How to Make the Perfect Caramel Turtles
American · Easy · 40 min · 20 servings
These adorable caramel turtles made with pecans chocolate and soft caramel are a beloved kid friendly candy that looks impressive but comes together in just minutes. Kids love arranging the pecan legs to make turtle shapes and drizzling chocolate over the gooey caramel center.
Why this recipe works
This Caramel Turtles recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 190 calories with 2g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 80 whole pecan halves
- 20 whole soft caramel candies unwrapped
- 1.5 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 0.25 teaspoon flaky sea salt optional
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Arrange the Pecan Clusters
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. For each turtle, arrange 4 pecan halves in a star shape to form the head and legs of the turtle, leaving a space in the center for the caramel.
Step 2: Add the Caramel
Place one soft caramel candy in the center of each pecan cluster. Bake in a preheated oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 4 minutes until the caramel is just softened but not fully melted. Remove and press gently to flatten slightly.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Coat and Set
Spoon a generous amount of melted chocolate over each caramel cluster covering it completely. Sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt if using. Let set at room temperature or refrigerate for 15 minutes until firm.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- pecan halves → walnut halves or pretzel pieces for a nut-free salty crunch option
- soft caramel candies → homemade caramel or caramel sauce that has been chilled until firm
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overheating the caramels in the oven which causes them to spread out too thin and lose their shape
- Using chocolate chips without coconut oil which results in a thicker coating that is harder to drizzle smoothly
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 190 calories, 2g protein, 22g carbs, 11g fat, 1g fiber.
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