Short Description
Slow Cooker Chocolate Turtles are a delicious homemade treat featuring layers of creamy caramel, crunchy pecans, and rich chocolate. Made easily in a slow cooker, this recipe is perfect for holiday gifts, parties, or whenever you’re craving a sweet indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Requires minimal effort with a hands-off slow cooker method.
- Rich & Decadent – A perfect combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecans.
- Great for Gifting – Homemade candy makes a thoughtful and delicious present.
- Customizable – Easily adjust flavors and toppings to suit your taste.
- No Candy Thermometer Needed – Simple and foolproof!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Milk chocolate chips
- Caramel bits or soft caramel candies
- Heavy cream
- Pecan halves
- Sea salt (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Layer the Ingredients – In a slow cooker, add the chocolate chips, caramel bits, and heavy cream.
- Slow Cook – Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 1-2 hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes until smooth and melted.
- Prepare the Pecans – Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange pecan clusters in small groups.
- Assemble the Turtles – Spoon melted chocolate-caramel mixture over each pecan cluster.
- Garnish & Set – Sprinkle with sea salt if desired, then allow the candies to set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm.
- Serve & Enjoy – Once fully set, enjoy or store for later!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 turtles
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours (slow cooker)
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Dark Chocolate Version – Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.
- Nut-Free Option – Replace pecans with pretzels for a crunchy alternative.
- Extra Gooey – Add an extra drizzle of caramel on top before setting.
- Festive Turtles – Top with crushed peppermint or sprinkles for a holiday twist.
- Salted Caramel – Increase sea salt for a sweet and salty flavor balance.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: If needed, let frozen turtles come to room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, but thick caramel works best to keep the turtles from being too runny.
How do I prevent the chocolate from burning in the slow cooker?
Stir every 20-30 minutes and use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes! Walnuts, almonds, or cashews work well in place of pecans.
How long does it take for the turtles to set?
About 1 hour at room temperature or 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Can I melt the chocolate in the microwave instead?
Yes! Melt in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
Do I need to toast the pecans first?
Toasting pecans enhances their flavor, but it’s optional.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free chocolate and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
How do I make the caramel softer?
Add an extra splash of heavy cream for a softer caramel texture.
What’s the best chocolate for melting?
High-quality chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars melt best.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure your slow cooker has enough space.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Chocolate Turtles are a simple yet decadent homemade candy that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether gifting them or indulging in a sweet treat, this easy recipe delivers rich, caramel-chocolate goodness with minimal effort. Try making a batch today and enjoy every delicious bite!
PrintSlow Cooker Chocolate Turtles
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 turtles 1x
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
These homemade chocolate turtles are a delicious mix of crunchy pecans, gooey caramel, and rich melted chocolate. Made effortlessly in the slow cooker, they’re perfect for holiday treats or gifting!
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 (11 oz) bag caramel bits (or 30 soft caramel candies, unwrapped)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 (12 oz) bag semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable oil (for smooth melting)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pecans: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange pecan halves in small clusters (3-4 nuts per cluster).
- Melt the Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt caramel bits with heavy cream in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle about 1 teaspoon of caramel over each pecan cluster. Let set for 5-10 minutes.
- Slow Cooker Method:
- Add chocolate chips and coconut oil to a slow cooker. Cover and set to LOW for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes until fully melted.
- Assemble the Turtles: Spoon melted chocolate over each caramel-pecan cluster, covering most of the caramel. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
- Set and Enjoy: Let the turtles cool at room temperature or refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Use dark chocolate chips for a less sweet version.
- Try toasting the pecans for extra flavor—bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes before assembling.
- If using a double boiler, melt the chocolate over simmering water instead of a slow cooker.
Nutrition
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
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