• Home
  • About
    • Work With Me
    • Press
    • Site Policies
  • Recipes
  • FAQ
  • Contact
    • Blog Lovin
    • Facebook
    • Google+
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

The Comfort Kitchen

Simple. Seasonal. Delicious.

  • Starters
    • Breads
    • Crostini and Bruschetta
    • Dips and Salsas
    • Hearty
    • Light
    • Sweet
    • Truffles and Little Bites
  • Mains
    • By Ingredient
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Lamb
      • Pasta
      • Pork
      • Seafood
      • Turkey
      • Vegetarian
    • By Type
      • Breakfast
      • Diabetic Friendly
      • Light and Healthy
      • Pizza
      • Salads
      • Sandwiches and Burgers
      • Slow Cooker
      • Soups, Stews and Chilis
      • Vegetarian
  • Breakfast
    • Breakfast Breads
    • Breakfast Sandwiches
    • Cinnamon Rolls
    • Coffee Cakes
    • Donuts
    • Granola and Fruit
    • Pancakes and French Toast
    • Pastries
    • Muffins and Scones
  • Sides
    • Beans
    • Breads, Stuffing and Rolls
    • Pasta
    • Potatoes
    • Rice and Risotto
    • Salads
    • Salsas and Sauces
    • Vegetables
  • Sweets
    • Breads and Bread Pudding
    • Brownies and Bars
    • Cakes
    • Candy
    • Cobblers and Crisps
    • Cookies
    • Cupcakes
    • Frozen Treats
    • Mug Cakes, Cookies & Small Batch Desserts
    • Pastries & Crêpes
    • Pies
    • Puddings and Mousse
    • Soufflé and Creme Brûlée
    • Tarts
    • Truffles and Little Bites
  • Drinks
    • Alcoholic
    • Non-Alcoholic

Welcome! Looking for a recipe?

Candy Gifts from the Kitchen Starters Sweet Sweets

Chocolate, Caramel and Walnut Turtles

1

How old were you when you stopped receiving Easter baskets? I’m proud to say I was 18, and not an Easter goes by where I don’t miss those hollow chocolate bunnies, Peeps, little nail polishes and a $20 bill tucked into the fake grass. The thing I love about being all grown up now, though, is that I know how to make my own Easter candy!

Walnuts

Chocolate turtles are one of my favorite sweet treats ever. The creamy caramel mixed with crunchy pecans (or in this case, walnuts), coated with a sweet, decadent layer of milk chocolate… mmm! Against turtles I am powerless.

Chocolate Turtles Recipe

They’re actually pretty simple to make, too. Just arrange the nuts on a baking sheet, make your caramel and pour it over. Wait while it hardens a little, then drip a tablespoon of melted chocolate over each little cluster. Once the candy is set, you’re ready to munch away!

Caramel Walnut Turtles

If you prefer pecans, use pecans. If you prefer dark chocolate, go right ahead. Make them to your taste! Sprinkle on some fleur de sel, melt them and serve them over ice cream, give them away to friends and family (if you have the self control). Or do like I do, and share with no one! Just kidding. I gave my husband a bite.

Craving more? Keep in touch on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for new post updates and more. You can also check out my FAQ page, or contact me with any questions or inquiries!

Print Recipe

Chocolate, Caramel and Walnut Turtles

Yield: Makes about 35 turtles

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons butter, cut up, plus more for pans

3/4 pound walnut halves (about 3 1/2 cups), toasted

1 cup evaporated milk

1 cup light corn syrup

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 pound semisweet chocolate, chopped

1 tablespoon vegetable shortening (recommended: Crisco)

Equipment needed:

Candy thermometer

Directions:

Generously butter 2 baking sheets. On the baking sheets, arrange the nut halves in snowflake-shaped clusters, leaving 2 inches of space between each.

In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of the evaporated milk, the corn syrup, and sugar and bring to a boil. Add the remaining 1/2 cup evaporated milk and the 4 tablespoons butter, and cook, stirring constantly, until it reaches the soft ball stage (as noted on thermometer), 240 degrees F. Stir in the vanilla and remove from the heat. Let cool to 200 degrees F.

