Turtle Candies

Name: Turtle Candies
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 dozen.
Ingredients: 1 pound pecan halves, toasted; 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk; 3/4 cup light corn syrup; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/3 cup packed brown sugar; 1/4 cup butter, cubed; 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 pound milk chocolate candy coating, chopped

I am a self-taught candy maker through trial and error. These turtles are a favorite of friends and family.—Carole Wiese, New Berlin, Wisconsin

Ingredients

1 pound pecan halves, toasted
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 pound milk chocolate candy coating, chopped

Directions

On waxed paper-lined baking sheets, arrange pecans in small clusters of four to five pecans each.
For caramel, in a small saucepan, combine the milk, corn syrup and sugars. Cook and stir over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 238° (soft-ball stage). Remove from the heat. Stir in butter and vanilla. Working quickly, spoon caramel onto pecan clusters. Let stand until set.
In a microwave, melt candy coating; stir until smooth. Spoon over caramel. Chill for 10 minutes or until set. Store in an airtight container.

Editor's Note

We recommend that you test your candy thermometer before each use by bringing water to a boil; the thermometer should read 212°. Adjust your recipe temperature up or down based on your test.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 171 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 20mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.

Originally published as Pecan Caramel Turtles in Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook 2009

Reviews

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Average Rating:

mastertech4

Jan 18, 2015

Absolutely the best turtles I have ever tasted. The caramel in these is decadent, incredibly rich & smooth, & so EASY to make. I have paid $20 a lb. for turtles that were not this good.I used aluminum foil lined cookie sheets & spray oil & the turtles came off perfectly. This honestly couldn't be easier.
Chefntrng

Dec 24, 2013

This is a great recipe. The candy is amazing. Thank you for sharing
Cooking4Rob

Dec 22, 2013

Very good. Pretty easy to make. I will be making them again for Christmas gifts this year. Only complaint is they stuck to the paper like crazy!! Will butter the paper this time per my mom's advice and we'll see how it goes!
holly loussaert

Oct 27, 2013

The caramel was perfect. I can't wait to make them again.
postman215

Dec 20, 2011

Shoul read 3 or 4 years worth of Christmas boxes
postman215

Dec 20, 2011

I have made this candy for three or four Christmas gift boxes. It is the most requested of all the candies that I make
s_pants

May 8, 2011

So much better than store-bought turtles!
Christine1913

Dec 23, 2010

This was a very easy recipe to follow. The taste was incredibly good. I just would like to know how to make a bottom for the turtles so that the caramel and nuts are enclosed. Even after chilling them, mine sorta fell apart when eating them because there was no bottom. I will definitely be making this again.