.
  4. Form the Turtle Bases: On a parchment-lined baking sheet, place small clusters of 3-4 toasted pecans each. Spoon a generous amount of the hot caramel over each pecan cluster, making sure they are well coated and hold together.
  5. Chill the Caramel Layer: Let the caramel-covered pecans cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then transfer the tray to the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to set and firm up.
  6. Melt the Chocolate: While the caramel is chilling, melt the chocolate or chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double boiler) or in short intervals in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
  7. Top with Chocolate: Remove the caramel pecan clusters from the refrigerator and spoon the melted chocolate over each cluster to fully cover the caramel. Return to the refrigerator for another 15-20 minutes until the chocolate is completely set.
  8. Serve and Store: Once the chocolate has hardened, the Pecan Turtles are ready to serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Notes

  • To toast pecans, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and watch carefully to avoid burning.
  • Use good quality chocolate for the best flavor and smooth texture.
  • If your chocolate thickens before you use it, gently re-melt it to restore smoothness.
  • For easier shaping, cool caramel slightly to thicken before spooning onto pecans but do not let it harden.
  • These candies can be wrapped individually for gifting and special occasions.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/pecan-turtles-candy-recipe/