Easy Crockpot Turtles

Sweet, salty, gooey, and crunchy—these Easy Crockpot Turtles are everything you love about the classic chocolate-pecan-caramel treat with none of the fuss. Made right in your slow cooker, these no-bake candies are perfect for gifting, sharing, or sneaking a few for yourself. With only a handful of ingredients, this recipe makes indulgence effortless and delicious.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No-Bake Simplicity – Let the crockpot do all the work.
Irresistible Flavor Combo – Rich chocolate, soft caramel, and crunchy pecans.
Great for Gifting – Perfect for holiday tins and party favors.
Kid-Friendly – Fun to assemble and delicious to eat.
Make-Ahead Dessert – Keeps well and freezes beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups whole pecan halves
• 1 (11 oz) bag caramel bits or unwrapped soft caramels
• 1 tbsp heavy cream or milk
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Optional: flaky sea salt for topping
• Nonstick spray or parchment paper

Tools You’ll Need
• Slow cooker (Crockpot)
• Baking sheet or trays for cooling
• Spoon or small scoop
• Parchment paper or silicone mat
• Microwave-safe bowl (for caramel, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Base
Line a baking sheet or two with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Arrange small clusters of 3–4 pecan halves per turtle, spacing them out slightly.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Add chocolate chips to your crockpot. Set it on low and let the chocolate melt slowly, stirring every 15–20 minutes to prevent burning. This takes about 1 hour.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Layer
While the chocolate is melting, add caramel bits and heavy cream to a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until smooth and pourable (about 1½–2 minutes total).
Alternatively, melt the caramel in a saucepan over low heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Turtles
Once chocolate is melted and smooth, spoon a small dollop over each pecan cluster.
Top with a spoonful of melted caramel.
Then add another small spoonful of chocolate to cover or drizzle it on top for a swirled look.

Step 5: Chill & Set
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if using.
Let the turtles sit at room temperature for 1 hour, or refrigerate for 20–30 minutes until firm.

Step 6: Serve or Store
Once set, gently lift turtles from the parchment and store in an airtight container.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Turtles
Use Good-Quality Chocolate – It melts better and tastes richer.
Don’t Overheat – Stir chocolate often and keep your slow cooker on low.
Control Portion Size – Use a teaspoon or small cookie scoop for uniform size.
Salt is Optional – A pinch of sea salt adds the perfect contrast to the sweetness.
Let Set Fully – Refrigerate to speed up the setting process, especially in warmer climates.

Serving Suggestions
Holiday Gift Bags – Wrap in cellophane and ribbon for a homemade treat.
Dessert Platter – A great addition to cookie trays and sweet boards.
After-Dinner Treat – A rich and satisfying bite to finish any meal.
Party Favor – Pack in jars or tins for birthdays, showers, or thank-you gifts.
Sweet Snack – Perfect with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:
Room Temperature: Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing:
Freeze in layers with parchment paper between in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other nuts?
   Yes! Walnuts, almonds, or cashews work well as substitutes.
2. What’s the best caramel to use?
   Caramel bits melt the fastest, but soft caramel candies work great too.
3. Can I double the recipe?
   Absolutely—just make sure to stir frequently so the chocolate doesn’t scorch.
4. Can I use white or dark chocolate?
   Yes! Mix and match for variety and different flavor profiles.
5. Do I need to temper the chocolate?
   No, but tempering helps the turtles stay glossy and firm at room temperature if you’re not refrigerating them.

Final Thoughts
These Easy Crockpot Turtles are proof that decadence doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can create a batch of rich, nutty, chocolatey treats that everyone will love. Whether you’re making them for holiday gifts or just because, this no-fail recipe will become a go-to in your sweet treat rotation.

Try them today and let us know how they turned out—tag your turtles and leave a review!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour (mostly hands-off)
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Turtle):
Calories: 150 | Protein: 2g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 30mg

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