Homemade Turtle Candy (with Toasted Pecans, Gooey Caramel & Chocolate!)

First of all, thank you. ❤️ You’re here, which tells me you appreciate a homemade sweet treat just as much as I do. Maybe it’s the comforting combination of chocolate and caramel. Or maybe it’s the nostalgia of those little turtle-shaped delights you’d find in a box of chocolates or at a holiday dessert table. Either way, I’m so excited to share this with you!

These homemade turtle candies are ridiculously easy to make—but don’t let the simplicity fool you. They’re decadent, elegant, and addictively good. Whether you’re making a batch for gifting or keeping a stash tucked away in your fridge (zero judgment here!), this recipe will earn a permanent place in your treat rotation.

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What Are Homemade Turtle Candies?

Turtle candies are a classic confection made with three basic ingredients: toasted pecans, melty caramel, and rich chocolate. When stacked together, they resemble little turtle shells with pecan “legs.” Hence the name!

Why You'll Love These Turtle Candies

Only 3 main ingredients! (No candy thermometer needed.)
Perfect for holiday gifting, cookie trays, or a sweet midnight snack.
Naturally gluten-free and easy to make dairy-free if needed.
Customizable—you can swap in different nuts or chocolates.

What Do They Taste Like?

Imagine this: a satisfying crunch of buttery toasted pecans, a chewy-sweet layer of gooey caramel, and a smooth, glossy cap of chocolate that melts on your tongue. It’s sweet, salty, and rich in the very best way.

Honestly, the smell alone when they’re chilling is enough to make you swoon!

Healthier Than Store-Bought? You Bet.

While turtle candies are still a sweet treat, making them at home gives you the power to:

Control the ingredients (no preservatives, weird additives, or palm oil)
Use higher quality chocolate
Opt for homemade caramels (or cleaner store-bought versions)
Add a sprinkle of sea salt or chopped dried fruit for flair

🧾 Ingredients

12 oz soft caramels (homemade or store-bought)
6 oz pecan halves (toasted for extra flavor!)
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate (chips or chopped bar)

Optional: flaky sea salt, white chocolate drizzle, or crushed pretzels for topping

🧰 Tools You'll Need

Baking sheet
Parchment paper or foil
Microwave-safe bowls or a double boiler
Spoon or cookie scoop
Silicone spatula

🔄 Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

Swap pecans for almonds, cashews, or walnuts.
Use dark, milk, or white chocolate instead of semi-sweet.
Add a tiny sprinkle of sea salt flakes on top for that perfect salty-sweet bite.
Drizzle with white chocolate or peanut butter for a flavor twist.