Rich, chocolatey, nutty, and caramelly, these Easy Crockpot Turtles are the ultimate homemade candy—with minimal effort. Made right in your slow cooker, this sweet treat combines creamy chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans into irresistible bite-sized clusters. Perfect for gifting, holiday trays, or late-night cravings, these slow cooker turtles are a no-fuss, always-loved classic.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hands-Off Cooking – Made entirely in your slow cooker
No Baking Required – Just melt, scoop, and chill
Perfect for Gifting – Great for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or thank-you bags
Incredibly Delicious – Sweet, salty, crunchy, and smooth
Easy to Scale – Make a small batch or a big one for sharing
Ingredients You’ll Need
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 cups milk chocolate chips (or white chocolate, if preferred)
1 (12 oz) bag soft caramel candies, unwrapped
2 tbsp heavy cream
2½ cups pecan halves
Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)
Tools You’ll Need
Slow cooker (3- to 6-quart)
Parchment paper or silicone mat
Cookie scoop or spoon
Microwave-safe bowl (for caramel)
Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Layer the Ingredients
Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray or line it with a slow cooker liner.
Add the chocolate chips and pecan halves. Gently stir to combine. Set the slow cooker to LOW.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Let the chocolate and pecans heat for 1–1.5 hours, stirring every 20–30 minutes, until completely melted and smooth. Turn the slow cooker to WARM or OFF once melted.
Step 3: Melt the Caramel
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until smooth and pourable.
Step 4: Assemble the Turtles
On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drop spoonfuls of the chocolate-pecan mixture (about 1 tbsp each).
Drizzle about ½ tsp of melted caramel on top of each cluster. Use a toothpick to swirl if desired.
Optional: Sprinkle each candy with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Step 5: Chill Until Set
Place the tray in the refrigerator for about 30–45 minutes, or until the turtles are firm and ready to eat.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Turtles
Use Fresh Pecans – For the best crunch and flavor
Don’t Overheat the Chocolate – Stir regularly to prevent scorching
Use Good-Quality Chocolate – It makes a big difference in flavor
Customize the Caramel – Add a dash of vanilla or sea salt
Make Smaller Clusters – For easier snacking and gifting
Serving Suggestions
Holiday Treat Bags – Wrap a few in cellophane and tie with ribbon
Party Platters – Add alongside cookies, truffles, and fudge
Afternoon Treat – A sweet snack with coffee or tea
Gift in Jars – Layer and seal in mason jars with a gift tag
Dessert Topper – Chop and sprinkle over ice cream or brownies
How to Store & Freeze
Storing: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks
Freezing: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a container. Store up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before serving
Make-Ahead: Ideal for prepping days in advance—flavors only get better
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use different nuts?
Yes—try almonds, cashews, or walnuts for a fun twist - What chocolate is best?
A mix of milk and semi-sweet gives great balance, but dark or white chocolate works too - Do I have to use a slow cooker?
Nope! Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, then proceed as directed - Can I use homemade caramel?
Absolutely—just make sure it’s pourable and not too thick - Are they gluten-free?
Yes, if using gluten-free caramels and chocolate (always check labels)
Final Thoughts
These Easy Crockpot Turtles are everything you want in a homemade candy: chewy, crunchy, sweet, and salty—all with melt-in-your-mouth chocolate and buttery caramel. Made with simple ingredients and just a slow cooker, they’re a festive and foolproof favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Whip up a batch and share the sweetness!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1.5 hours
Chill Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: American / Homemade Candy
Nutritional Information (Per Piece – 1 of 24):
Calories: 160 | Protein: 2g | Carbohydrates: 17g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Sodium: 40mg
Easy Crockpot Turtles
- Total Time: 0 hours
Description
Rich, chocolatey, nutty, and caramelly, these Easy Crockpot Turtles are the ultimate homemade candy—with minimal effort. Made right in your slow cooker, this sweet treat combines creamy chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans into irresistible bite-sized clusters. Perfect for gifting, holiday trays, or late-night cravings, these slow cooker turtles are a no-fuss, always-loved classic.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest easy homemade treats and candy recipes you’ll love.
Ingredients
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 cups milk chocolate chips (or white chocolate, if preferred)
1 (12 oz) bag soft caramel candies, unwrapped
2 tbsp heavy cream
2½ cups pecan halves
Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Layer the Ingredients
Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray or line it with a slow cooker liner.
Add the chocolate chips and pecan halves. Gently stir to combine. Set the slow cooker to LOW.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Let the chocolate and pecans heat for 1–1.5 hours, stirring every 20–30 minutes, until completely melted and smooth. Turn the slow cooker to WARM or OFF once melted.
Step 3: Melt the Caramel
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until smooth and pourable.
Step 4: Assemble the Turtles
On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drop spoonfuls of the chocolate-pecan mixture (about 1 tbsp each).
Drizzle about ½ tsp of melted caramel on top of each cluster. Use a toothpick to swirl if desired.
Optional: Sprinkle each candy with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Step 5: Chill Until Set
Place the tray in the refrigerator for about 30–45 minutes, or until the turtles are firm and ready to eat.
Notes
Use Fresh Pecans – For the best crunch and flavor
Don’t Overheat the Chocolate – Stir regularly to prevent scorching
Use Good-Quality Chocolate – It makes a big difference in flavor
Customize the Caramel – Add a dash of vanilla or sea salt
Make Smaller Clusters – For easier snacking and gifting
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5 hours
- Cuisine: American / Homemade Candy
