Turtles Candy

Whenever I think of making candy, I can’t help but feel excited, and nothing excites me more than making Turtles Candy. This sweet treat brings back childhood memories of family gatherings where we would indulge in homemade delights. The combination of crunchy pecans, creamy caramel, and rich chocolate is simply irresistible. I remember the first time I attempted this recipe; the kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of caramel bubbling on the stove, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in. It’s those moments of joy and laughter around the kitchen that make cooking so special.

As I gathered the ingredients to make Turtles Candy, I felt a rush of nostalgia. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect candy. The butter adds richness, while the brown sugar and corn syrup create that luscious caramel that everyone loves. The chocolate chips melt beautifully and provide that finishing touch. Every bite of this candy is a reminder of the love and care that goes into homemade treats.

Whether you’re making Turtles Candy for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, it’s a recipe that never disappoints. Gather your loved ones, and let’s create some delicious memories together!

What’s In This Turtles Candy

When it comes to making Turtles Candy, the ingredients are simple yet crucial for achieving that perfect flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role in creating the indulgent experience we all love. The key players here are pecans, which provide that delightful crunch, butter, which gives richness, and chocolate, which adds the finishing touch of sweetness.

• Pecan halves – 3 cups: These nuts are the star of the show, offering a crunchy texture and a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet caramel.
• Butter – ½ cup: This adds a creamy richness to the caramel, ensuring it’s smooth and decadent.
• Brown sugar – 1 cup: Brown sugar is essential for creating the deep, caramel flavor that makes this candy so irresistible.
• Corn syrup – ½ cup: This sweet syrup helps prevent the sugar from crystallizing, resulting in a smooth caramel sauce.
• Salt – dash: A hint of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Sweetened condensed milk – 7 ounces: Half of a 14-ounce can is perfect for adding creaminess to the caramel.
• Chocolate chips – 1½ cups: I prefer using milk chocolate chips for their sweet and creamy flavor that complements the candy perfectly.
• Vegetable oil – ½ teaspoon: This is used to help melt the chocolate smoothly, ensuring a glossy finish.

Step by Step Instructions for Turtles Candy

Making Turtles Candy is a delightful experience and a great way to spend time in the kitchen. The steps may seem lengthy, but each one leads to delicious results that are well worth the effort. Let’s dive into the process!

1. First, you need to prepare the pecans. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the pecans for about 10 minutes. You’ll know they are done when they are lightly browned and fragrant. Allow them to cool before moving on to the next step.
2. Once the pecans are cool, arrange them into clusters of 3-4 on silicone liners or parchment paper. This is where they will hold their shape once the caramel is added, so make sure they are spaced appropriately.
3. In a 6-quart pot, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and a dash of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture comes to a boil.
4. After reaching a boil, carefully add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. It’s important to keep stirring to prevent any burning at the bottom of the pot.
5. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture reaches 235-240°F. I find that using the ice water test is the most reliable way to check this. To do the test, drop a spoonful of the hot caramel into a bowl of ice water. When you take it out, it should be able to roll into a ball.
6. Once the caramel is ready, quickly spoon it over the pecan clusters, ensuring that each pecan is well coated. Make sure the caramel touches all the pecans for maximum flavor.
7. Allow the clusters to sit and harden for a bit. This usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. You can pop them in the fridge to speed up the process if needed.
8. While the caramel is hardening, melt the chocolate chips and vegetable oil together in the microwave at half power. Stir frequently until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Be careful not to overheat.
9. Once the caramel has set, it’s time to add the finishing touch! Spoon the melted chocolate over each cluster, covering them generously. You want to make sure every last bit of caramel is encased in chocolate.
10. Let the Turtles Candy sit for another 1-2 hours until the chocolate has completely hardened. You can speed up this process by refrigerating them.

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

If you’re looking to mix things up, there are plenty of ways to adapt the classic Turtles Candy recipe! Here are some ideas to get you started.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to a week.
• Freezing: You can freeze the Turtles Candy for extended storage. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts instead of pecans. This can create a whole new flavor profile.
• Chocolate Dip: Try using dark or white chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a different taste. Each type brings its unique flavor to the candy.
• Extra Toppings: For added texture, sprinkle some sea salt on top of the chocolate before it sets. This enhances the flavor contrast beautifully.

Perfect Matches for Turtles Candy

When it comes to serving Turtles Candy, there’s no shortage of pairing options that can enhance your experience. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Serve with coffee: These candies complement a rich cup of coffee perfectly, making them an excellent choice for dessert after a meal.
• Pair with ice cream: Crushed Turtles Candy makes a fantastic topping for ice cream, adding crunch and sweetness to your dessert.
• Gift giving: Package them in decorative boxes as gifts for friends and family during the holidays or special occasions.
• Snack time: Enjoy them as a sweet snack to satisfy your cravings. They’re easy to grab and indulge in whenever you need a little pick-me-up.
• Occasional treats: These candies are perfect for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or family gatherings, adding a sweet touch to any celebration.

FAQ

Conclusion

Turtles Candy is a special treat that combines the best of textures and flavors, making it a beloved choice for many. The crunchy pecans, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate come together to create a delightful indulgence. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones. It’s perfect for any occasion, and I’m sure they’ll be as excited about it as you are!

Turtles Candy

Craving a sweet treat? Look no further than Turtles Candy. This indulgent combination of crunchy pecans, rich caramel, and silky chocolate will satisfy your dessert desires. Perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own, these candies are a delightful way to indulge tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 36 servings

Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

• Candy thermometer
• deep fry thermometer

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups pecan halves
• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup corn syrup
• dash salt
• 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk half of a 14-ounce can
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups chocolate chips I used milk chocolate chips
• ½ teaspoon vegetable oil or shortening

Instructions

 

• First, you need to prepare the pecans. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the pecans for about 10 minutes. You’ll know they are done when they are lightly browned and fragrant. Allow them to cool before moving on to the next step.
• Once the pecans are cool, arrange them into clusters of 3-4 on silicone liners or parchment paper. This is where they will hold their shape once the caramel is added, so make sure they are spaced appropriately.
• In a 6-quart pot, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and a dash of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture comes to a boil.
• After reaching a boil, carefully add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. It’s important to keep stirring to prevent any burning at the bottom of the pot.
• Continue to cook and stir until the mixture reaches 235-240°F. I find that using the ice water test is the most reliable way to check this. To do the test, drop a spoonful of the hot caramel into a bowl of ice water. When you take it out, it should be able to roll into a ball.
• Once the caramel is ready, quickly spoon it over the pecan clusters, ensuring that each pecan is well coated. Make sure the caramel touches all the pecans for maximum flavor.
• Allow the clusters to sit and harden for a bit. This usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. You can pop them in the fridge to speed up the process if needed.
• While the caramel is hardening, melt the chocolate chips and vegetable oil together in the microwave at half power. Stir frequently until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Be careful not to overheat.
• Once the caramel has set, it’s time to add the finishing touch! Spoon the melted chocolate over each cluster, covering them generously. You want to make sure every last bit of caramel is encased in chocolate.
• Let the Turtles Candy sit for another 1-2 hours until the chocolate has completely hardened. You can speed up this process by refrigerating them.

Notes

• Tip 1: If the caramels are a bit tough, add a little spoonful of half and half to yield a smoother result.

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