For the past 30 years, these homemade turtle candies have brought joy to kitchens and gift boxes alike. With a perfect balance of crunchy toasted pecans, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate, they’re a nostalgic treat that never goes out of style. Whether you’re making them for loved ones or treating yourself, these bite-sized confections are a sweet and satisfying indulgence.

To start, you’ll need just three main ingredients: 12 oz of soft caramels, 6 oz of pecan halves, and 8 oz of semi-sweet chocolate. Begin by toasting the pecans in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until they’re golden and aromatic. Allow them to cool while you melt the caramels, either in the microwave in short intervals or over low heat in a saucepan, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the pecans in small clusters of 3–4, resembling turtle legs. Spoon about a tablespoon of the melted caramel over each cluster and let them rest for 10–15 minutes to set. Once the caramel has firmed up slightly, melt the chocolate using your preferred method and spread about a tablespoon over each cluster, covering the caramel completely.

Let the candies set at room temperature for about an hour, or speed up the process by placing them in the fridge for 20–30 minutes. Once firm, these turtle treats are ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container—at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerated for up to two weeks. Either way, they won’t last long!