We’ve always loved the irresistible mix of gooey caramel rich chocolate and crunchy pecans in classic turtle candies. Our Crockpot Chocolate Turtle Recipe brings this timeless treat to your kitchen with minimal effort making it ideal for busy days or sweet gatherings.
Originating from American candy shops these delights have charmed dessert lovers for decades. We’ll show you how our slow-cooker version keeps things simple yet decadent so you can whip up a batch that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
As we dive into crafting our Crockpot Chocolate Turtle Recipe, we focus on sourcing high-quality ingredients that deliver the signature gooey caramel, rich chocolate, and crunchy pecans for an irresistible treat. Below, we list the ingredients in the order we’ll use them, with prep specifics for accuracy and ease.
- Pecan halves (2 cups): Start with fresh, toasted pecan halves for the base layer; toast them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and crunch.
- Unwrapped caramel candies (14 ounces): Use these next for the caramel layer; ensure they are soft and ready to melt smoothly in the crockpot for that perfect gooey texture.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (12 ounces): Add these after the caramel; opt for high-quality chips that melt evenly to create a decadent, velvety chocolate coating.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces can): Incorporate this for binding and creaminess; shake the can well before opening to ensure it’s fully mixed.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Stir this in last before cooking; use pure extract for a subtle, aromatic boost that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Sea salt (½ teaspoon, optional): If desired, sprinkle this on top for a contrasting finish; it enhances the sweetness and adds a professional touch to our homemade version.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Crockpot Chocolate Turtle Recipe with ease, we gather a few essential tools that ensure smooth preparation and perfect results. Having the right equipment on hand allows us to focus on creating that irresistible blend of gooey caramel, rich chocolate, and crunchy pecans.
- Slow Cooker (Crockpot): We recommend a 6-quart slow cooker for even cooking and to accommodate the ingredients without overflow. This is the star of the show, gently melting everything into a decadent treat.
- Large Mixing Bowl: Use a sturdy, heat-safe bowl to combine ingredients like caramel candies and chocolate chips before adding them to the slow cooker, ensuring thorough mixing.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for our recipe’s success, so we rely on a set of dry and liquid measuring cups along with spoons to portion out items like sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract precisely.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: A heat-resistant spatula works best for stirring the mixture in the slow cooker, helping us achieve that smooth, uniform texture without scratching the pot.
- Baking Sheet or Parchment Paper: For easy serving and cleanup, we suggest a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper to transfer and cool the finished turtles, preventing any mess while enhancing presentation.
With these tools ready, we seamlessly transition from preparing ingredients to cooking our Crockpot Chocolate Turtle Recipe.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our high-quality ingredients and essential equipment, let’s create our irresistible Crockpot Chocolate Turtle Recipe with ease and precision. We will walk you through each step to ensure a decadent treat featuring gooey caramel, rich chocolate, and crunchy pecans.
Prepare the Ingredients
Before we start cooking, we need to prepare our ingredients for optimal flavor and texture. Begin by toasting the pecan halves to enhance their nutty aroma—place 2 cups of pecan halves on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until fragrant, then let them cool.
Gather the remaining items and measure them accurately:
- Unwrap 14 ounces of caramel candies to avoid any wrappers melting into the mixture.
- Measure out 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth richness.
- Open and pour 1 can (14 ounces) of sweetened condensed milk into a bowl.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a subtle depth of flavor.
- If desired, set aside ½ teaspoon of sea salt for a finishing touch that balances the sweetness.
This preparation sets the stage for a smooth cooking process, ensuring our Crockpot Chocolate Turtle Recipe turns out perfectly.
Cook in the Crockpot
With ingredients prepped, we transfer everything to our 6-quart slow cooker for even, hands-off cooking. Layer the ingredients as follows to promote even melting and blending of flavors.
Follow these steps for cooking:
- Add the toasted pecan halves to the bottom of the slow cooker for a crunchy base.
- Scatter the unwrapped caramel candies evenly over the pecans.
- Pour in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk on top.
- Drizzle the vanilla extract over the mixture and stir gently with a heat-resistant spatula to combine without breaking the pecans.
