Salted Caramel Pecan Pretzel Turtles: A Study in Sweet and Salty Contrast
The ultimate sweet and salty confection, combining crisp mini pretzels, homemade brown sugar caramel, toasted pecans, and a smooth milk chocolate coating, finished with flaky sea salt. They are remarkably simple to assemble, making them an ideal project for holiday gifting.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 mins
- Yield: 30 pieces 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
One 12-ounce bag of small, twisted mini pretzels
1 cup (230 grams) of unsalted butter (two sticks)
1 cup (200 grams) of firmly packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
1 cup (115 grams) of pecan halves, lightly toasted
12 ounces (340 grams) of milk chocolate chips or high-quality melting wafers
1 tablespoon of neutral coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, for melting)
Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon) for finishing
Instructions
Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Arrange the pretzels in a single, even layer.
In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar until fully dissolved. Bring to a gentle boil for exactly three minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Immediately pour the hot caramel mixture over the pretzels and distribute the toasted pecan halves over the layer.
Bake the trays at three hundred fifty Fahrenheit for five to seven minutes. Gently press down the caramel peaks. Let the caramel cool completely until it is firm and brittle.
In a separate bowl, melt the milk chocolate chips/wafers until smooth. Stir in the coconut oil or shortening (if using).
Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the cooled caramel and pretzel layer. Sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt.
Allow the chocolate to fully set, then break the entire sheet into individual, rustic, bite-sized pieces.
Notes
For the best flavor, make sure to toast the pecans before using them.
Use high-quality flaky sea salt (like Maldon) for the finishing salt, as regular table salt is too harsh.
Store the finished candy in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to two weeks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Find it online: https://www.flavourrecipe.com/pretzel-turtles/