homemade Turtle Candy with pecans and caramel:
Ingredients:
2 cups pecan halves
20 soft caramel candies (or homemade caramel)
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
Sea salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Toast the Pecans: (Optional, but adds a great flavor!)
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Toast them for 8-10 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Allow them to cool completely.
3. Arrange the Pecans: Place 3-4 pecan halves in clusters on the lined baking sheet, slightly overlapping, as these will be the base of each turtle.
4. Melt the Caramel:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel candies and heavy cream.
Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each until smooth (about 2 minutes total).
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of melted caramel onto the center of each pecan cluster.
5. Cool the Caramel: Let the caramel set for about 10-15 minutes, or place the baking sheet in the fridge to speed up the process.
6. Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate on top of the caramel layer.
7. Set the Candies: Let the chocolate harden at room temperature or refrigerate the turtles for about 30 minutes until the chocolate is fully set.
8. Optional: Before the chocolate hardens completely, sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt on top for an extra flavor boost.
Enjoy!
Once they’re set, you can enjoy your homemade turtle candies. Store them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
