Christmas Pecan Turtles Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://islawhite.com/christmas-pecan-turtles-recipe/