Using a tablespoon, spoon caramel on top of each nut cluster and let harden. (If the caramel becomes too stiff to pour, return to low heat, and cook, stirring constantly, until it returns to the proper consistency.)

To make the chocolate coating, in the top of a double boiler or in a metal bowl set over barely simmering water, combine 6 ounces of the chocolate and the shortening. Melt over low heat, stirring, until it reaches 116 to 118 degrees F, or feels fairly warm but not hot to the touch.

Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 ounces of chocolate. Continue stirring until the chocolate reaches 80 degrees F or feels cool to the touch. Return to low heat and cook, stirring, until the temperature rises to 85 to 87 degrees F, or feels barely cool. Remove from the heat.

Drizzle 1 tablespoon of tempered chocolate over each cluster. Set aside in a cool place to harden. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, with waxed paper separating the layers to prevent sticking.

Enjoy!

Adapted from Emeril Lagasse via FoodNetwork.com

Shares 0


45 Comments

« Lemon Cupcakes with Limoncello-Cream Cheese Frosting
Homemade Vanilla-Honey Peanut Butter »

Comments

  1. thecompletecookbook says

    April 22, 2011 at 11:20 am

    I loved the your last line before the recipe:
    “Or do like I do, and share with no one! Just kidding. I gave my husband a bite.”
    After seeing these turtles, it’s easy to understand why.
    :-) Mandy

  2. Jenn says

    April 22, 2011 at 1:14 pm

    I think the only reason my mom still doesn’t do an Easter basket for me is because I live in a different state!!! LOL
    LOVE the turtles…when I was a kid, my mom had this client (she’s a tax accountant) who would bring her a box of turtles every year he came to have his taxes done. I used to think they were so gross….then I actually tried one :) YUM!

  3. Angie's Recipes says

    April 22, 2011 at 1:33 pm

    Those chocolate turtles look so amazing!

  4. Blog is the New Black says

    April 22, 2011 at 1:36 pm

    Gorgeous pics, great recipe!

  5. Nicole@HeatOvenTo350 says

    April 22, 2011 at 2:22 pm

    My mom still sent me Easter baskets (boxes) when I was in college, lucky girl that I am. Now I buy/make myself Easter treats which is still pretty fun in my mind. These turtles are so beautiful, and so simple. I love it.

  6. Katrina {In Katrina's Kitchen} says

    April 22, 2011 at 2:48 pm

    Oh yes please! I will take an order to go! I would pay good money for a batch of these!! Thanks for sharing! ♥- Katrina

  7. My Wooden Spoon says

    April 22, 2011 at 3:24 pm

    Oh my goodness, these look amazing. Can’t wait to try them myself!

  8. Dana @MyCherryPie says

    April 22, 2011 at 5:00 pm

    These look amazing and sound so simple. I’ve bookmarked them for the near future!

  9. Reeni says

    April 22, 2011 at 5:23 pm

    What lovely little treats! My family would love these homemade goodies for Easter. We used to get nail polish in our baskets too. Happy Easter!

  10. Pam says

    April 22, 2011 at 5:56 pm

    I am afraid that I would eat the whole batch if I made these tasty treats. Mmmmmmm.

  11. Sinful Sundays says

    April 22, 2011 at 7:05 pm

    Everything you make always looks so dainty and prettyful. These look great! :)

  12. Nami @ Just One Cookbook says

    April 22, 2011 at 8:34 pm

    Hi Georgia! I didn’t know this sweets are called Turtles, but this has to be one of my top3 sweets (and I didn’t even know the name)! Plus, I didn’t know it’s so easy to make. It gets too dangerous if it’s easy to make…but thanks for sharing. I need one with dark chocolate. Happy Easter!

  13. Lindsey says

    April 22, 2011 at 8:43 pm

    Oh yummy!! I wish I could wake up to an Easter basket full of these goodies. :) Can’t wait to try them!

