Classic Chocolate Turtle Candy is so easy to make! Crunchy pecans are topped with gooey caramel and a top layer of chocolate. Sprinkle a little sea salt on top to really seal the deal on this delicious Christmas candy recipe!

Three chocolate turtles are stacked on a white plate.


Chocolate Turtle Candy

There aren’t many candies I love half as much as turtles. Honesty hour – when I see them at the grocery store as I’m checking out, I always impulsively buy one and eat it in the car on the way home. They just have everything I love in a single bite! Chocolate, caramel, and crunchy pecans are the very best combination of flavors and textures.

With that admission now being said, I should also note that as much as I love the store-bought candy, this homemade recipe is SO much better. Plus, it’s easy to make a big batch of chocolate turtle candy with just a handful of inexpensive ingredients! When it comes time to make Christmas candy for any of your upcoming festivities, this really is the only recipe you’ll need.

It’s a no bake candy recipe that always satisfies. Trust me, when you bring these little candies to a party they always disappear before everything else! I think it’s just a rule that everyone loves turtle candy. What really sets these candies a step above the rest is the smooth consistency of the sweet caramel and the sprinkle of sea salt on top that compliments the other key ingredients perfectly.

A small batch of turtle candies are placed on a siplat baking sheet.

How to Make Chocolate Turtle Candy

This no bake candy recipe is so low stress and perfect for the hectic holiday season! Scroll down to the recipe card for more info on ingredients and steps.

  1. Prepare. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange about 4-5 pecans together in a cluster.
  2. Melt the caramel. Melt the heavy cream and caramel together in a saucepan until smooth. Add more cream if needed. Let it cool for about 1 minute to thicken before using. Drop a teaspoon or two of caramel over each cluster of pecans.
  3. Melt the chocolate. This is best to do with a double broiler! Cover with plastic wrap and let simmer for 3-4 minutes or until the chocolate has melted. Or, you could melt the chocolate in the microwave. Heat it for 30 seconds to 1 minute and give it a good stir. Careful not to scald the chocolate.
  4. Finish the candies. Drop a teaspoon or so of chocolate on top of the caramels. Sprinkle with sea salt and let the chocolate set before serving.
A bite has been taken out of a chocolate turtle candy.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Turtle Candy

Take a quick look at these helpful tips before you start making this Christmas candy recipe:

  • Don’t burn the chocolate. If you’re using your microwave to melt the chocolate, be careful! Chocolate seems to love burning in the microwave. After the first minute of melting in there, it shouldn’t need more than 15-30 seconds to finish melting. Give it a good stir to distribute the heat.
  • Use sea salt. This is entirely optional, of course. I just find that a sprinkle of flaky sea salt atop layers of semi-sweet chocolate and gooey caramel is the BEST!
  • Don’t substitute the heavy cream. There’s really no better ingredient than heavy cream when it comes to making caramel silky smooth and so luscious.
  • Great for gift giving! This is more of a suggestion, but it’s worth noting! Turtle candies make the cutest little homemade gifts for neighbors, teachers and friends during the holiday season.

Storage

Chocolate turtle candy will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for about 5-7 days. I don’t recommend refrigerating the candies, as the cold temperature could harden the chocolate.

Several chocolate turtle candies are placed on a serving plate.

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Three chocolate turtles are stacked on a white plate.

Get the Recipe: Chocolate Turtles Recipe

Yield: 16
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
A classic, Chocolate Turtle Candy is simple to make and completely addicting. Sprinkle with sea salt for a flavor pop!
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Ingredients

  • 4 ounces pecan halves
  • 8 ounces caramel candy, unwrapped
  • 1 Tablespoon heavy cream
  • 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate melting wafers, or chopped chocolate
  • Maldon Sea Salt, optional

Equipment

  • 1 Double boiler
  • 1 baking sheet

Instructions 

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange 4-5 pecans together into a cluster.
  • Melt the caramel with the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until smooth. Add another Tablespoon of cream, if needed. Allow to cool for 1 minute or until a thick consistency and is not loose.
  • Drop 1-2 teaspoons of caramel over each cluster.
  • Melt the chocolate in a double broiler by covering with plastic wrap and simmering for 3-4 minutes or until the chocolate is melted. Stir until smooth. (Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in a microwave for 1 minute. Stir and microwave an additional 15 seconds if needed.)
  • Drop a teaspoon of chocolate on top of the caramel and sprinkle with sea salt, if using.
Calories: 168kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 3mg, Sodium: 36mg, Potassium: 121mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 13g, Vitamin A: 29IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 32mg, Iron: 1mg
Author: Kellie
Course: Candy, Dessert
Cuisine: American