Cashew Turtles Candy

This easy Cashew Turtles Candy recipe delivers the perfect blend of creamy caramel, rich chocolate, and crunchy cashews. These homemade turtles are ideal for edible gifts, holiday dessert trays, or anytime you need a quick, two-bite sweet treat. Simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser, they’re a must-have addition to your homemade candy lineup.

Easy Cashew Turtles Recipe

Turtles candy made with pecan halves is an absolute classic, one of those timeless sweets everyone seems to love. But if you’re looking to shake things up a bit, this version made with buttery cashews is a delicious twist. Swapping in cashews gives the candy an extra-creamy, rich flavor that feels like a little upgrade without straying too far from the nostalgic treat you already adore. Once you try them this way, you might just find yourself reaching for cashews every time.

Checkout this quick list of ingredients you’ll need to make homemade Cashew Turtles Candy Recipe: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Nuts – One pound salted (or unsalted) roasted whole cashews.
• Caramel – Caramel squares i.e. Kraft Caramels form the gooey caramel layer.
• Liquid – Heavy Cream to thin the caramel mixture.
• Flavoring – Vanilla extract for creamy floral notes.
• Chocolate – Semi-sweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips plus solid vegetable shortening to thin thin the chocolate.
• Salt – Optional coarse salt to sprinkle on tops.

How to Make the Best Cashew Turtles Candy Recipe

• Divide Cashews – Arrange 12 even clusters of cashews on a sheet pan. You can make these as big or as small as you like.
• Melt Caramels – In a small heavy bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat melt together the caramels with the heavy cream, stirring until completely smooth. Remove from the heat and add the vanilla extract. Mix well.
• Drizzle Cashew Turtles with Caramel – Drizzle the warm caramel evenly over each cashew cluster. Set the pan into the refrigerator to set while you melt the chocolate.
• Melt the Chocolate Topping – In a double boiler melt together the chocolate chips with vegetable shortening until completely smooth. Divide evenly between the cashew turtles spreading over the caramel.
• Chill – Place the pan back into the refrigerator and chill until firm.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Cashew Turtles Recipe

• Sheet pans lined with parchment paper or wax paper.
• Medium saucepan to melt the caramels.
• Medium saucepan or a double boiler to melt the chocolate.
• Rubber spatula or spoon for stirring.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Small ice cream scoop or cookie scoop.
• Icing spatula to spread the chocolate.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Chocolate – You can use milk chocolate chips, rich dark chocolate chips, or white chocolate chips for a vanilla flavor twist. You could also use chocolate melting wafers like Ghirardelli or similar.
• Nuts – You can make these caramel turtles using pecans, almonds, walnuts or peanuts.
• Roasted Cashews – You can use salted or unsalted whole cashews for this recipe. I don’t recommend using balanced cashews, roasted cashews will have the best flavor.
• Scoop – I have a tiny meatball size scoop that I use to divide the caramel and chocolate for the turtles candy. It works like a charm for keeping them uniform in size.
• Utilize a Double Boiler – A double boiler works best as it’s also helpful for keeping the chocolate warm while you work. To make your own double boiler: Use a tempered glass bowl or metal bowl placed over an inch of simmering water. Don’t let the water touch the bottom of the bowl.
• Microwave Melting– Should you opt to melt the chocolate in the microwave, do so in 30 second increments or using the melt function on your microwave to avoid scorching the chocolate. Stop and stir each time repeating the process until it’s completely smooth.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store these Cashew Turtles Candy clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or chilled in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Serving – Bring chilled Cashew Turtles Candy to room temperature for serving to allow the caramel to soften
• Freezer – You can freeze cashew turtles for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and bring to room temperature for serving.

More Southern Style Candy Recipes to Make

• Easy Butter Pecan Fudge is a holiday must-make.
• Sweet and Salty Candy Clusters are made with pretzels, nuts and raisins.
• Spongy Honeycomb Candy melts in your mouth.
• These Toffee Peanut Clusters come together in minutes.
• Two bite Peanut Butter Balls.
• These Easy Cream Cheese Mints can be made in any color to suit the occasion.
• You can make this Microwave Peanut Brittle any time of year.
• Soft Cream Caramels from That Skinny Chick can Bake.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Sheet Pans
• Measuring Set
• Kitchen Utensils
• Silicone Baking Mats