  14. Stephanie says

    April 22, 2011 at 8:51 pm

    I’ve never had a homemade turtle, but I can only imagine how delicious they are! Yours look sooo good!

  15. marla says

    April 22, 2011 at 9:18 pm

    Georgia, sounds like you have more than made up for those store bought Easter baskets. Taking control over your own candy stash is a fun thing to do! Happy Easter to you and your family. I hope that bunny still brings you a surprise :) xo

  16. Artizone says

    April 22, 2011 at 9:51 pm

    These look delicious! Adults deserve gourmet Easter treats, too. This gave us the idea of using food coloring in white chocolate to create pastel colored versions for Easter. Thank you for sharing and we look forward to see what you post next!

  17. baking.serendipity says

    April 22, 2011 at 10:19 pm

    Even though I’m married and have moved away from home, my parents (and in-laws!) still send my husband and I Easter baskets :) Still, they wouldn’t stop me from making this candy…it looks amazing!

  18. Katie @ This Chick Cooks says

    April 22, 2011 at 10:25 pm

    These look so yummy! I can see why someone might not want to share ;)

  19. Allison says

    April 22, 2011 at 11:24 pm

    Try maple sugared pecans with bourbon caramel and dark chocolate with a little fleur de sel

  20. Sonia says

    April 22, 2011 at 11:27 pm

    Hi There, This is looking absolutely delightful. Very nicely made and presented. Its always fun to see ur appetizing recipes. Saving this recipe of urs and wud love to give ur version a try on the coming weekend. Have a great day !!!

  21. ladymorgiana says

    April 22, 2011 at 11:53 pm

    Those look so amazing! What a great idea for small treat! I’m surely keeping those in mind for next time! Thank you for sharing

  22. warmvanillasugar says

    April 23, 2011 at 7:13 am

    I love turtles! I love how fun this recipe looks to make. I’m excited to try :)

  23. Dishes of Mrs. Fish says

    April 23, 2011 at 12:01 pm

    These turtles look fantastic! :) Although I no longer get an Easter basket, my sweet grandma still gives us each $10 for Easter. :)

  24. Barbara Bakes says

    April 23, 2011 at 2:25 pm

    My 26-year-old and her husband stayed at my house last year so she wouldn’t miss her Easter basket. lol I’m sure my entire family would love your turtles.

  25. Audrey Ellen @ My Scene and Herd says

    April 23, 2011 at 2:30 pm

    I love the meaty-ness of walnuts, they are so dense. I love how you used them here because I think they are often forgotten about in candies in favor of pecans or almonds.

  26. Leslie says

    April 23, 2011 at 4:08 pm

    OMG> Turtles are my favorite candies of all times!!! YUM

  27. wendyweekendgourmet says

    April 23, 2011 at 7:42 pm

    Yummy! I love these…so pretty, and homemade is always so much better and fresh!! Happiest of Easters, Georgia!!

  28. Spoon and Chopsticks says

    April 23, 2011 at 9:15 pm

    Wow, that’s something… Looks delicious.

    http://spoon-and-chopsticks.blogspot.com/

  29. Lisa says

    April 23, 2011 at 11:32 pm

    Those turtles look exquisite. I have a sweet treat linky party going on at my blog and I’d like to invite you to stop by and link your turtles up. http://sweet-as-sugar-cookies.blogspot.com/2011/04/sweets-for-saturday-14_22.html

  30. Michelle Benoit (Chocolate Central) says

    April 24, 2011 at 5:11 am

    I’m wondering if there is a healthier substitute for corn syrup. I love turtles and would love to try to make them. Your turtles look extra delicious. Congratulations on making the Top 9 on Foodbuzz.

  31. Victor says

    April 24, 2011 at 5:25 am

    Homemade turtles, that’s lovely treat! It must taste really delicious!

  32. All That's Left Are The Crumbs says

    April 24, 2011 at 2:44 pm

    I think that turtles are one of the most deliciously addictive candies – and homemade is probably even more so! I think I was a bit younger when I stopped getting something for Easter, but now I just reminisce through my children.

