Salted Caramel Pretzel Turtles
A quick and easy homemade sweet treat combining crunchy pretzels, gooey caramel, and smooth chocolate topped with coarse sea salt for the perfect sweet and salty balance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 turtles 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- Mini pretzels or pretzel twists
- Soft caramel candies (like Kraft caramels), unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- Coarse sea salt or flaky finishing salt
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Arrange mini pretzels in clusters of 3–4 pretzels each.
- In a medium saucepan, combine unwrapped caramel candies, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons heavy cream. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and fully melted (5–7 minutes).
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of melted caramel over each pretzel cluster, spreading gently to cover but not drown the pretzels. Let caramel cool and set slightly for about 10 minutes.
- Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and glossy.
- Spoon melted chocolate over each caramel-covered pretzel cluster and spread evenly to seal.
- Immediately sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt on each turtle.
- Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes or until the chocolate hardens completely.
Notes
Use low heat and stir constantly when melting caramel to prevent burning. Work quickly with melted chocolate to avoid hardening before spreading. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with almond milk or coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Gluten-free pretzels can be used for a gluten-free version. Additions like cinnamon, chili powder, espresso powder, or chopped nuts can enhance flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1-2 turtles
- Calories: 150180
- Sugar: 1517
- Fat: 810
- Carbohydrates: 2022
- Protein: 12
Keywords: salted caramel, pretzel turtles, homemade candy, sweet and salty, easy treats, caramel pretzels, chocolate turtles