Crockpot Turtle Candy
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This 5 ingredient crockpot turtle candy is a chocolatey dessert full of crunch from the nuts and a sweet, chewy texture from the caramel. Turtle candy is so easy to make, and it is a stackable treat all year round or perfect for gift-giving this holiday season.
You might also know these as caramel pecan clusters. No matter the name, these chocolate caramel bites are a dream come true. Pecans, chocolate, and caramel are all wrapped into one treat.
I am a sucker for candy recipes. If you want more recipes to test in your kitchen, let me share some of my favorites. Try out this easy cinnamon rock candy recipe. These pretzel hugs are super popular, as are these saltine crack toffee!
If you enjoy fudge, you might want to check out my hot cocoa fudge or cookie dough fudge, which is a great holiday gift, and this peppermint fudge recipe.
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Ingredients for Crockpot Turtle Candy
See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all ingredients and quantities.
Chocolate Chips – You can use milk chocolate, semi-sweet, etc. Quality chocolate is key.
Chocolate Almond Bark – Chop up the almond bark.
Pecans – Chopped pecans are what you will want for this recipe.
Salted Peanuts – The salt enhances all the flavors of this caramel chocolate treat.
Caramels – Use unwrapped soft caramels to place in the center of the chocolate mixture.
Substitutions and Variations
- Candy melts can be used to replace the almond bark.
- Swap pecans to almonds, cashews, pistachios, or even walnuts.
- Swap the peanuts with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or another type of nut.
- At the end, mix in marshmallows for a chewy option. Do this right before scooping and shaping to prevent the marshmallows from melting.
- Add festive sprinkles on the turtle clusters for a fun festive look.
- Mix in some shredded coconut flakes for a chewy texture.
- Dried fruit: cranberries, blueberries, and other fruits can be mixed in.
NOTE: This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations
How to Make Crockpot Turtle Candy
Step 1: Add your chocolate chips, chocolate bark, pecans, and peanuts to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Cover and cook on low as directed. Stir every 20 minutes or so, until the chocolate is completely melted.
Step 3: Use a cookie scoop to place a mound of the chocolate mixture on a prepared baking sheet. Do one cluster at a time.
Step 4: Place a caramel in the center of the chocolate nut mixture, and then add another scoop to cover the caramel.
Step 5: Repeat until all your clusters are made. Then, let cool and set up at room temperature for a few hours.
Tips and Tricks
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone mat to ensure a non-stick surface for the turtle candy.
You must stir the chocolate every 15-20 minutes, or it can cause your chocolate to burn.
Use the cookie scoop to lightly press the chocolate around the caramel to ensure that it is coated in chocolate and hidden.
Lightly tapping the tray on the counter will help the chocolate settle better. I do this after I make a few clusters so they are tapped before the chocolate begins to set.
Work quickly, as the chocolate will set up quickly once on the tray.
How to Store and Freeze
You can store your crockpot turtle candy in an airtight container for up to two weeks at room temperature or a month in the fridge. If you go to stack, I recommend placing a layer of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
You can also freeze your candy for up to 3 months. Freeze in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container. Then, let it thaw on the counter or fridge before serving.
Recipe FAQs
You can melt the chocolate with the nuts in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. Then, you can scoop and assemble the candy similarly. If you microwave the chocolate, heat it for 20-second intervals, then stir between each heat cycle.
The clusters will take around two hours to be fully set up. You want to ensure they are fully set before you pick them up to store them, or you risk them breaking apart.
Feel free to leave the caramels in the center if you want. You are more than welcome to make more of a nut cluster.
More Tasty Crockpot Candies
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Crockpot Turtle Candy
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Ingredients
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 2 cups chocolate almond bark chopped
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
- 1 ½ cups salted peanuts
- 33 soft caramels unwrapped
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a 4 quart slow cooker, add the 2 cups chocolate chips, chopped 2 cups chocolate almond bark,1 ½ cups chopped pecans, and 1 ½ cups salted peanuts.
- Place the cover on the slow cooker and cook on low for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. Stir every 20 minutes or so until the chocolate is completely melted.
- Once the chocolate is melted, turn the slow cooker off. Stir to make sure all of the nuts are coated with chocolate.
- Using a small cookie scoop (2 teaspoons), scoop the chocolate/nut mixture, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Place one piece of caramel in the center of the chocolate/nut cluster.
- Scoop another 2 teaspoons of chocolate/nut mixture and place on top of the caramel. Gently press down to coat the caramel.
- Give the clusters a few gentle taps on the counter to settle the chocolate.
- Allow the clusters to set for 2 hours or preferably overnight.
- Place in an airtight container at room temperature if your kitchen runs on the cooler side or in the fridge.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
(Nutrition facts are an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietitian for special diet advice.)
