Easy Christmas Pecan Turtles

ByDeShawn Ellis
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Easy Christmas Pecan Turtles

introduction

Easy Christmas Pecan Turtles are a delightful treat that brings joy to the holiday season. These yummy candies combine the sweetness of caramel, the crunch of pecans, and the richness of chocolate. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying yourself.

why make this recipe

Making Easy Christmas Pecan Turtles is a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays. They are simple to make and only require a few ingredients. This recipe is great for gift-giving or adding a sweet touch to your holiday dessert table. Plus, the combination of flavors is sure to impress everyone!

how to make Easy Christmas Pecan Turtles

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 1 cup soft caramel candies
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • Sea salt (optional)

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Pecan Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan halves in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until they are fragrant. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

  2. Make Caramel: In a small saucepan, melt the caramel candies with the milk over low heat. Stir until smooth and combined.

  3. Assemble the Turtles: On a silicone baking mat or parchment paper, place clusters of pecan halves. Drizzle a spoonful of melted caramel over each cluster.

  4. Add Chocolate: Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler. Spoon melted chocolate over the caramel on the pecan clusters.

  5. Add Sea Salt (Optional): If you like a sweet and salty combination, sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt on top of the chocolate.

  6. Chill: Let the turtles cool and set at room temperature or place them in the fridge for 15–20 minutes until the chocolate hardens.

how to serve Easy Christmas Pecan Turtles

Easy Christmas Pecan Turtles can be served directly on a festive plate. You can place them in small paper cups for a lovely presentation. These candies are also wonderful as part of a holiday gift basket or as party favors.

how to store Easy Christmas Pecan Turtles

Store your Easy Christmas Pecan Turtles in an airtight container. Keep them in a cool, dry place. They can last for up to two weeks, but we bet you will eat them before then!

tips to make Easy Christmas Pecan Turtles

  • Use fresh pecans for better flavor and crunch.
  • Make sure the caramel is soft enough to drizzle but not too hot to melt the chocolate.
  • Allow the chocolate to set fully at room temperature for the best texture.

variation

You can add different nuts like almonds or walnuts instead of pecans. You can also use white chocolate or dark chocolate for a different taste. Adding a dash of peppermint extract can give a fun holiday twist!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce if you prefer convenience. Just warm it up slightly to make it easier to drizzle.

Can I freeze Easy Christmas Pecan Turtles?
Yes! You can freeze the turtles in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

What can I use instead of pecans?
You can use any nut you like! Almonds, cashews, or walnuts work well too. Just make sure they’re in halves or pieces for best results.

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Easy Christmas Pecan Turtles

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 turtles 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Delightful treats combining caramel, pecans, and chocolate, perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 1 cup soft caramel candies
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • Sea salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and toast pecan halves on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes.
  2. In a small saucepan, melt caramel candies with milk over low heat until smooth.
  3. On a silicone mat or parchment paper, place clusters of pecan halves and drizzle melted caramel over each.
  4. Melt chocolate chips and spoon over the caramel on the pecan clusters.
  5. Sprinkle sea salt on top if desired.
  6. Let the turtles cool to room temperature or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes until chocolate hardens.

Notes

Use fresh pecans for better flavor and ensure the caramel is soft enough to drizzle.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 turtles
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: Christmas, holiday treats, candies, pecans, cookies

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Hey, I’m DeShawn Ellis—friends call me D. I’m 42 years old, born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, and now I’m holding it down in Atlanta, Georgia, where I run a soul food kitchen that’s as much about storytelling as it is about the food. Cooking isn’t just what I do it’s who I am. It’s how I honor where I come from, and how I speak love into the world.

My earliest memories are in my grandma’s kitchen barefoot on a step stool, stirring roux while she told me stories about her own mama, who used to cook for church fish fries back in the ’50s. That kitchen was my school. That woman was my first chef. She never measured a thing, but everything came out perfect. She taught me that food could heal, could gather people, could celebrate and comfort at the same time.

I didn’t come up through culinary school I came up through Sunday dinners, community cookouts, and elbow grease. I worked every back-of-house job you can think of, from janitor to pitmaster. Over time, I built my own rhythm in the kitchen deeply rooted in Southern Black tradition but open to everything. My oxtails have a splash of Caribbean heat. My collards might get kissed with smoked paprika and a dash of coconut vinegar. And yeah, I’ll put Cajun spice on anything that holds still long enough.

What drives me most is making food that feels like a hug from home. I want folks to taste a dish and remember their auntie's kitchen, or a summer evening on the porch, or that one bite that made them feel seen. But I also want to evolve because our food, our culture, is not stuck in the past. It’s growing, remixing, finding new voices. I’m proud to be one of them.

I cook for people who love food with a story behind it. You don’t need fancy tools or a French accent to make magic you just need heart, hustle, and a little bit of fire. If you’ve ever cooked with love, failed with style, or fed someone just to see them smile, then we’re already family.

Welcome to my kitchen. Let’s build something beautiful one bite at a time.

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