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    Home » Keto

    Keto Turtles Or Caramel Pecan Clusters

    Published: Oct 19, 2019 Updated: Mar 4, 2022 By: Cassidy Stauffer May contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    These Keto Turtles, or Keto Caramel Pecan Clusters as some people call them, are the perfect Keto Candy! They feature nuts coated in an easy and creamy low-carb caramel sauce and covered in chocolate - I think I'm in love!

    turtles on countertop with caramel and pecans
    candy on the countertop with caramel, pecans, and chocolate

    Jump to:
    • The butter
    • The sweetener
    • Frequently asked questions
    • The caramel-pecan filling
    • 🍫 The chocolate coating
    • Storage instructions
    • 💭 Top tips
    • Looking for more Keto Desserts?
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Turtles are one of my favorite candies so I'm sooooo excited to finally have a Keto version to share with you now that I perfected my creamy Keto Caramel Sauce!

    The sugar-free caramel isn't exactly the same, this version is formulated to be thicker so it doesn't run all over the place. But it still has the same rich taste.

    These keto turtles feature nuts coated in an easy and creamy caramel sauce and covered in chocolate - what's not to love!?!

    Speaking of chocolate, I have 2 chocolate options for you to choose from depending on how sweet you prefer them to be and your preferred ingredients.

    The first chocolate version consists of melting low-carb, allergy-friendly chocolate chips with some coconut oil. This is the version my kids prefer because they're a bit sweeter and tastes like the original candy we all know and love!

    The second chocolate version is a mixture of cocoa powder and coconut oil that is sweetened with a low-carb sweetener.

    This version isn’t quite as sweet, but they still have that classic turtle taste that will satisfy the fiercest of cravings!

    The butter

    For the butter, I prefer to use grass-fed butter because it tastes so much better than regular butter. It’s also way healthier! It has vitamin K-2 (which is good for your arteries!), good fats, and anti-inflammatory properties.

    If you are dairy-free, you can use non-dairy butter or non-hydrogenated shortening.

    The sweetener

    To add a nice caramel flavor I found that you can add 1-2 tsp. of molasses and use the Swerve or Lakanto brown varieties. Along with browning the butter, this makes the caramel portion of the turtles have a deep, rich flavor.

    While the molasses is optional, I really prefer them with molasses. ESPECIALLY if you use don't use a brown sweetener. The molasses gives it a deep caramel taste that is otherwise missing. It also covers up any "sugar-free" aftertaste.

    If you're worried about adding molasses, keep in mind that molasses is considered a low glycemic sugar.

    One teaspoon only adds 5 carbs to the entire batch! It's also rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron, chromium, magnesium, calcium, vitamin b6, and more!

    Frequently asked questions

    Can these keto turtles be made dairy-free?

    Yes, they can! Simply use non-dairy butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream. If using coconut cream, place full-fat canned coconut milk in the fridge for 24 hours and scoop out the coagulated cream. I only recommend the Thai Kitchen, Native Forest, or Sprouts brand. Other brands may not separate as well or leave a funny aftertaste.

    Why is there molasses in a keto recipe?

    The molasses gives it a deep caramel taste that is otherwise missing. It also covers up any “sugar-free” aftertaste. If you’re worried about adding molasses to a low-carb recipe, keep in mind that molasses is considered a low glycemic sugar. One teaspoon only adds 5 net carbs to the entire batch! It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron, chromium, magnesium, calcium, vitamin b6, and more!

    The caramel-pecan filling

    Step #1: Brown the butter.

    Add ¼ cup of butter to a saucepan and heat over medium heat. Once melted, turn down to a low simmer and simmer for 5 minutes, or until nicely golden.

    butter and sweetener after it's simmered 15 minutes in saucepan
    melted ingredients in a saucepan

    Step #2: Add maple-flavored syrup, brown sweetener, and molasses. Bring back to a low simmer.

    Lightly simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Whatever you do, don’t leave out the sugar-free maple syrup or the xanthan gum! These 2 ingredients are required when using an erythritol-based sweetener. Otherwise, the caramel will turn out grainy.

    Step#3: Add xanthan gum and heavy cream. Stir until everything is melted and dissolved.

    💭Tip: When adding xanthan gum to sauces and liquids, mix it with a small amount of oil to keep it from clumping.

    pecans stirred into caramel sauce
    filling with pecans in a saucepan

    Step #4: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, water, sea salt, and pecans.

    mounds of pecan/caramel mixture on lined baking sheet
    tablespoon-sized amounts of filling on a lined baking sheet

    Step #5: Top with melted chocolate.

    If using chocolate version #1, scoop out the caramel/pecan mixture into Tablespoon-sized amounts onto a lined baking sheet.

    If using chocolate version #2, scoop the mixture into a lined mini muffin tin.

    🍫 The chocolate coating

    melted chocolate in a white bowl
    melted chocolate in a bowl

    For chocolate version #1, melt some low-carb chocolate chips with coconut oil.

    For version #2, mix together cocoa powder, coconut oil, pure vanilla, and powdered keto sweetener.

    I recommend xylitol, monk fruit/allulose blend, or allulose. Erythritol-based sweeteners can be grainy and leave an aftertaste.

