Caramel Pecan Turtle Fudge
Sweet, gooey, chocolatey squares topped with toasty pecans—this rich caramel pecan turtle fudge is loaded with chocolate chips, caramels, pecans, and sweetened condensed milk. Each bite is like a cozy little hug from your dessert plate. The caramel ribbons swirl through the fudgy layers, balancing the salt, crunch, and sweetness with serious flair. Perfect for holiday trays, gifting, or late-night snacking!
Equipment
- Microwave
- Saucepan
- 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Butter knife
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz / 397g)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups pecans roughly chopped and lightly toasted, divided
Caramel Layer
- 14 oz soft caramels unwrapped
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Line an 8x8 or 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides for easy removal after chilling.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels and the heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each burst, until the caramels are melted and the mixture is smooth. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and sea salt together. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Remove from the heat.
- Stir in vanilla extract and about 1 cup of the chopped pecans (reserve the remaining for topping) into the chocolate mixture.
- Spread half of the chocolate mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Pour the melted caramel evenly across the first chocolate layer.
- Spoon and gently spread the remaining chocolate mixture over the caramel layer, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Optionally, use a butter knife to gently swirl the caramel and chocolate layers for a marbled effect.
- Sprinkle remaining chopped pecans over the top and press lightly to set. Sprinkle flaky sea salt if using.
- Cover the pan and refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours, or until set.
- Once firm, lift out the fudge using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Turtle fudge is very adaptable—swap in different nuts, use milk or dark chocolate, or swirl in a little peanut butter for variation. This recipe is sturdy enough for gifting and freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. For clean slices, warm your knife and wipe between cuts. No candy thermometer needed!
Nutrition
Calories: 195kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 2gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 60mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 1gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 70IUCalcium: 45mgIron: 0.7mg
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