  33. Roxan says

    April 24, 2011 at 9:42 pm

    Mmm… all I saw was fleur de sel. I love salted sweets! Chocolate turtles would be amazing with a little fleur de sel sprinkled on top. I have some that I haven’t used in a while. thanks for reminding me!

  34. Sandra says

    April 24, 2011 at 10:14 pm

    Ohhh those look wonderful..I wanted to write that last night but my computer got bit crazy :))
    Congrats on top 9!!!

  35. claire says

    April 25, 2011 at 3:41 am

    my mom would DIE for these! they are too cute and look amazing!

  36. Bakergirl says

    April 25, 2011 at 8:41 pm

    I love your photos! These look amazing and the fact that I have all the ingredients for these is so dangerous. Would it be wrong to make these for lunch?

  37. Maria says

    April 26, 2011 at 9:11 pm

    You had me at walnuts! I love these little treats!

  38. Min {Honest Vanilla} says

    April 27, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    Oh this I must try :) It’s always nice to create something store-bought with loads of your very own favourites :)

  39. amy grace says

    May 3, 2011 at 4:25 pm

    wow. these look amazing.

  40. Anonymous says

    July 2, 2011 at 4:36 pm

    Hi Georgia, first of all congrats on your blog!!!! I love it!
    I wonder if you can tell me the diference between a candy thermometer an a regular one?

    Greetings from Mexico!

  41. Georgia | The Comfort of Cooking says

    July 2, 2011 at 8:56 pm

    I just meant a standard ovenproof or meat thermometer like this one: http://www.recipetips.com/glossary-term/t–34786/thermometer.asp

  42. Cloud_wolfbane@hotmail.com says

    February 8, 2012 at 1:49 am

    How soft is the caramel when it sets up. I was thinking about trying to making snickers, would the caramel be too stiff?

  43. Georgia | The Comfort of Cooking says

    February 8, 2012 at 3:54 am

    If you’re trying to make Snickers, then I would suggest finding and following a recipe for them to achieve just the right consistency.

  44. Fiona says

    July 8, 2012 at 8:19 am

    I live in Australia, born in Scotland and have never heard of Turtles….. I will definitely be making these sometime soon. Corn Syrup is difficult to get here, so I goggled a substitute and it seem glucose syrup will do… acn t wait ti try them but also worried I may not stop at one!!

  45. Lynn says

    September 28, 2017 at 4:44 pm

    You really make it seem so easy together with your presentation however I in finding this topic to be actually one thing which I believe I might never understand. It kind of feels too complex and very huge for me. I am looking forward in your next publish, I will attempt to get the cling of it!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

* Copy This Password *

* Type Or Paste Password Here *

Time limit is exhausted. Please reload CAPTCHA.

Cancel Reply

Welcome to The Comfort Kitchen. Simple, scrumptious comfort food recipes with a twist is what you’ll find here, some indulgent and some light, but always fresh, frugal and family friendly. Thanks for visiting! (read more)

Stay updated!

enter your email address below to receive new posts and updates directly in your email box.

Recently…

  • Slow Cooker Apple Cider BBQ Pulled Pork
  • Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup
  • Citrus and Herb Butter Roasted Turkey
  • Creamy Sweet Potato Soup with Bacon and Goat Cheese
  • Skillet French Onion Chicken

Most Popular Recipes

Layered Ratatouille
Spicy Roasted Vegetable Macaroni and Cheese
No-Knead Crusty Artisan Bread
Herb and Citrus Oven Roasted Chicken

You might also like

3-Ingredient Baked Ham and Cheese Rollups

3-Ingredient Baked Ham and Cheese Rollups

3-Ingredient S’mores Cookie Bites

3-Ingredient S’mores Cookie Bites

Zucchini Pizza Bites

Zucchini Pizza Bites

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Granola Apple Bites

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Granola Apple Bites

1-Minute Chocolate Chip Cookie In a Mug

1-Minute Chocolate Chip Cookie In a Mug

Copyright © 2018 · Divine theme by Restored 316