    You can use the powdered or granulated variety. For granulated, simply add all the ingredients to a saucepan and heat over medium heat until the sweetener dissolves.

    drizzling melted chocolate onto the pecan/caramel mixture
    drizzling chocolate over filling

    Drizzle the chocolate over the pecan/caramel mixture.

    turtles on countertop with caramel and pecans
    turtles on the countertop with chocolate, pecans, and caramel

    Place the keto turtles, uncovered, in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour, or until chocolate and caramel are set.

    Storage instructions

    • Fridge: Store, tightly covered, in the fridge for up to 1 month.
    • Freezer: These can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow to set a room temperature for a few minutes to slightly thaw before eating.

    💭 Top tips

    • Chocolate coating #1 uses melted chocolate chips of your choice with a little oil. This version is similar to the caramel pecan clusters we all know and love!
    • Chocolate coating #2 uses a mixture of cocoa powder, coconut oil, vanilla, and low-carb sweetener. While very good, this version isn’t nearly as sweet, but they’re super low in carbs and are the perfect turtle fat bomb recipe that will satisfy the fiercest of cravings!
    • Whatever you do, don’t leave out the sugar-free maple syrup or the xanthan gum! These 2 ingredients are required when using an erythritol-based sweetener. Otherwise, the caramel will turn out grainy.
    • While the molasses is optional, I recommend adding the molasses. ESPECIALLY if you don’t use a brown sweetener. The molasses gives it a deep caramel taste that is otherwise missing. It also covers up any “sugar-free” aftertaste.
    • If you’re worried about adding molasses to a low-carb recipe, keep in mind that molasses is considered a low glycemic sugar. One teaspoon only adds 5 net carbs to the entire batch! It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron, chromium, magnesium, calcium, vitamin b6, and more!

    Looking for more Keto Desserts?

    • Peanut Butter Cups
    • Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
    • Macadamia Nut Fat Bombs

    If you’ve tried these Keto Turtles please let me know in the comments below!

    Craving more? FOLLOW ME on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or E-Mail to find more delicious food!

    📖 Recipe

    keto turtles on white countertop with pecans and chocolate chips

    Keto Turtles Or Caramel Pecan Clusters

    These Keto Turtles, or Keto Caramel Pecan Clusters as some people call them, are the perfect Keto Candy! They feature nuts coated in an easy and creamy keto caramel sauce and covered in chocolate - I think I'm in love!
    *See the notes below to help decide which chocolate coating to use 😀
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin SaveSaved!
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Keto, Low-Carb
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Resting Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes
    Servings: 15
    CALORIES :143kcal
    CARBS :9g
    FIBER :7g
    Author: Cassidy Stauffer

    Ingredients

    • 1 Cup Pecans or nuts of choice - roughly chopped or halved

    For The Caramel:

    • ¼ Cup Butter
    • 3 Tbsp. Erythritol-Based Brown Keto Sweetener - brown lakanto and brown swerve both work well
    • 2 tablespoon Keto Maple Syrup
    • 1 ½ tsp. Molasses
    • ½ Cup Heavy Cream
    • ⅛ tsp. Xanthan Gum
    • 1 tsp. Melted Butter Or Oil
    • 2 tsp. Pure Vanilla
    • ⅛ tsp. Sea Salt
    • 1 Tbsp. Filtered Water

    Chocolate Coating #1:

    • ¾ Cup Keto Chocolate Chips
    • 1 Tbsp. Coconut Oil

    Chocolate Coating #2:

    • ½ Cup Cocoa Powder
    • ½ Cup Coconut Oil - melted
    • Keto Sweetener - to taste, I recommend xylitol, monk fruit/allulose blend, or allulose. Erythritol-based sweeteners can be grainy and leave an aftertaste. You can use the powdered or granulated variety. For granulated, simply add all the ingredients to a saucepan and heat over medium heat until the sweetener dissolves.
    • 1 tsp. Pure Vanilla
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until melted.
    • Turn heat down to a low simmer and simmer 5 minutes, or until a deep golden brown. Stir occasionally and be careful not to let it burn!
    • Stir in the sweetener, maple-flavored syrup, and molasses. Return to a low simmer. Then, simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Again, be careful not to let it burn! *Note-If using the timer, you may need to exit out of the ad at the bottom of the page to see it.
    • In a small bowl, mix together the xanthan gum and 1 tsp. of melted butter or oil. Add the heavy cream and xanthan gum mixture. Stir until combined and slightly thickened.
    • Remove from heat and stir in the pure vanilla, water, sea salt, and pecans.
    • Prepare one of the chocolate coating recipes below and set aside.
    • For chocolate coating number 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and drop Tablespoon-sized amounts of the caramel pecan mixture onto the parchment paper. Then, Drizzle the chocolate over the caramel pecans, roughly 1 to 2 tsp. per cluster. Place in freezer for 30 minutes to an hour, or until the caramel and chocolate are set. Store, tightly covered, in the fridge for up to 1 month or in the freezer up to 3 months.
    • For chocolate coating number 2: Line a mini muffin tin with 15 liners. Evenly divide the caramel pecan mixture between the muffin cups. Drizzle the chocolate over the caramel pecans, evenly dividing between each cup. Place in freezer for 30 minutes to an hour, or until the caramel and chocolate are set. Store, tightly covered, in the fridge for up to 1 month or in the freezer up to 3 months.

