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    Home » caramel

    Oven method for easy caramel pecan turtles

    Published: Dec 16, 2021 · Modified: Jan 17, 2023 by Hannah · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    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
      

    • 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!

    Easy Caramel Pecan Turtles

    Print Recipe

    Ingredients
      

    • Pecan halves
    • caramel squares
    • dark chocolate
    • sea salt

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350F
    • Place pecans in a baking dish, making sure the depth of the pecan layer is at least 1" deep.
    • Place ½" x ½" pieces of caramel 2 inches apart on pecans.
    • Bake in oven for 2-3 minutes. DO NOT OVERBAKE.
    • Cool completely. in fridge. This is a good time to temper your chocolate.
    • Top with chocolate, sprinkle with sea salt.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Hi, I'm Hannah! Candy obsessed and making everyone else that way too. I've spent over a decade in the candy industry, inventing sweets and snacks for the grocery store shelves. Now I'm showing you exactly how to make those top rated candies right out of your home kitchen. I want others to realize you can make real candy at home, really easily!

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