These chocolate pecan caramel turtles taste even better than store bought candies! They're made with a homemade gooey caramel, layered with crunchy pecans and are coated in rich chocolate. Plus they're completely vegan and made with better for you ingredients.

If you're looking for a fun and simple treat to make this holiday season, these chocolate caramel pecan turtles are for you! Turtles were always one of my favorite candies growing up - the combination of chewy caramel, crunchy pecans and dark chocolate is truly irresistible.

This homemade version tastes just as good as the original but is made with healthier ingredients and skips the added sugars. The best part is that you only need 7 simple ingredients to make them that you probably already have in your pantry.

If you love this, then you need to check out my other chocolate recipes such as Healthy Chocolate Chip Mint Smoothie, Dark Chocolate Covered Blueberries, and Frozen Chocolate Covered Banana Pops.

Ingredients In Homemade Chocolate Turtles

Chocolate Chips - I love using dark chocolate chips but you can also use milk chocolate or any type of chocolate you prefer. Be sure to use vegan chocolate to keep this recipe plant based.
Coconut Oil - I recommend using refined coconut oil as it is more neutral in taste and flavor
Raw Pecans - pecan halves are best for this recipe
Flaky Sea Salt - the perfect topping for these delicious turtles

Homemade Caramel:

Almond Butter - be sure to use creamy almond butter. You can substitute peanut butter if preferred.
Maple Syrup - I use 100% pure maple syrup to avoid any added sugars
Coconut Oil
Vanilla Extract

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in the microwave at 30-second intervals until chocolate melts.
Spoon a small amount of melted chocolate into a circle shapes on your baking sheet (about 15). Press 5 pecan halves onto each circle, then place in the freezer.
Make caramel: stir together all caramel ingredients until smooth. Remove turtles from the freezer and spoon caramel in the center of each group of pecan halves. Freeze for 10mins to set.
Add melted chocolate on top of the caramel. Then place turtles in the freezer until chocolate has hardened. Sprinkle flakey salt on top of each turtle and enjoy!

Equipment

Baking sheet
Parchment parchment
Microwave-safe bowl

How To Store Chocolate Pecan Caramel Turtles

I love storing these homemade turtles in the freezer! To freeze, place turtles in an airtight container in the freezer and let thaw at room temperature 30 mins before enjoying. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. You can also store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

3 Top Tips for Success

Toast pecans - to make extra crisp pecans and give your caramel turtle recipe a richer nutty flavor, toast pecans at 350F for about 8 minutes, tossing half way.
Freeze until set - as tempting as it is to dive right in, be sure you allow your turtles to set completely before enjoying. This ensures that your chocolate is hardened and that your turtles will hold together beautifully.
Be sure to use parchment paper - this will make removing the turtles from your baking tray so much easier once prepared.

FAQs

Can I use premade caramel sauce?

Yes definitely! I love making these turtles with my homemade caramel mixture, but you can also use store bought caramel sauce or even melt caramel candies instead.

Can I make these turtles in advance?

Yes! These homemade turtle candies are the perfect treats to prep in advance and freeze for later. Simply store in an airtight container in the freezer and let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I customize this pecan turtle recipe?

These dark chocolate turtles are so easy to customize and make your own! Some variations include adding drizzled white chocolate on top, switching up the nuts, or adding shredded coconut for a tropical twist.

📖 Recipe