Turtle candies are a classic treat, and for good reason! The combination of crunchy pecans, chewy caramel, and rich chocolate is hard to beat. The contrast in textures and the balance of sweet and salty flavors makes them incredibly satisfying.
There are generally two approaches to making turtle candy recipes. Some people like to make their own caramel from scratch, while others prefer simpler recipes that use pre-made caramels to save time. Either way, the end result is delicious!
This article is all about exploring different turtle candy recipes and techniques, so you can find the perfect way to make these delightful treats at home.
What are Turtle Candies?
Turtle candies are delicious little clusters of pecans coated in caramel and chocolate. The name comes from their resemblance to turtles. When you arrange the pecans, they look like the turtle’s legs and head peeking out.
The pecans provide a crunchy, nutty base, and the caramel adds a chewy sweetness. Finally, the chocolate coating brings everything together with a rich, decadent flavor.
Making Homemade Caramel: From Scratch
The secret to making Turtles-worthy caramel is getting the temperature just right. If you don’t, your caramel may be too hard or too soft. Seriously.
Importance of Precise Temperature Control
When you’re making caramel, a few degrees can make all the difference. You’ll want to cook your caramel to between 234°F and 244°F (112°C and 118°C). You’ll want to use a digital thermometer to be sure.
If you don’t cook the caramel long enough, it’ll be too soft. If you cook it too long, it’ll be too hard.
Homemade Caramel Recipe Overview
The ingredients for homemade caramel are pretty simple:
- Sugar
- Butter
- Cream
- Vanilla extract
The process involves combining the ingredients, cooking them to the right temperature, and then letting the mixture cool. Once you’ve mastered that, you’re ready to go on to the pecans and chocolate!
How to assemble traditional turtles
The classic “turtle” shape comes from the way the pecans are arranged to hold the caramel and chocolate. Here’s the traditional method:
- Arrange the pecans. Most recipes call for three pecan halves to form the base of each candy. The flat sides of the pecan halves should be facing up, creating a sort of nest or cup to hold the caramel.
- Add the caramel. Pour or spoon the melted caramel over the pecans, making sure to coat them evenly. Don’t worry if the caramel drips a little – that just adds to the rustic look.
- Coat with chocolate. Dip the caramel-covered pecans into your melted chocolate, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Lift them out with a fork, let the excess chocolate drip off, and place them on a parchment-lined sheet.
- Let the chocolate set. Allow the chocolate to harden completely before serving. You can speed this up by putting them in the refrigerator.
The muffin tin method: A simplified approach
If you’re looking for an easier way to make Turtles, consider using a muffin tin. This method streamlines the process and helps you get the candies made faster.
Benefits of using a muffin tin
The muffin tin method eliminates the need to arrange ingredients in that classic turtle shape, and it helps the caramel spread evenly. Plus, it’s just faster than making them by hand.
Steps for using the muffin tin
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Put some pecans in the bottom of each muffin cup.
- Top the pecans with caramel squares.
- Bake the tin in the oven until the caramel melts and spreads out a bit.
- Remove from oven. Spread melted chocolate over the caramel and pecans.
Now you’ve got a batch of quick, easy Turtles that are perfect for sharing (or not!).
Choosing the Right Chocolate
The type of chocolate you use will have a big impact on the final taste and texture of your turtles.
Best Types of Chocolate for Turtle Candies
- Candy melts or wafers: These are formulated to melt smoothly and easily, making them ideal for coating your turtles. Look for chocolate melting wafers in your local grocery or craft store.
- Chocolate chips: You can use chocolate chips, but you might need to add a little shortening or coconut oil to help them melt smoothly.
- Chopped chocolate: Chopped chocolate is another option, especially if you want a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
Tips for Melting Chocolate
Melting chocolate can be tricky, but here are a few tips to help you get it just right:
- Microwave in short intervals: To avoid overheating and burning the chocolate, microwave it in 15-20 second increments, stirring well between each interval.
- Add shortening or paramount crystals: If your chocolate is a little old or doesn’t seem to be melting smoothly, add a small amount of shortening or paramount crystals. These will help to thin the chocolate and give it a smoother consistency.
Troubleshooting common issues
Even the best bakers run into snags sometimes. Here are some common problems you might face when making turtles and how to fix them.
Chocolate seizing
Chocolate seizes when it gets too hot too quickly, causing the cocoa solids to bind together into a grainy, clumpy mass.
To keep this from happening, stir your chocolate frequently and microwave it in short bursts so it warms up gradually rather than all at once.
Caramel issues
If your caramel comes out too hard, it might mean you didn’t add enough liquid ingredients, or you cooked it at too high a temperature. On the other hand, if your caramel is too soft, you may not have cooked it long enough, or you added too many liquid ingredients.
Variations and Add-ins
The best thing about homemade candy is that you can change it up to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas for customizing your turtle candies:
- Different Nuts: Pecans are traditional, but walnuts, almonds, or cashews would all work well.
- Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate adds a wonderful salty-sweet contrast.
- Extra Toppings: Press a pecan half into the top of each turtle before the chocolate sets for an extra touch.
How to store turtles candy
The best way to keep your turtles candy fresh is in an airtight container. You can refrigerate your turtles for up to four weeks or freeze them for up to two months.
Serving suggestions
For the best flavor and texture, let your turtles sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. This allows the chocolate to soften a bit.
Turtles are a great dessert or snack. You can also add them to a dessert charcuterie board!
Closing Thoughts
Whether you prefer them store-bought or homemade, there’s no denying the appeal of turtles candy. From the classic pecan-caramel-chocolate combination to the many delicious variations, these treats are always a crowd-pleaser.
So, go ahead and try one of these recipes! You might just discover your new favorite way to make turtles.