Christmas Pecan Turtles Recipe

Introduction

Christmas Pecan Turtles are a delightful treat combining toasted pecans, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate, topped with a hint of sea salt. These bite-sized sweets are perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting, offering a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole pecans
• 14 oz caramel candies
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ tsp sea salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Spread the pecans in a single layer on the baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 8-10 minutes, until fragrant. Let them cool slightly.
3. Step 3: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the caramel candies with a splash of water, heating in 30-second bursts and stirring until smooth.
4. Step 4: Form small mounds of the toasted pecans on the prepared baking sheet, then spoon the melted caramel over each mound.
5. Step 5: Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave using the same method, then drizzle the chocolate over each caramel-covered pecan cluster.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle sea salt over the warm chocolate before it sets. Allow the turtles to cool completely before serving or packaging.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, try incorporating a few drops of vanilla or almond extract into the melted caramel.
• Experiment with different nuts like almonds or walnuts for a unique twist on the classic turtles.
• Use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a richer, less sweet flavor profile.

Storage

Store your pecan turtles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If your home is warm, consider refrigerating them to prevent melting. To reheat slightly and soften the caramel, warm them in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of caramel candies?

Yes, you can substitute melted caramel sauce for the candies, but adjust the amount to avoid overly sticky turtles. Start with about ¾ cup and add more as needed to coat the pecans.

How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking once it sets?

Use high-quality chocolate and avoid exposing the turtles to extreme temperature changes. Allow them to cool and set at room temperature, and store them in a cool, dry place to maintain smooth chocolate.

Christmas Pecan Turtles Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 123 reviews

Delightfully sweet and nutty Christmas Pecan Turtles combine toasted pecans, rich caramel, and silky chocolate drizzled with sea salt for the perfect festive treat. These bite-sized confections bring crunchy, chewy, and smooth textures together in a simple no-bake dessert that’s sure to impress during the holidays.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20–24 turtles 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Nut Base

• 1 cup whole pecans

Caramel Layer

• 14 oz caramel candies
• Splash of water (for melting)

Chocolate Topping

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ tsp sea salt

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Toast the pecans: Spread the whole pecans evenly in a single layer on the baking sheet, then toast them in the oven for 8-10 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned. Let them cool slightly to handle safely.
3. Melt the caramel: Place the caramel candies in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water. Microwave in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until the caramel becomes smooth and melted.
4. Assemble pecan clusters: Form small mounds or clusters of the toasted pecans on the lined baking sheet. Spoon the melted caramel generously over each cluster to bind the nuts together.
5. Melt the chocolate: Using the same microwave method, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring until smooth and glossy.
6. Drizzle chocolate and salt: Drizzle the melted chocolate over each caramel-covered pecan mound, then sprinkle sea salt over the warm chocolate before it sets to enhance flavor contrast.
7. Cool and set: Allow the turtles to cool completely at room temperature so the caramel firms up and the chocolate solidifies, creating a perfectly textured candy ready to enjoy or package.

Notes

• For added flavor, consider adding flavored extracts such as vanilla or almond to the caramel.
• Try substituting pecans with other nuts like almonds or walnuts for variety.
• Store the pecan turtles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain freshness.
• Be careful not to over-toast the pecans as they can become bitter if burnt.
• Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking when assembling the turtles.

Keywords: Christmas pecan turtles, holiday treats, caramel nut clusters, festive desserts, easy no-bake candies