Easy Crockpot Turtles

Sweet, gooey, and delightfully simple, these Easy Crockpot Turtles are a no-fuss, no-bake treat that melts together everything you love in a candy: smooth chocolate, creamy caramel, and crunchy pecans. Made right in your slow cooker, these homemade turtles are perfect for holiday gifting, party platters, or satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal effort.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Set-It-and-Forget-It – The crockpot does most of the work for you.
Classic Flavor Combo – Chocolate, caramel, and pecans are always a win.
Perfect for Gifting – Great for holidays, birthdays, or dessert boxes.
No Oven Required – Ideal for hot days or when you want to avoid baking.
Easy to Scale – Make a big batch or a small one based on your needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 (12 oz) bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 (11 oz) bag caramel bits or unwrapped soft caramels
• 1 tbsp heavy cream or milk (to melt caramel smoothly)
• 2 cups pecan halves
• 1 tbsp butter (optional, adds richness to caramel)
• Flaky sea salt (optional, for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Slow cooker (any size; 4–6 qt works well)
• Parchment paper or silicone mat
• Spoon or cookie scoop
• Heatproof spatula
• Small saucepan (optional, for caramel)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Layer the Ingredients
Place a layer of pecan halves in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Top with chocolate chips and then the caramels (add butter and cream if using).
Set the slow cooker to low.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Candy
Cover and cook on low for 1½ to 2 hours. Do not stir during the first hour.
After 1 hour, check occasionally—once the chocolate and caramel are fully melted, stir gently to combine.
Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly for easier scooping.

Step 3: Portion the Turtles
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Spoon or scoop about 1–2 tablespoons of the mixture into small piles, spacing them out.
Top each with an extra pecan half and a sprinkle of sea salt if desired.

Step 4: Let Them Set
Allow the turtles to cool and firm up at room temperature for 1–2 hours.
To speed it up, place the tray in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Store & Serve
Once set, transfer turtles to an airtight container. Layer with parchment paper if stacking.
Store at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Tips for the Best Easy Crockpot Turtles
Use Quality Chocolate – It makes a big difference in flavor and texture.
Don’t Overheat – Keep an eye on your slow cooker to avoid scorching.
Use Caramel Bits – They melt easier and evenly.
Make Them Pretty – Add sea salt, white chocolate drizzle, or gold dust for a festive touch.
Customize – Try adding shredded coconut, crushed pretzels, or almonds.

Serving Suggestions
Holiday Platters – Perfect for Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving dessert trays.
DIY Gift Boxes – Pack in treat bags or jars with ribbon for homemade gifts.
Sweet Snack Table – A crowd favorite for potlucks and parties.
Movie Night Treat – Great alongside popcorn and cocoa.
Cookie Exchange – An easy addition to any holiday cookie spread.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:
Room Temp: Keep in an airtight container in a cool place for up to 7 days.
Refrigerate: Extend shelf life to 2–3 weeks in the fridge.

Freezing:
Freeze flat in a single layer, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these without a crockpot?
Yes! Melt the chocolate and caramel separately using a double boiler or microwave, then assemble on parchment paper.

2. What if I don’t have caramel bits?
Use soft caramels like Kraft or Werther’s—unwrap and melt them with a bit of cream.

3. Can I use milk chocolate or dark chocolate?
Absolutely! Adjust the sweetness to your taste with your preferred chocolate.

4. Are they gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free labeled ingredients.

5. Can kids help with this recipe?
Yes, once the mixture is cool enough to handle, it’s a great hands-on activity for kids.

Final Thoughts
These Easy Crockpot Turtles are proof that you don’t need a candy thermometer or hours of baking to make something irresistible. With minimal ingredients and effort, you get chewy, nutty, chocolatey bites of perfection—ideal for gifting or indulging at home. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again!

Try it and let me know how it turned out! Don’t forget to leave a review and share your turtles on Pinterest or Instagram—I’d love to see your sweet creations!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cuisine: American Candy Classics

Nutritional Information (Per Turtle – approx. 1 tbsp size):
Calories: 140 | Protein: 1g | Carbohydrates: 15g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 20mg

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