Oven method for easy caramel pecan turtles

In the candy industry, caramel pecan turtles are made all sorts of different ways.   Slabbing, small cuts, depositing on warm nuts, using liquid caramel... it's really company specific.  The oven method is the best way for making turtles at home.

Something not done a lot in the candy industry?  Calling them turtles.  It's trademarked by a one company and no one else is allowed to use it!

Caramel pecan turtles are a classic confection, just like these chocolate covered cherry cordials , smoked almond toffee, and chocolate caramel squares.

Ingredients- caramel pecan turtles

• Pecans
  • I used pecan halves.  You can use pieces, but stay away from really small diced pecans.
• Caramel
  • I highly recommend making your own, and my recipe is shown below.  If you want to use store bought (Kraft squares or Werthers), go for it!
• Dark Chocolate
  • Dark balances out the pecans better, but milk or white chocolate is great too!
• Sea Salt
  • Personal preference, makes it pretty,  but you can leave off.

Equipment

• 9" X 13" sheet pan or casserole dish (a larger size will also work)
• oven
• knife
• bowl for melting chocolate
  • spoon or piping bag if drizzling over the top
  • dipping fork if fully covering in chocolate

Instructions- caramel pecan turtles

• Layering pecans
  • Make sure you do MORE than a single layer.  You want them about an inch deep. This makes sure the caramel will not stick to the bottom of the baking sheet and you can easily lift the turtles out.
• Placing caramel
  • ½" squares should be around 2 inches apart in all directions.  It's going to spread.
• Heating in oven
  • Don't forget about them! The caramel will keep flowing.
• Cooling down
  • Pop them in the fridge or cool until completely solid again.
• Topping with chocolate
  • I like to top mine, but you can also fully dip in chocolate.  I temper my chocolate while the caramel is cooling down.
• Reusing pecans
  • Reuse those pecans for the next round! Always make sure the pecan layer is at least 1" deep.

Storage and shelf life

Caramel pecan turtles should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The shelf life of partially covered turtles is around 2 months while fully dipped in chocolate turtles will last around 4 months.

Video instructions

Caramel for chocolate covered squares

Caramel that will hold it's shape when cut for dipping into chocolate.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Resting Time 12 hours hrs

Course Dessert

Servings 100 squares

Equipment

• thick bottomed heavy duty pot
• high heat spatula
• candy thermometer
• 9 x 13 sheet pan with edges

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 680 grams evaporated milk ( 2, 12 ounce cans)
• 480 grams heavy cream
• 600 grams white sugar
• 100 grams brown sugar
• 8 grams salt
• 170 grams unsalted butter
• 570 grams corn syrup
• 3 grams sunflower or soy lecithin liquid

Instructions

 

• Add all ingredients except corn syrup to a large, thick bottomed pot.
• Cook over medium high heat with constant stirring until mixture reaches 230F.
• Stream in corn syrup while caramel boils.
• Continue cooking and stirring until mixture reaches 243F.
• Pour into prepared pan. Cool to touch.
• Top with parchment. Cover with foil. Let sit for 12-24 hours.
• Cut into 1" by 1" squares. Dip in chocolate.

Keyword caramel, chocolate, holiday food, homemade gift

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!