Shortcut option: You can substitute 25 to 30 individually wrapped soft caramels (such as Kraft brand), melted with 1 to 2 tablespoons of heavy cream in the microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and pourable. The homemade condensed milk caramel produces a more deeply flavored, more naturally rich result, but the shortcut version is excellent and significantly faster.
For the Chocolate Coating
- 1 and a half cups good-quality milk chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, or dark chocolate chips — whichever you prefer
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional but helps the chocolate set with a smoother, shinier finish)
- Flaky sea salt for finishing (optional but highly recommended)
Equipment You Will Need
A baking sheet lined with parchment paper, a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon, a microwave-safe bowl for the chocolate, a small spoon for portioning caramel, and a fork or dipping tool for the chocolate coating. If you have a mini muffin tin, lining the cups with paper liners and using it to hold the pecan clusters in place during caramel application produces very neat, professional-looking turtles — but a flat parchment-lined baking sheet works equally well.
