Homemade Turtle Candy With Pecans and Caramel

### Instructions

#### 1. **Toast the pecans (optional but recommended):**

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast for 5–7 minutes, until fragrant. Let cool.

#### 2. **Create pecan clusters:**

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange pecans in small clusters of 3–4 halves each. These will be the “legs” of the turtles.

#### 3. **Melt the caramel:**

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and pourable (about 2 minutes total).

#### 4. **Add the caramel:**

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of melted caramel over each pecan cluster. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to slightly firm up.

#### 5. **Top with chocolate:**

Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Spoon or drizzle chocolate over the caramel layer on each turtle.

#### 6. **Finish and set:**

If using, sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Let candies cool and set completely at room temperature or pop them in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to speed things up.

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### Storage Tips

* Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
* For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a month or freeze for up to 3 months (just let them come to room temp before serving for best texture).

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### Easy Variations

* **Dark Chocolate Almond Turtles:** Swap pecans for almonds and use dark chocolate for a richer bite.
* **White Chocolate Craze:** Try with white chocolate and a swirl of caramel drizzle on top.
* **Peanut Butter Lovers:** Add a dollop of peanut butter under the caramel for a Reese’s-style twist.

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### Perfect for Gifting

Package these turtles in a clear box or tin with parchment between the layers. Add a ribbon and tag, and you’ve got a gourmet-style homemade gift that anyone would love.

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### Final Thoughts

Homemade Turtle Candy is the kind of sweet treat that makes people stop and say, “You made these?!” With layers of texture and flavor — from toasty pecans to buttery caramel and rich chocolate — they’re indulgent without being fussy, and fancy without requiring any special equipment.

Once you make them, you’ll see just how easy it is to create candy-shop quality in your own kitchen — and why one batch is never enough.

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Would you like a holiday-themed variation or a printable gift tag to go with this recipe?