Ingredients:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups pecan halves (lightly toasted)
  • 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • Sea salt (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the granulated sugar. Stir continuously until it melts and turns golden brown.
  2. Carefully add the butter pieces; stir until melted.
  3. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly (be cautious of steam). Continue to cook for an additional minute.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in salt and vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly.
  5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. Place small clusters of pecan halves on the parchment paper to form turtle bases (about three halves per cluster).
  7. Spoon about one tablespoon of warm caramel over each cluster, allowing it to spread slightly.
  8. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips in increments of 30 seconds, stirring between each until fully smooth.
  9. Drizzle or spoon melted chocolate generously over each caramel-covered pecan cluster.
  10. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each turtle before the chocolate sets.
  11. Allow turtles to sit at room temperature until hardened or refrigerate briefly for faster setting.