Turtle Candy

Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) Headshot By Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes)
Updated •
Jump to Recipe

Homemade turtle candy is straight-up chef’s kiss and better than any you can find in your local candy shop boos! This no-bake treat is crazy easy to whip up and absolutely irresistible. With gooey caramel, buttery pecans, and silky milk chocolate, these little turtle candies are the ultimate salty-sweet flex. Perfect for gifting or sharing with the fam—if you don’t eat ’em all first!

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
Turtle candy scattered on a white piece of parchment paper ready to enjoy
Five star review

They’re Lovin’ It! Here’s what They’re Sayin’:

“Can’t stop eating them…. totally addictive!”

—ALISA

Ingredient Notes

  • Caramels: I love using Werther’s chewy caramels.
  • Evaporated Milk: Use heavy cream if you want more richness.
  • Pecan Halves: Cashews, peanuts or even almonds work!
  • Milk Chocolate Chips: Or even dark chocolate.

How to Make Turtle Candy

Caramels and milk in a double boiler

Step 1: Melt caramels and milk together in a double boiler over hot water.

Smooth caramel in a glass bowl on white countetop

Step 2: Stir until combined. This takes about 10 minutes.

Nuts positioned in groupings on parchment paper

Step 3: Place nuts on wax or parchment paper paper in groupings of 3.

Caramel spooned over groups of pecans on white parchment.

Step 4: Spoon the completed caramel over the nuts, leaving the nut tips exposed. Let set for 30 minutes.

Want to Save This Recipe, Boo?

I'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!

Melted chocolate in a glass bowl on white countertop.

Step 5: Next, melt chocolate over hot water as well or in the microwave then cool until room temperature.

Completed turtle chocolate candies on a parchment lined baking sheet

Step 6: Spread over caramels and let set.

Recipe Tips

  • Go High Quality: I love using Guittard Milk Chocolate Chunks for the ultimate creamy, chocolatey goodness. Lindt, Ghiradelli and Baker’s are also great options!
  • Microwave to Save Time: Add the caramel and milk to a microwave safe bowl and microwave in 20-30 second intervals (stirring after each interval) if you don’t have time for the double boiler method.
  • Skip the blooming: Temper by reserving a little chocolate to stir in after melting. This is gonna help stabilize it and prevents the white streaks (bloom) that sometimes pop up as chocolate cools.
Turtle chocolate candy scattered on white parchment paper

Recipe Help

What should I do if my caramel hardens too quickly while making turtle candy?

Just stir in a little more milk to soften it back up.

How can I best make my turtle chocolate candies uniform?

Using a super small cookie scoop is the best way to make sure the portions of the caramel and chocolate are the same.

Best Candy Inspired recipes

Turtle candy scattered on a white piece of parchment paper ready to enjoy

Turtle Candy

Made with chewy rich caramel, buttery pecans and creamy milk chocolate, this decadent homemade turtle candy make for the perfect salty-sweet gift or shared family confection!
4.75 from 8 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Author: Jocelyn Delk Adams
Course: Dessert, Snack
Servings: 24 turtles

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb chewy caramels Werther's chewy caramels
  • 2 tbsp evaporated milk
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 6 oz milk chocolate chips (basically half of a 11.5 oz package)

Instructions

  • Melt caramels and milk together in a double boiler over hot water and continue to stir until combined (about 10 minutes).
  • Place nuts on wax or parchment paper paper in groupings of 3. Spoon the completed caramel over the nuts, leaving the nut tips exposed. Let set for 30 minutes.
  • Next melt chocolate over hot water as well or in the microwave then cool until room temperature. Spread over caramels and let set.

Notes

Feel free to replace chocolate with dark and nuts with another nut of your choice.
Room Temperature: Short-Term Sweet Spot Got your candies wrapped up in a love affair with wax or parchment paper? Perfect, they’re ready for a short stint at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container, making sure they’re in single layers separated by parchment paper to avoid a sticky situation. They’ll be good for about a week in a cool, dark place. No need to refrigerate if you’re planning on devouring them soon!
Refrigerate: Cool Runnings If your house runs warm or you’re a fan of a firmer bite, pop your container of Turtle Candies into the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and fabulous for up to 3 weeks. Just give them some time to warm up a bit at room temperature before serving – nobody wants a tooth-chilling bite!
Freeze: For Those Who Plan Ahead Long-term candy hoarders, we’ve got you! Freeze your Turtle Candies by placing them in freezer bags or airtight containers with parchment paper between layers. These sweet treasures will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Remember to thaw them in the refrigerator and then bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor experience.
Pro Tip: Stay Dry, Stay Fresh Humidity is the nemesis of Turtle Candy. Keep ’em dry, and you’ll avoid a soggy catastrophe. Always ensure your storage containers are air-tight, whether you’re using bags or bins.

Nutrition

Calories: 69kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 24mg | Potassium: 43mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 9IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @GrandbabyCakes or tag #grandbabycakes!
Pinterest pinterest   Facebook facebook   Twitter twitter   Email email  
Filed Under:  Candy and Confections, Dessert and Baking, Stovetop

Comments

  4. Pretty sure I’ve found my new favorite turtle candy recipe, right here 🙂 Easy to make with beautiful presentation. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
4.75 from 8 votes (3 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating