Now you can make turtle candies anytime of the year using our simple 4-ingredient recipe. Share this holiday treat with those you love!
We’re on a roll with these candy recipes. On Friday, we shared saltine cracker candy. Before that, it was Kim’s peanut butter balls. Today, we’re sharing these adorable pecan clusters. Decadent chocolate, chewy caramel, and buttery pecans take center stage in this 4-ingredient recipe.
I know you won’t be disappointed with this candy, because it’s simple and delicious. Which, is pretty much everyone’s favorite combination, am I right? Not only is it great for Christmas, but turtles are also a wonderful gift for Valentine’s Day!
We make them right along with other sweet treats like Valentine’s Rice Krispie Treats, Chocolate Caramel Pretzels, Instant Pot Lava Cakes, and red velvet truffles. So, without further adieu, let’s get started!
How to make homemade turtle candies with caramels:
First, grab a large (at least 9×13-inch) sheet pan and line it with parchment paper.
After that, divide the pecans into small clusters (4-5 each) and place them on the parchment paper.
Next, in a medium mixing bowl, combine the caramels and water. Place the bowl into your microwave.
Using the high setting, melt the caramels. Stir the mixture every 10-20 seconds to prevent burning.
It should only take about 2-3 minutes to complete this step.
Afterward, place 2 teaspoons of melted caramel on top of each pecan cluster.
Then, once the caramel has cooled, grab another clean mixing bowl and melt the chocolate (stirring every 10-20 seconds).
Now, once the chocolate has completely melted, place 2 teaspoons of it on top of the caramel.
Last, let the chocolate pecan clusters cool completely before serving.
That’s it, your homemade turtle candies are done! Kim and I hope you enjoy them and wish you all the best 🙂
Recipe Tips & FAQ’s:
- Keep an eye on the caramel and chocolate while melting them the microwave. Stir the ingredients every 10-15 seconds to prevent them from scorching.
- You don’t have to use pecans. In fact, you can use walnuts, cashews, or peanuts for your homemade turtles.
- If you don’t have access to melting wafers, you can use semi-sweet chocolate chips in a pinch.
Can I freeze turtle candies?
How long do turtle candies last?
Other Sweet Recipes You May Love:
Don’t forget to check out our Turtle Candies web story!
Turtle Candies

Now you can make turtle candies anytime of the year using our simple 4-ingredient recipe. Share this holiday treat with those you love!
Ingredients
- 8 Ounces Pecan Halves
- 12 Ounces Caramel Squares
- 1 Tablespoon Water
- 12 Ounces Semi-Sweet or Dark Chocolate (We used Ghirardelli melting wafers.)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use the pecans to make about 22-24 mounds on the baking sheet. There should be 5-6 pecans in each mound.
- Place the caramels in a microwave safe bowl with the tablespoon of water. Microwave for 2-4 minutes, while stirring every 15-20 seconds, until the caramel is completely melted and smooth.
- Scoop 2 teaspoons of caramel over each mound of pecans, and allow it to cool before adding the chocolate.
- In a medium microwave bowl, melt the chocolate by microwaving for 2-3 minutes while stirring every 15-20 seconds. Spoon about 2 teaspoons of the melted chocolate over the caramel, and allow to set before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
Notes
*The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients listed on the recipe card and a serving size of 1-chocolate caramel turtle. Actual calories will vary.
*For more information and tips, please refer to the post.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
24Serving Size:
1 CandyAmount Per Serving: Calories: 210Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 32mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 2gSugar: 13gProtein: 2g
*The calories are an estimate and are based on the ingredients and serving size listed. The calories can vary depending on the brand of product purchased.