Turtle Fudge is a fast and foolproof way to cook a homemade candy in minutes. Packed with chocolate, caramel, and plenty of pecans, this delicious dessert has a gooey layer in the middle.
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This Turtle Fudge recipe takes only 5 minutes to make, combining classic caramel, rich chocolate, and crunchy pecans, but prepared like a layered dessert instead of a candy cluster.
Better than anything from a fancy fudge factory and cheaper than something bought at a chocolatier, this homemade confection will tantalize your taste buds with its multi-flavors and textures.
Easy Chocolate Turtle Fudge
Our caramel pecan Turtle Fudge is a deliciously decadent dessert, made with a double dose of rich chocolate fudge that ‘s been filled with plenty of pecan pieces, and sits both below and above a gooey caramel center.
Top your salted caramel turtle fudge with as many pecans as you please and feel free to swirl it all together so your fudge looks less like a caramel layer sandwiched in the middle of the chocolate.
This easy fudge recipe begins by melting caramel with heavy cream on the stovetop then making a smooth chocolate mixture in a separate saucepan; mix in the nuts, pour it in layers in the pan, let it set in the fridge, and dessert is done!
A no bake chocolate caramel fudge is always a family favorite sweet, slightly salty, gooey candy treat; perfect for gift giving during the holidays but delicious any time of year.
Why We Love This chocolate Turtle Fudge Recipe
- Quick and simple steps to make foolproof fudge.
- Uses only a handful of basic ingredients.
- Easy fudge recipes require no candy thermometer or candy-making skills.
- Chocolate, caramel and pecan pieces are packed into every single slice.
- Perfect for a party platter, a sweet snack, potlucks, or for packaging as homemade holiday gifts.
Turtle Fudge Ingredients
- Caramel squares
- Whipping cream
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Sweetened condensed milk: Do not use evaporated milk for this recipe.
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Pecans
Substitutions and Additions
- Prepare Without Pecans: If you are not a fan of pecans, you can prepare your fudge with equal amount of chopped walnuts or almonds to create the same texture with a slightly different taste.
- Tasty Topping: Drizzle the top with caramel for an extra special treat.
Recommended Tools
- 8×8 square pan
- Parchment paper
- Saucepots
- Heat safe bowl
See Full Recipe Card Below
Jump to RecipeHow to Make Turtle Fudge
- Make The Caramel Mixture: Melt the caramels and whipping cream until smooth, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside leaving the bowl on the pot to stay warm.
Pro Tip: If caramel does not get very smooth looking add the additional tablespoon whipping cream and mix well. - Make The Chocolate Mixture: Melt together chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in chopped pecans.
- Prepare The Pan: Pour half (or more depending on what you want your layers to look like) of the chocolate mixture, followed by all the caramel, and remaining chocolate mixture into the pan. Swirl together any layers (optional) and top with pecans. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until firm.
- Slice and Serve: Cut into squares, serve, and enjoy!
Tips For the Best Turtle Fudge
- Be sure that you add sweetened condensed milk and not evaporated milk. The fudge will not thicken up with evaporated milk.
- I like to line my pan with parchment paper so I can lift out the fudge and cut it on a cutting board instead of in the pan.
- To cut your fudge, it’s best to use a large chef knife. You can warm the knife by running it under warm water, then dry it off with a towel before slicing.
- Be careful not to overcook your fudge or it will become grainy.
How to Store Turtle Fudge
- To Store: Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. To serve, let the pieces come to room temperature and enjoy!
- To Freeze: You can freeze the fudge for up to 2 months if wrapped well and placed in a freezer-safe bag.
More Easy Fudge Recipes
Other Easy Candy Recipes
- Chocolate Turtles
- Homemade Caramels
- Crockpot Candy
- Copycat Andes Mints
- Red, White and Blue Fudge
- M&M Cookie Dough Fudge
- Fireball Fudge
- Grasshopper Fudge
- Fantasy Fudge
Turtle Fudge
Serves — 16
Turtle Fudge is a fast and foolproof way to cook a homemade candy in minutes. Packed with chocolate, caramel, and plenty of pecans, this delicious dessert has a gooey layer in the middle.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Rest Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 ounces caramel squares approx. 42 squares
- 2-3 tablespoons whipping cream divided (if needed)
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (12 ounces)
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 1 cup pecans chopped into bits (plus more for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Grease and line an 8×8 square pan with parchment paper.
- Bring a small amount of water to boil in a small pot, then place a heat safe bowl overtop with add caramels and 2 tablespoons of whipping cream and melt on low until smooth, stirring occasionally. Note: if caramel does not get very smooth looking add the additional tablespoon whipping cream and mix well. Remove from heat and set aside leaving the bowl on the pot to stay warm.
- Using a medium-small pot, melt together chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. (You can also use a double boiler)
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped pecans.
- Pour half (or more depending on what you want your layers to look like) into 8×8 pan, followed by all the caramel, and remaining chocolate mixture.
- Using a knife stir in and swirl together any layers desired. Top with any additional pecans.
- Cut into any size squares desired.
Jenn’s Notes
Storage:
- To Store: Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. To serve, let the pieces come to room temperature and enjoy!
- To Freeze: You can freeze the fudge for up to 2 months if wrapped well and placed in a freezer-safe bag.
- Be sure that you add sweetened condensed milk and not evaporated milk. The fudge will not thicken up with evaporated milk.
- I like to line my pan with parchment paper so I can lift out the fudge and cut it on a cutting board instead of in the pan.
- To cut your fudge, it’s best to use a large chef knife. You can warm the knife by running it under warm water, then dry it off with a towel before slicing.
- Be careful not to overcook your fudge or it will become grainy. When you are melting the chocolate chips mixture, it’s generally best to melt them slowly over low heat. I suggest using a double boiler and stir frequently, taking the chocolate off the heat as soon as it’s mostly melted, allowing the residual heat to melt the rest. This usually takes around 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition Info
Calories: 341kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 86mg | Potassium: 293mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 117IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 119mg | Iron: 2mg
love fudge love tobake
Looks fabulous. Can’t wait to make it. I will leave another comment after I eat.
five
Where is the nutrition information? I’m following a keto lifestyle and would like to know how many grams of carbohydrates are in each serving.
just click on the “show nutritional information” button at the bottom of the recipe card and it will open it up.
5 stsrs