- Cover and set the slow cooker to low heat—cook for 1-2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes, until the mixture becomes smooth and gooey.
As it cooks, the aroma of rich chocolate and caramel will fill your kitchen, promising a treat that’s irresistibly indulgent and full of texture.
Finish and Serve
Once cooking is complete, we focus on cooling and setting the mixture to achieve the ideal chocolate turtle consistency. Turn off the slow cooker and let the mixture cool slightly for 10-15 minutes to thicken.
Proceed with these final steps:
- Use a heat-resistant spatula to scoop the warm mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, forming clusters or turtle shapes as it sets.
- If using, sprinkle the sea salt over the tops for a savory contrast that elevates the sweetness.
- Allow the turtles to cool completely at room temperature for 1 hour or refrigerate for 30 minutes to harden.
Serve these glossy, chewy delights on a platter—each bite offers a satisfying crunch from the pecans paired with the velvety chocolate and caramel, making our Crockpot Chocolate Turtle Recipe a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our Crockpot Chocolate Turtle Recipe even more convenient, we can prepare components in advance so you enjoy fresh treats with minimal effort on the day of serving.
Prepping Ingredients Ahead
We suggest toasting the pecan halves up to 2 days in advance. Simply spread 2 cups of pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve their crunch.
For the caramel and chocolate mixture, measure out ingredients like 14 ounces of unwrapped caramel candies and 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips the night before. Place them in separate sealed bags or containers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and ready for assembly.
Assembling and Cooking in Advance
If time allows, we can fully assemble and cook the recipe up to 3 days ahead. Layer the toasted pecans, caramels, chocolate chips, 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in your slow cooker as outlined in the previous steps. Cook on low for 1-2 hours until smooth and gooey, then let the mixture cool and form into clusters on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Once the clusters have set, store them in an airtight container. For optimal texture, keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week—refrigeration helps maintain the gooey caramel while preventing softening.
Storage and Reheating Tips
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 3 days | None needed; serve as is for the best texture. |
| Refrigerated | Up to 1 week | Let clusters sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften, or warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds per cluster. |
| Frozen | Up to 3 months | Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving. |
By following these make-ahead strategies, we ensure our Crockpot Chocolate Turtle Recipe stays delicious and ready to impress at any gathering.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Crockpot Chocolate Turtle Recipe because it’s a simple way to bring that classic candy magic into your kitchen. It’s perfect for creating memorable moments with family and friends.
Try it for your next gathering and see how easy it is to impress everyone with homemade treats that taste just as good as they look. We’re confident it’ll become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Crockpot Chocolate Turtle Recipe?
A Crockpot Chocolate Turtle Recipe is a simple slow-cooker version of the classic treat, featuring gooey caramel, rich chocolate, and crunchy pecans. Inspired by American candy shop favorites, it’s easy to make at home for busy days or gatherings, resulting in decadent clusters that impress everyone.
What ingredients are needed for Crockpot Chocolate Turtle?
You’ll need toasted pecan halves, unwrapped caramel candies, semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and optional sea salt. Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor—toast pecans first for enhanced taste and measure accurately for perfect texture in this easy homemade treat.
What equipment is required for this recipe?
Essential equipment includes a 6-quart slow cooker for even cooking, a large mixing bowl for combining ingredients, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon for stirring, and a parchment-lined baking sheet for cooling and serving. These tools ensure a smooth preparation process.
How do I make Crockpot Chocolate Turtle?
Start by toasting pecan halves, then layer caramels, chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla in a slow cooker. Cook on low while stirring until smooth and gooey, about 1-2 hours. Drop into clusters on a lined baking sheet to cool and set. It’s straightforward and perfect for beginners.
Can I prepare Crockpot Chocolate Turtle in advance?
Yes, toast pecans up to 2 days ahead and measure other ingredients the night before for convenience. You can fully assemble and cook the recipe up to 3 days in advance, then store it properly to maintain freshness, making it ideal for parties or busy schedules.
How should I store and reheat Crockpot Chocolate Turtle?
Store cooled clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if needed, but they’re best enjoyed at room temperature for optimal texture.