Turtle Fudge

Turtle Fudge – I’ll be honest with you—this Turtle Fudge wasn’t born out of some grand, well-planned idea. Nope, it started with a craving. One of those late-night, “I want chocolate, but also caramel… and maybe something crunchy” moments. Sound familiar? I dug through the pantry (because we all have those what can I whip up now? moments) and realized I had the makings of something amazing: chocolate chips, leftover caramels from a baking spree, and a bag of pecans that were suspiciously close to expiring. And just like that, Turtle Fudge was born.

this Recipe

The first batch? Let’s just say my family didn’t even let it chill fully before digging in. It reminded me of those holiday candy boxes we’d get growing up—you know, the ones with the “turtle” chocolates? Except this fudge felt even better because I made it myself (and because it was in giant squares instead of tiny bites). Now, it’s a staple. Whether it’s for gifting, potlucks, or sneaky midnight snacks, this fudge always hits the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Turtle Fudge Recipe?

• It’s nostalgic: If you grew up loving turtle candies, this fudge will bring back all the warm, fuzzy memories.
• Super easy: No candy thermometers or complicated steps—just a microwave and some stirring.
• A crowd-pleaser: Sweet, gooey, and crunchy? Everyone’s going to be asking for seconds (and the recipe).
• Great for gifting: This fudge cuts into perfect squares, making it ideal for sharing—if you’re feeling generous.

Ingredient Notes:

Let’s talk about what makes this Turtle Fudge so special. Spoiler: it’s all about balancing flavors and textures.

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These are the backbone of the fudge. Semi-sweet gives you rich chocolate flavor without being too sugary. Milk chocolate? It’d be overkill here.
• Sweetened condensed milk: The magic ingredient for smooth, creamy fudge. Do not—I repeat, do not—accidentally grab evaporated milk. It’s not the same.
• Vanilla extract: A little goes a long way. It adds warmth and rounds out the chocolate flavor.
• Salt: Just a pinch, but it’s a game-changer. It balances the sweetness and brings everything together.
• Pecans: These add the perfect crunch. Plus, they pair beautifully with caramel and chocolate. (If pecans aren’t your thing, walnuts or almonds work too.)
• Caramels: The gooey middle layer that makes this fudge extra special. I always use Kraft caramels because they melt like a dream.
• Heavy cream: Helps the caramel melt smoothly and gives it that luscious texture.

Pro Tip: If you want to take this fudge to the next level, toast the pecans for a few minutes. It’s a small step that adds so much flavor.

How To Make Turtle Fudge?

Making this Turtle Fudge is easier than it looks, I promise. Let’s break it down:

1. Prep your pan.
   Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides. This makes removing the fudge a breeze. Seriously, don’t skip this step—it’s a lifesaver.
2. Melt the chocolate.
   Combine the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for one minute, then stir like your life depends on it. If it’s not smooth yet, microwave in 30-second bursts until it’s silky and glossy.
3. Mix in the extras.
   Stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and chopped pecans. Try not to eat too much of it at this stage—it’s tempting.
4. Layer the fudge.
   Pour half the fudge mixture into your prepared pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. This is your base layer, so make sure it’s nice and smooth.
5. Melt the caramel.
   Unwrap those caramels (yes, it’s tedious, but trust me, it’s worth it) and place them in a microwave-safe bowl with the heavy cream. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the caramel is melted and smooth.
6. Add the caramel layer.
   Pour the melted caramel over the first fudge layer. Spread it out evenly, but don’t stress if it’s not perfect—it’s fudge, not a science project.
7. Top it off.
   Spoon the remaining fudge mixture over the caramel. Use a spatula to gently spread it out, covering the caramel completely. Sprinkle some extra chopped pecans on top and press them in lightly.
8. Chill and slice.
   Refrigerate the fudge for 2–3 hours, or until it’s firm. Once it’s set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut it into squares. A sharp knife works best here—wipe it clean between cuts for those crisp edges.

Storage Options:

• Room temperature: Keep it in an airtight container for up to a week. The caramel may soften slightly, but it still tastes amazing.
• Refrigerator: Store it in the fridge for up to two weeks. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
• Freezer: Wrap individual pieces in wax paper, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy.

Variations and Substitutions:

Want to mix things up? Here are a few fun ideas:

• Try different nuts: Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts would work beautifully.
• Make it salted caramel: Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on the caramel layer before adding the top fudge layer.
• Add a chocolate drizzle: Melt some extra chocolate and drizzle it over the top for a fancy finish.
• Use dark chocolate: If you prefer a less sweet fudge, dark chocolate is a great alternative to semi-sweet.

What to Serve with Turtle Fudge?

This fudge is delicious on its own, but if you want to pair it with something, here are a few ideas:

• Coffee or espresso: The bitterness balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Ice cream: Chop up some fudge and sprinkle it over vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Fresh fruit: Strawberries or apple slices are a great complement to the rich chocolate and caramel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

You can, but the fudge will be much sweeter. I’d stick with semi-sweet or even dark chocolate for the best balance.

Why is my caramel layer oozing out?

Caramel softens at room temperature, so it’s normal for it to get a little gooey. For cleaner layers, store the fudge in the fridge and let it sit out for a few minutes before serving.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! Just use a larger pan (like 9×13 inches) and add a bit more chilling time.

So, are you ready to try this Turtle Fudge? I can’t wait to hear how it turns out! Let me know if you put your own spin on it—I love hearing your creative ideas.

Turtle Fudge

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Chill Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Indulge in rich Turtle Fudge, made with semi-sweet chocolate, creamy caramel, and crunchy pecans. This easy recipe is perfect for gifting, celebrations, or satisfying your sweet tooth at any time!

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16 Servings

Ingredients

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For the Fudge

• 2 cups 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups 160 g chopped pecans, plus more for topping

For the Caramel Layer

• 11 oz about 35 candies Kraft caramels, wrappers removed
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream

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Instructions

 

Prepare the pan:

1. Line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the edges to hang over the sides for easy removal. Set the pan aside.

Melt the chocolate:

1. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave on high for one minute, then stir until the mixture is smooth and melted. If needed, microwave for an additional 30 seconds in increments, stirring in between.

Incorporate vanilla and pecans:

1. Add the vanilla extract, salt, and chopped pecans to the melted chocolate mixture. Stir until evenly combined.

Create the base layer:

1. Pour half of the fudge mixture into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula to form the base layer.

Melt the caramel:

1. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the caramels are fully melted and smooth.

Add the caramel layer:

1. Pour the melted caramel mixture over the chocolate base layer. Spread it gently and evenly using a spatula.

Top with remaining fudge:

1. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining fudge mixture over the caramel layer. Spread gently to cover the caramel completely.

Add pecan topping:

1. Sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top, pressing them lightly into the surface of the fudge.

Chill the fudge:

1. Refrigerate the pan for 2–3 hours, or until the fudge is firm and fully set.

Cut and serve:

1. Once chilled, use the parchment overhang to lift the fudge out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into squares using a sharp knife.

Notes

To ensure this recipe is gluten-free, verify that all ingredients, particularly the caramels and chocolate chips, are certified gluten-free. Some brands may process these items in facilities that handle wheat, so check labels carefully to avoid cross-contamination.

Bitty

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Let me know! Mention @nodashofgluten or tag #nodashofgluten

Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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