Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of making slow cooker chocolate turtles! These little bites of heaven are the perfect combination of crunchy pecans, gooey caramel, and smooth chocolate. Seriously, it’s like a party in your mouth! And the best part? It’s so incredibly easy to whip them up in your slow cooker. You just layer your ingredients and let the magic happen while you go about your day. The aroma wafting through your kitchen as they cook will have everyone asking, “What’s that delicious smell?” Trust me, when you sprinkle that sea salt on top, it brings out all the flavors in a way that’ll have you swooning. Plus, they’re great for sharing – or not! I won’t judge if you want to keep them all to yourself. So, grab those pecans and let’s dive into this delightful dessert that’s sure to impress with minimal effort!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to absolutely adore these slow cooker chocolate turtles for so many reasons! First off, they’re ridiculously easy to prepare—just layer your ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work. No fussing over the stove or worrying about burning anything! Plus, the rich combination of buttery caramel and crunchy pecans enveloped in silky chocolate is pure decadence. Every bite is a delightful explosion of flavor and texture that’s just heavenly. And let’s not forget how perfect they are for sharing! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to treat your family, these little gems are bound to impress. Honestly, they look so fancy, but they’re effortlessly made! You’ll find yourself making them time and time again, and I promise they’ll quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients List
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup caramel candies
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Chocolate Turtles
Alright, let’s get into the fun part—making those delicious slow cooker chocolate turtles! Don’t worry, it’s super straightforward, and I’ll walk you through each step so you can impress everyone with your culinary skills. Are you ready? Let’s do this!
Layer the Pecans
First things first, we need to create a solid foundation. Grab your slow cooker and evenly layer those 2 cups of pecan halves right in the bottom. Make sure they’re spread out nicely so every turtle gets that delicious crunch. Trust me, this is where the magic begins! You want them to form a cozy little bed for all that gooey caramel goodness to come.
Melt the Caramel
Now, let’s melt those caramel candies. In a medium saucepan over low heat, toss in your 1 cup of caramel candies. Stir them gently as they begin to melt, which should take about 5–10 minutes. You want to keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t burn! The goal here is to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency—just like liquid gold! If it’s too thick, feel free to add a splash of milk to loosen it up a bit. Once it’s melted and silky, you’re ready for the next step.
Combine Ingredients
Now comes the fun part! Carefully pour that luscious melted caramel over your pecans in the slow cooker. Make sure to cover them as evenly as possible—don’t be shy, get it all in there! Then, put the lid on and set your slow cooker to low. Let it work its magic for about 2 hours. Just imagine the sweet aroma filling your kitchen—it’s heavenly!
Add Chocolate
Once those 2 hours are up, it’s time to add the chocolate chips. Sprinkle 1 cup of chocolate chips over the top of your caramel-pecan mixture. Cover the slow cooker again and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the chocolate to melt perfectly. When you take off the lid, give everything a gentle stir to combine the chocolate with the caramel and pecans. You’ll want to make sure every piece gets a little chocolate love!
Cool and Break
Alright, we’re almost there! Now, take a piece of parchment paper and spread the mixture onto it. Use a spatula to flatten it out slightly if you like, but it’s okay if it looks a little rustic—those imperfections add character! Let it cool completely at room temperature. Once it’s set, break it into delightful pieces. You’ll find that each bite is a perfect mix of crunchy, chewy, and chocolaty goodness. Enjoy your homemade turtles, and don’t forget to share – or maybe not!
Tips for Success
To ensure your slow cooker chocolate turtles turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips that I swear by! First, keep an eye on your caramel while it melts. Stir it gently and don’t rush the process—burnt caramel is a total bummer! If you notice it thickening too much, just add a splash of milk to keep it smooth. When you add the chocolate chips, make sure you cover the slow cooker tightly; this keeps the heat in and helps the chocolate melt evenly. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can mix in some chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra flavor boost! Lastly, let them cool completely before breaking them into pieces; this ensures they hold their shape and are easy to handle. Trust me, following these tips will take your turtles from good to absolutely irresistible!
Nutritional Information
Before we dig into these delightful slow cooker chocolate turtles, let’s talk about nutrition! Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider these numbers as estimates. But here’s what you can expect for each piece of this delicious treat:
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Enjoy these turtles guilt-free, but remember moderation is key! They’re rich and satisfying, so one piece is usually enough to satisfy that sweet tooth. Happy indulging!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious slow cooker chocolate turtles is super easy! Once they’ve completely cooled and you’ve broken them into pieces, simply place them in an airtight container. This will keep them fresh and tasty for up to a week—if they last that long! I recommend keeping them at room temperature, but if you live in a warmer climate, popping them in the fridge for extra preservation is a good idea.
If you happen to have leftovers and want to enjoy them warm, just pop a few pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them, or you’ll end up with a melty mess! Trust me, a little warmth can bring back that gooey caramel goodness, making them even more irresistible. Enjoy your sweet treats any way you like!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these fabulous slow cooker chocolate turtles? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get, along with my tried-and-true answers.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! While pecans are my go-to for that classic turtle flavor, you can easily substitute with walnuts or even almonds if you prefer. Just make sure whatever nut you choose is chopped or halved for the best texture.
How should I store leftovers?
Once your turtles are cooled and broken into pieces, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a warmer area, you might want to keep them in the fridge to maintain their shape and texture.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can! These chocolate turtles are perfect for making a day or two in advance. Just store them properly, and they’ll be ready to impress whenever you need a sweet treat!
What if my caramel is too thick?
If your caramel thickens up too much while melting, don’t fret! Simply add a splash of milk or heavy cream to loosen it up. This will help you achieve that beautiful, pourable consistency you want.
Can I freeze chocolate turtles?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure to layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container. They’ll stay good for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got these delectable slow cooker chocolate turtles ready to go, let’s talk about how to enjoy them to the fullest! They’re absolutely fantastic on their own as a sweet treat, but why stop there? Try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that perfect contrast of warm and cold—heavenly! You could also chop them up and sprinkle them over a rich chocolate cake or brownies for an extra layer of indulgence. Feeling adventurous? Drizzle some caramel sauce over your turtles and serve them with fresh strawberries for a delightful dessert platter. And if you’re hosting a gathering, place them in a pretty bowl alongside some fresh fruit and nuts for a beautiful and tempting snack spread. Trust me, these little bites will shine in any dessert setting! Enjoy experimenting!
Print
Slow Cooker Chocolate Turtles: 5 Comforting Bites to Cherish
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious slow cooker chocolate turtles made with pecans, caramel, and chocolate.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup caramel candies
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
Instructions
- Layer the pecan halves in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Heat caramel candies in a saucepan until melted.
- Pour the melted caramel over the pecans.
- Cook on low for 2 hours.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Cover until chocolate melts, then stir to combine.
- Spread mixture onto parchment paper to cool.
- Once cooled, break into pieces.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be made ahead of time.
- Substitute walnuts for pecans if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: slow cooker chocolate turtles, chocolate turtles, dessert, slow cooker recipes