Irresistible Homemade Turtle Candy Recipe (2024)

Turtle candy is a delicious confection that can be made at home with only a few ingredients. The familiar combination of caramel, chocolate, and pecans has been around for generations – but what makes it so special? It’s the unique process that goes into making each piece!

This is inspired candy and has all the flavors of turtle candy with more pecans. No, they do not look like turtles, but they taste better than them!

Making turtle candy is a little involved and does require some patience. You will need to wait for each layer to set before adding another one to the top. Trust me though, the end result is worth all of the waiting!

Plus, you’ll have plenty of delectable treats to share because this recipe makes 34 large, irresistible turtle candies. As a result, it’s a perfect recipe to make for a party dessert!

Before reading any further – If you don’t have a candy thermometer, I highly recommend that you purchase one before making this recipe. It can be found at any kitchen store or at Walmart for under $10.00. It’s definitely worth owning in case you want to make more candy recipes in the future.

Now let’s get started on learning how to make these sweet little candies!

What is a Turtle Candy Made of?

Turtle candy consists of caramel, chocolate, and pecans wrapped in a soft caramel-like exterior. The contrast between the crunchy nuts and smooth chocolate with the chewy caramel makes for an interesting texture that everyone will love!

How to Make Turtle Candy

Many people love turtles and many people love candy, but few know that you can make your own turtle candies at home with just a few ingredients. The process of making this confection is fun and relatively easy, so try it out! Here’s a summary of how to make your own turtle candies at home:

Toast the Pecans – Add halved raw pecans on a large baking sheet. Bake them for 10 minutes in a 350 degree heated oven. Toasting the pecans adds a deep, rich flavor that makes these candies taste so delicious. Once toasted, remove the pecans from the sheet and coat the pan with parchment paper.

Arrange the Pecans on the parchment paper-lined baking sheet into 34 separate groups that are 2″ – 2 1/2″ wide.

Cook the Caramel – In a 5-quart stockpot, add the light brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Add in the salt, vanilla, and sweetened, condensed milk. Continue cooking and stirring the mixture until the candy thermometer reaches 240 degrees F. Once at temperature, remove caramel from the heat and allow it to cool for 5 minutes to thicken. This will allow for an easier to spoon caramel.

Top Pecans – Once the caramel has cooled a bit, spoon 3/4 of a tablespoon over each bunch of pecans. Place the baking sheet in the fridge to harden the caramel for 15 minutes before adding the chocolate.

Melt the Chocolate – In a microwave-safe glass bowl, add the milk chocolate chips and vegetable shortening. Heat morsels in 30-second intervals stirring in-between each. Do not get the chocolate wet or overcook or it will harden and seize. Even on drop of water can cause destruction. Once creamy, remove the caramel topped pecans from the fridge, and spoon about a tablespoon of chocolate over each caramel nut cluster.

Chill – Once all are topped, return the candy to the fridge to allow for the chocolate to harden. Enjoy once the chocolate is firm.

Tips for Success

Always toast the nuts for the best flavor- this also removes bitterness from the nuts.

The caramel must be made with patience and attentiveness. You do need a candy thermometer because too low of a temp will result in runny caramel and too high will make caramel that cannot be bitten into (like glass). The change over happens fast so have everything ready to go.

Allowing the caramel to sit over the pecans for 5 minutes helps it to settle a bit as the chocolate topping is prepared.

Do not microwave the chocolate (or temper in a double boiler) until the caramel is prepared.

Do not get the chocolate wet. Make sure the stirring spoon, and bowl are completely dried before using them. The use of shortening help to make these creamy. Microwave on 50% less power and stir in-between each.

Always use quality parchment or wax paper for the setting process. Cheap dollar store varieties are not as nonstick as they claim!

How to Store Turtle Candy

The best way to store turtle candies is in the refrigerator because the homemade caramel can become sticky. I recommend cutting small squares of parchment paper and adding each turtle to one piece.

Another way you could store them is to place a piece of parchment or wax paper in-between layers of the candies to prevent each layer from sticking to each other.

More Holiday Sweet Treats

Looking for some more holiday sweet treats? Check out these other easy confections you can make at home.

Ritz Cracker Toffee

Elf Munch Snack Mix

Chocolate Chip Pizza Cookie

Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

Mini Mint Chocolate Cream Pies