Turtle Candies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 16 Cuisine: American

Delicious chocolate turtle candies featuring creamy caramel and crunchy pecans, perfect for gifting or indulgent treats, suitable for chocolate lovers and special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate morsels
  • 1 1/4 cups pecan halves
  • 28 unwrapped caramels
  • 2 Tbsp. whipping cream

Instructions

  1. Microwave the semi-sweet chocolate morsels in a glass bowl on High for 1 1/2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute.
  2. Stir until smooth.
  3. Cool until the chocolate is slightly thickened.
  4. Drop tablespoonfuls of chocolate onto a waxed paper-lined baking sheet, shaping into 1 1/2 inch circles.
  5. Reserve the remaining chocolate.
  6. Arrange 4 pecan halves over each chocolate circle.
  7. Chill until the candies are firm.

Tips & Substitutions

To make the chocolate easier to work with, consider adding a teaspoon of coconut oil to the semi-sweet chocolate morsels while melting, which will give it a smoother consistency. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. For a richer flavor, try using dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet. Always ensure your equipment is dry before melting chocolate to avoid seizing.

Serving Suggestions

These Turtle Candies are perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat anytime. Serve them alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack. They also pair beautifully with Lemon Tassies for a dessert platter that impresses guests. Consider drizzling some caramel or chocolate sauce on top for an extra indulgent touch.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Turtle Candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them, which can extend their shelf life to about two weeks. To enjoy them again, allow them to return to room temperature before serving, as cold chocolate can lose its texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Turtle Candies contains roughly 81 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value).

81 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.7g 1% DV
Total Fat 8g 10% DV
Carbs 1.9g 1% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 1.7g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 10.9mg
Potassium 20.2mg
Cholesterol 24.4mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 87.4mcg 10% DV
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 2% DV
Calcium 16.7mg 1% DV
Iron 0mg
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of chocolate for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate, depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that different chocolates have varying melting points and flavors, so you may need to adjust melting times and quantities to achieve the desired sweetness.

How can I make these candies gluten-free?

This Turtle Candies recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses chocolate, pecans, and caramels, which typically don't contain gluten. However, always check the labels of the ingredients to ensure there are no hidden gluten sources, especially in caramels, to avoid any issues.

Can I freeze Turtle Candies?

Yes, you can freeze Turtle Candies! To do so, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to an airtight container, layering with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to three months; just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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