This easy homemade chocolate turtles recipe is made with crisp pecans, chewy caramel and creamy chocolate with flake sea salt on top.

Chocolate turtles made with toasted pecans, soft caramel, and melted chocolate arranged on a white plate.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read disclosure policy.

Chocolate Turtles Recipe

These homemade chocolate turtles taste just like the ones you’d find in a fancy candy shop. With crunchy pecans, soft chewy caramel, rich chocolate, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, every bite has the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and chocolatey goodness.

This recipe is made with just 4 simple ingredients and come together in minutes, making them an easy holiday treat for sharing. If you love Christmas candy, be sure to check out my homemade toffee, Christmas crack toffee and caramel candy recipe, too.

Ingredient Notes

Chocolate turtle ingredients on marble counter.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Pecan halves: To give them a boost of flavor, toast them in a skillet over medium heat for a minute.
  • Caramels: I like to use Kraft caramels (the bits work great too) or Werthers. If I’m really splurging I prefer to use Peter’s.
  • Heavy cream: Just need a little splash to help the caramel melt nicely.
  • Semi-sweet chocolate: Using chocolate chips or melting wafers.

How to Make Chocolate Turtles

Showing how to make chocolate turtles in a collage.
  1. Pile. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then pile 3 to 5 pecans together to make pecan clusters.
  2. Melt. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the caramel with heavy cream for 1 minute. Stir until smooth, then microwave for another 30 seconds if needed. If you need to thin it out a bit, add in another Tablespoon of cream. Then let cool for 1 minute.
  3. Pour. Drizzle about 1 to 2 teaspoons of caramel on top of each cluster. Then allow to set.
  4. Melt. Melt the chocolate in a double broiler or place in the microwave for 1 minute. Stir until smooth, then microwave for another 15 seconds if needed. Let cool for 1 minute. Pour about a teaspoon of chocolate on top of the caramel.
Close-up of pecan turtle candies topped with caramel and smooth chocolate.

Expert Tips

I have been making this chocolate turtles recipe for years and here are my best tips:

  • Toast the pecans in a skillet for a minute or two to get a more toasted taste.
  • Don’t forget the maldon flake salt adds (it’s the best) on top.
  • Be careful not to overcook the caramel. It can burn easily.
  • Use a gourmet caramel like Peters caramel. You could also make your own as well using my microwave caramel recipe or homemade caramels.
Chocolate pecan turtles stacked on a plate showing the caramel and nut layers.

If you love baking with pecans, don’t miss my recipe for chocolate pecan pie, Mexican wedding cookies, pecan pie bars or these candied pecans.

More Dessert Recipes

See all
See all
Chocolate turtles topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, showing layers of pecans, caramel, and chocolate.

Chocolate Turtles Recipe

5 from 41 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 16
This easy homemade chocolate turtles recipe is made with crisp pecans, chewy caramel and creamy chocolate with flake sea salt on top.
Print Pin This! Rate

Video

Ingredients 

  • 4 ounces pecan halves
  • 8 ounces caramels , I prefer Krafts or Peters
  • 1 Tablespoon heavy cream
  • 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate melting wafers , or chopped chocolate
  • flake sea salt

Instructions

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pile 3-5 pecans together into a cluster.
  • Melt the caramel with the heavy cream in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Microwave an additional 30 seconds if needed. Add another Tablespoon of cream if needed to thin it out. Allow to cool for 1 minute.
  • Pour about 1-2 teaspoons of caramel over each cluster. Then allow to set.
  • Melt the chocolate in a double broiler or in the microwave for 1 minute. Stir until smooth. Microwave an additonal 15 seconds if needed. Allow to cool for 1 minute. Pour about a teaspoon of chocolate over top of the caramel.
  • Allow to cool for 1-2 minutes and then sprinkle the sea salt over top.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Toasted pecans: Feel free to toast the pecans in a skillet or roast in the oven for a minute or two to get a more toasted taste.
Storage: Place in an airtight container and store at room temp for up to 3 weeks.
To freeze: Add to a freezer container with a piece of wax paper in between each layer. Store in freezer for up to 3 months. Let come to room temperature before serving.
Serving size: Makes about 16-24 turtles, depending how large you make the clusters.

Nutrition

Calories: 168kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 3mg, Sodium: 36mg, Potassium: 120mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 13g, Vitamin A: 29IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 31mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are chocolate turtles called “turtles”?

The name comes from the original candy makers who noticed the pecan-and-caramel clusters looked like little turtles with chocolate “shells.”

How long will it take to melt the caramels?

About 1 minute in the microwave, stirring halfway. Continue heating in 20-second increments until smooth.

What does chocolate turtle taste like?

They’re the perfect mix of sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy. The toasted pecans add a nutty snap, the caramel is soft and stretchy, and the chocolate ties everything together.

How long do chocolate turtles stay fresh?

They keep well at room temperature for about 3 weeks, or you can freeze them for 2–3 months.