Homemade Turtles Candy is a fast, easy, irresistible 3-ingredient treat perfect for holidays, birthdays, baby showers, game day, and anytime you want to satisfy your sweet tooth!

What is Turtle Candy?

Turtles Candy are a classic found at all chocolate stores, but they’re so easy to make at home. All you need are pecan halves, caramel, and chocolate. 

They get their cute name based on their shape, which look like little turtles with a candy shell.

How To Make Turtle Candy

(For the FULL printable recipe, scroll to the bottom.)

• Toast the pecans. This isn’t required, but I highly recommend it! It really does make a difference in the flavor.
• Arrange your pecan halves in clusters. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and make 18 small mounds, about 5 pecan halves in each one depending on their size. (Overlap the pecans some to reduce gaps, otherwise the caramel will seep through.)
• Melt the caramel. Add the caramels and water to a microwave safe bowl (making sure it’s free of any debris or moisture) and microwave in 30 second increments, stirring each time, until fully melted and stirred together fully. (The first few times you try to stir, it feels impossible, but eventually they do soften and you’ll be able to stir them until smooth. The caramel will be runny when it first comes together, but firms up quite a bit as it cools.)
• Spoon the caramel on top of the pecans. As soon as your caramel is ready, quickly spoon a couple teaspoons of the hot caramel on top of the clusters, making sure each pecan is covered with some caramel. Don’t worry about them being perfect (these are meant to be rustic!), just work quickly before the caramel starts to set up.
• Add the chocolate layer. Let the caramels sit for a bit to harden and then spoon a couple teaspoons of the melted chocolate on top of each turtle.
• Allow the Turtle Candy to firm up at room temp (this will take many hours) or place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or freezer for 15.) For the best taste and texture, serve the turtles at room temperature so nobody cracks a tooth!

Turtle Candy Recipe Variations

There are several ways to make this Turtle Candy recipe, but the most important thing is to keep the combination of pecans, caramel, and chocolate.

• Have a pretzel be the base.
• Use white chocolate instead of milk chocolate.
• Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the melted chocolate for a mocha flair.
• Sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top to finish it off.

How To Store Turtle Chocolate Candy

You can store these turtles in airtight container in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. (Keep them away from warm temperatures or the chocolate will start to melt.)

To freeze Turtle Candy: layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper or wax paper (this will prevent them from sticking together.) Freeze for up to 2 months, then defrost at room temperature before serving.

See, candy making can be super easy! No thermometer or special utensils needed for this Turtle Candy recipe. These make great holiday gifts!

Other Candy recipes to make!

• Old Fashioned Potato Candy
• (See’s Copycat) Polar Bear Paws
• Cream Cheese Mints
• Candied Pecans

I hope you love this delicious and simple recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!