    Chocolate Coating #1:

    • Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwaveable-safe bowl. Heat for 45 seconds then stir. Heat for 20 seconds then stir again. Repeat heating in 20 second intervals, stirring in between, until chocolate chips are completely melted. If you prefer not to use a microwave, heat chocolate chips and coconut oil in a heatproof bowl over a bowl of boiling water, being careful that the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water. Stir continuously until melted.

    Chocolate Coating #2:

    • Mix together all of the chocolate coating #2 ingredients in a large bowl.

    Add Your Own Notes

    Click here to add your own private notes.

    Notes

    • Chocolate coating #1 uses melted chocolate chips of your choice with a little oil. This version is similar to the caramel pecan clusters we all know and love!
    • Chocolate coating #2 uses a mixture of cocoa powder, coconut oil, vanilla, and keto sweetener. While very good, this version isn’t quite as sweet.
    • Whatever you do, don’t leave out the sugar-free maple syrup or the xanthan gum! These 2 ingredients are required when using an erythritol-based sweetener. Otherwise, the caramel will turn out grainy.
    • Don't skip the molasses! ESPECIALLY if you don’t use a brown sweetener. The molasses gives it a deep caramel taste that is otherwise missing. It also covers up any “sugar-free” aftertaste
    • If you’re worried about adding molasses to a low-carb recipe, keep in mind that molasses is considered a low glycemic sugar. One teaspoon only adds 5 net carbs to the entire batch! It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron, chromium, magnesium, calcium, vitamin b6, and more!
    • For dairy-free: Simply use non-dairy butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream. If using coconut cream, place full-fat canned coconut milk in the fridge for 24 hours and scoop out the coagulated cream. I only recommend the Thai Kitchen, Native Forest, or Sprouts brand. Other brands may not separate as well or leave a funny aftertaste.
    The nutrition facts are calculated using chocolate coating #1. I included sugar alcohol in the fiber to get an accurate net carb count. If you use chocolate coating #2, the nutritional info is as follows: 
    Servings: 15 Serving Size: 1 Turtle
    Calories: 148 Carbs: 4 Protein: 1 Fat: 15 Fiber: 2 Net Carbs: 2

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1Turtle With Chocolate Coating #1 | Calories: 143kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 45mg | Potassium: 96mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 98IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg

    NET CARBS = Total Carbs - Fiber

    Nutritional information is approximate and may vary. Sugar alcohols are included in the total carbs and fiber.

    Looking for more information on the keto diet? Check out my

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    Cassidy is a certified keto and intermittent fasting health coach and a mom of two teenagers, one of whom has autism and epilepsy. For the well-being of her family, she serves up easy, kid-approved recipes that are gluten-free and keto with many dairy-free and paleo options. She's passionate about creating healthy, allergy-friendly food that's just as good as the original!

    Read More…

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Julie Goodpasture says

      November 17, 2021 at 5:19 pm

      The caramel never thickened. Flavor was great. What could I have done wrong?

      Reply
      • Cassidy Stauffer says

        November 18, 2021 at 2:40 pm

        Hi Julie, I'm so sorry it didn't thicken!!!

        Did you use an erythritol-based sweetener and add the xanthan gum? If you used anything besides erythritol or omitted the xanthan gum, it wouldn't have thickened.

        If you did both of these, let me know and I'll try to troubleshoot!

        XO,
        Cassidy

        Reply
    2. Ann says

      January 07, 2019 at 1:40 am

      Made these tonight....my family loved them! Thanks for giving us a keto version of one of our favorites!

      Reply
      • Cassidy says

        January 07, 2019 at 2:49 pm

        Thanks Ann, I'm so excited you and your family liked them!!! Turtles have always been one of my favorite candies too ?

        -Cassidy

        Reply
    3. Shay Lachendro says

      October 29, 2018 at 5:12 pm

      Turtles have always been one of my favorite candies, I love that you made a healthier version!

      Reply
      • Cassidy says

        October 30, 2018 at 8:05 pm

        Thank so much Shay!!!

        Reply
    4. jenna urben says

      October 29, 2018 at 4:28 pm

      What a tasty little treat, perfect for the holidays! I love using Enjoy Life Dark Chocolate Chips 🙂

      Reply
    5. Kristina says

      October 29, 2018 at 1:24 pm

      oooh, turtles were always my grandma's favorite! I am saving this to make during the holidays... thank you!

      Reply
      • Cassidy says

        October 29, 2018 at 1:31 pm

        You're welcome Kristina!! Let me know how they turn out ?

        -Cassidy

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Cassidy! I'm a certified keto and intermittent fasting coach and am a mom of two teenagers, one of whom has autism and epilepsy. For the well-being of my family, I serve up easy, kid-approved recipes that are gluten-free and keto with many dairy-free and paleo options. I'm passionate about creating healthy, allergy-friendly food that's just as good as the original!

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