This Caramel Turtle Bark combines rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans for a super easy homemade candy ! It’s only 5 ingredients, and practically fail proof! Such a great no bake treat that feels fancy, but is secretly so easy.
This Caramel Pecan Bark is such a great mix of flavors of textures. The smooth chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans all come together in the best mix of crunchy, gooey, salty, and sweet. It’s the best homemade candy that is totally fool proof.
Why You’ll Love this Candy
- No Fail: This candy can be made in a couple bowls in the microwave, or on the stove. You don’t need a candy thermometer either
- The Best Flavors: Chocolate, caramel and pecans are always a combination that will belong together, and they’re perfect in this easy candy too!
- Great for Gifting: Break the bark into small pieces and package it up in cellophane bags, or add it to your cookie boxes or tins for the holidays.
Ingredients Needed
This is a quick overview of some of the ingredients you’ll need for this Chocolate Caramel Pecan Bark Recipe. The specific measurements and full recipe instructions are in the printable recipe card below.
- Chocolate Chips: Use your favorite high quality chocolate chips (I like Ghiradelli or Guittard), or chop up your favorite high quality chocolate bar (Ghiradelli or Lindt are great)
- Caramel: Use soft caramels, or caramel bits.
- Half and Half: This helps smooth the caramels enough to spread easily on top of the chocolate. You can also use heavy cream.
- Pecans: Toast them lightly in the oven or on the stove top to give the bark a little extra flavor, if you have time.
- Flakey Salt: Adds a little saltiness to the sweet flavor of the candy. I like Maldon Sea Salt Flakes.
How to make Turtle Bark
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate. Add the chocolate to a microwave safe bowl and microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring as much as you can after each until you can stir it smooth. Make sure not to over heat the chocolate, you want it to melt from the residual heat and stirring, not fully in the microwave.
Step 2: Spread the Chocolate. Spread most of the chocolate in a thin even layer on a piece of parchment paper. Sprinkle the pecans evenly over the top of the chocolate. I like to have some of them whole, and some of them chopped.
Step 3: Add the Caramel. Add the caramels and half and half to a small microwave safe bowl and microwave in 30 second increments, stirring as much as you can after each until you can stir it smooth. This should only take about 1 minute in the microwave. Use a spoon to drizzle the caramel over the top of the chocolate and pecans. You can sprinkle with more pecans if desired.
Step 4: Add more Chocolate. The remaining chocolate should still be melted, drizzle it over the top of the bark randomly, using a spoon, or by adding it to a small bag and snipping the corner to drizzle it over. Sprinkle the top with flakey sea salt. Let the candy sit until the chocolate and caramel are set.
Tips and Tricks:
- Do not over Heat the Chocolate: You want to microwave the chocolate as little as possible. It will continue melting out of the microwave from its own heat, and your stirring. If you over heat it the chocolate can seize (meaning it will actually get hard again, like its burned) or will be more likely to have chocolate bloom. (It is till edible with bloom, white spots, just won’t look as pretty)
- Toast the Pecans: To enhance the flavors of the pecans, toast them to give them an extra nutty flavor, and an extra crunchy texture. You can spread them in an even layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350 F for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes until they are a deep golden brown, and fragrant. Watch closely at the end so they don’t burn.
Storage Instructions
The candy can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 or 3 weeks. Layer the candy with parchment paper between layers incase the caramel is a little sticky still. You can also freeze it by wrapping it in plastic wrap and then in a freezer safe bag. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
This Turtle Bark is the best easy candy for the holidays and all year long. It is rich, crunchy, and loaded with that classic turtle candy flavor. I think you’ll want to eat it all year long!
More Homemade Candy
If you try this Turtle Bark, please leave a 🌟 rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
Caramel Turtle Bark
Ingredients
- 16 oz Chocolate Chips
- 7 oz Soft Caramel Candies (unwrapped, about 28 caramels)
- 1 TBS Half and Half (or Heavy Cream)
- 4 oz Pecans (chop some)
- 1 tsp Flakey Sea Salt
Notes
- Do not over Heat the Chocolate: You want to microwave the chocolate as little as possible. It will continue melting out of the microwave from its own heat, and your stirring. If you over heat it the chocolate can seize (meaning it will actually get hard again, like its burned) or will be more likely to have chocolate bloom. (It is till edible with bloom, white spots, just won’t look as pretty)
- Toast the Pecans: To enhance the flavors of the pecans, toast them to give them an extra nutty flavor, and an extra crunchy texture. You can spread them in an even layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350 F for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes until they are a deep golden brown, and fragrant. Watch closely at the end so they don’t burn.
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