Turtle Candy
Turtle Candy Recipe: A Sweet Indulgence You’ll Adore
There’s something undeniably magical about Turtle Candy. This delightful dessert encapsulates the perfect blend of crunchy pecans, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate. Whether it’s for a festive occasion, a sweet treat for family movie night, or simply a personal indulgence, this recipe will have everyone coming back for more. Based on experiences from countless holiday celebrations, Turtle Candy brings people together in the kitchen and around the table, making it a cherished favorite.
Reasons to Try It
What’s not to love about making homemade Turtle Candy? Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but you also have complete control over the ingredients, which means no artificial additives. It’s a quick recipe that doesn’t require any special skills—perfect for novice cooks or busy schedules. Plus, the combination of caramel and pecans makes it an indulgence that’s especially delightful during the holiday season!
"I made this Turtle Candy for my family gathering, and it was the highlight of the dessert table! Everyone kept asking for seconds!" — Happy Baker
How This Recipe Comes Together
Making Turtle Candy is a straightforward process that yields incredible results. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect:
- Prepare your pecan piles on parchment-lined trays.
- Cook up a luscious caramel in a Dutch oven.
- Drizzle the caramel over pecans.
- Finish with a smooth layer of melted chocolate.
This recipe is as easy as it sounds, allowing you to impress your guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
What You’ll Need
To create this delightful candy, gather these ingredients:
- 2 cups toasted pecan halves
- ½ cup toasted chopped pecans
- ½ cup salted butter
- ¾ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups milk chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vegetable shortening
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can substitute pecans with your favorite nuts or even mix in a bit of sea salt for a salty-sweet twist!
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare Pecan Piles: Line two sheet trays with parchment paper. Divide the pecan halves into 30 equal piles, placing about 3-4 pecans in each pile. Top each pile with a sprinkle of chopped pecans and set aside.
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Make Caramel: In a Dutch oven or medium-sized pot, add sliced butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and light corn syrup. Heat over medium, stirring constantly until it reaches a low boil.
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Incorporate Sweetened Condensed Milk: Stir in sweetened condensed milk. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring to ensure it doesn’t burn, until the mixture reaches 240°F on a candy thermometer.
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Thicken the Mixture: Remove from heat and stir for another five minutes until the mixture thickens. Add vanilla extract.
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Drizzle Over Pecans: Quickly drizzle about ½ tablespoon of the caramel over each pecan pile, ensuring all pieces get a good coating. Repeat until all caramel is used.
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Set the Candy: Allow the candy to sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature. Alternatively, place them in the refrigerator to expedite the setting process.
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Melt Chocolate: In a medium bowl, combine chocolate chips and vegetable shortening. Microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
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Top the Turtles: Use a teaspoon to dollop the melted chocolate over each candy, smoothing it out slightly. Approximately ½ – ¾ teaspoon of chocolate per candy will suffice.
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Allow to Set: Let the Turtle Candy sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours or refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up. Enjoy them immediately or store them carefully.
Creative Ideas for Serving Turtle Candy
Turtle Candy is delightful on its own, but you can elevate the experience with a few creative touches:
- Gift-Worthy Presentation: Package them in decorative boxes or jars for homemade gifts during the holidays.
- Dessert Charcuterie Boards: Pair with fresh fruit, other confections, or flavored cheeses for a unique dessert experience.
- Coffee Pairing: Serve alongside a rich, steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate to enhance the flavors.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To maintain the candy’s deliciousness and texture, store Turtle Candy in an airtight container. Separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Properly stored, they’ll remain fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature. If you wish to keep them longer, consider freezing — just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Pro Chef Tips
Here are some tricks to make your Turtle Candy even better:
- Prep Time: Ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready to go before starting, as the caramel sets quickly.
- Candy Thermometer: For accurate results, use a candy thermometer to monitor the caramel temperature closely.
- Chilling Chocolate: If the chocolate cools and becomes difficult to work with, return it to the microwave for a few seconds to re-melt.
Creative Twists on Turtle Candy
Feel free to experiment with your Turtle Candy! Here are a few ideas to inspire your creativity:
- Nut Variety: Swap pecans for cashews or walnuts for different flavor profiles.
- Chocolate Choices: Use dark chocolate for a richer taste or white chocolate for a sweeter version.
- Flavor Infusion: Add a pinch of sea salt on top or a splash of bourbon to the caramel for an adult kick.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare Turtle Candy?
From start to finish, expect about 1.5 to 2 hours, including setting time.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! Turtle Candies can be made up to two weeks ahead of your event and stored properly.
Are there any substitutions for the sweetened condensed milk?
You can substitute it with evaporated milk and an extra 1/4 cup of sugar for a similar effect, although the texture may vary slightly.
Whipping up a batch of Turtle Candy is not only rewarding but creates memories that will sweeten your gatherings. With its delightful combination of flavors and textures, it’s sure to be a homemade treat worth savoring. Enjoy!
Turtle Candy
Ingredients
Method
- Line two sheet trays with parchment paper and divide pecan halves into 30 equal piles.
- Top each pile with a sprinkle of chopped pecans and set aside.
- In a Dutch oven, add sliced butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and light corn syrup; heat over medium, stirring until it reaches a low boil.
- Stir in sweetened condensed milk and continue cooking over medium heat until the mixture reaches 240°F on a candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat and stir for another five minutes until thickened; add vanilla extract.
- Quickly drizzle about ½ tablespoon of caramel over each pecan pile until all caramel is used.
- Allow the candy to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or refrigerate to expedite setting.
- In a medium bowl, melt chocolate chips with vegetable shortening in microwave, stirring until smooth.
- Dollop melted chocolate over each candy, smoothing it out with a teaspoon, approximately ½ - ¾ teaspoon per candy.
- Let the candies set at room temperature for 2-3 hours or refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Enjoy immediately or store carefully.
