Imagine silky chocolate swirling with sweet caramel and crunchy pecans— all in your crockpot. Slow Cooker Chocolate Turtles 2 is an easy, homemade dessert you won’t be able to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No oven needed—just your trusty slow cooker
- Hands-off approach: stir, cover, and let the crockpot work its magic
- Gooey, sweet treats ready in about 4 hours
- Perfect for holiday gift boxes, potlucks, or late-night snacking
- Loaded with crunchy pecans for extra texture
- Homemade caramel ribbons for real, indulgent sweetness
- Makes roughly 36 two-bite squares—share or stash in the freezer
- Crock-pot consistency ensures no scorched bottoms
Ingredients
- 4 cups (680 g) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces (Land O’Lakes recommended)
- 2 cups (about 8 oz) soft caramel bits or 12 caramel squares, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecan halves, toasted and roughly chopped
- Pinch of sea salt (balances sweetness)
(Substitutions: swap dairy-free chocolate and coconut cream for a vegan twist.)
Directions
- Line the slow cooker.
Lightly spray the insert, then line with foil or parchment—this helps you lift out the fudge squares once set. - Add chocolate, milk, and butter.
Place semisweet chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter into the crockpot. Give it a quick stir so nothing sticks. - Cook on low.
Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. If the edges dry out, just swirl gently to reincorporate. - Warm the caramel.
Meanwhile, stir caramel bits and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds, then whisk until smooth. - Stir in vanilla and salt.
After the 2-hour mark, stir the fudge base until glossy. Mix in vanilla extract and sea salt for depth. - Layer half the fudge.
Spread half of the mixture evenly in the lined insert, creating your first rich chocolate layer. - Add caramel and pecans.
Drizzle half of the warm caramel over the fudge, then sprinkle half the toasted pecans for that classic Turtle look. - Top with the rest.
Dollop the remaining fudge on top, spread it out, then finish with the rest of the caramel and pecans—marbled bliss! - Chill to set.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is fine, too). A tip: use a sharp knife warmed under hot water for cleaner slices. - Serve and enjoy.
Lift out the foil, cut into 1½-inch squares, and watch everyone smile.
Servings & Timing
- Yield: Makes about 36 squares
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours on low
- Chill/Rest Time: 2 hours chilling (or overnight)
- Total Time: ~4 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Dark Chocolate Twist: swap semisweet for 70% cocoa dark chips.
- Nut-Free Version: use sunflower seeds instead of pecans or omit nuts.
- Salted Caramel Finish: sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before chilling.
- Peanut Butter Turtles: stir 1 cup chopped peanuts into the fudge base.
- Boozy Boost: add 2 tablespoons bourbon to the caramel for grown-up flair.
- Spiced Surprise: mix in ½ teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.
Storage & Reheating
Store squares in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks—layer with parchment to prevent sticking. Freeze for 2–3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge. No reheating needed—fudge is best at cool room temp or straight from the fridge.
FAQs
What if my fudge stays too soft?
Chill it longer or reduce slow-cook time by 10–15 minutes next round.
Can I use a programmable digital crockpot?
Absolutely—just select the low-heat setting for consistency.
How do I toast pecans quickly?
Spread pecans on a baking sheet at 350°F for 6–8 minutes, stirring once until fragrant.
Is an Instant Pot an option?
You can use its Slow Cook function, but watch liquid levels and stir often.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—use dairy-free chocolate chips and full-fat coconut cream instead of condensed milk.
Why did my caramel get grainy?
Stir promptly and avoid overheating—adding cream helps keep it smooth.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—just ensure your slow cooker isn’t overfilled; leave 1–2 inches of headspace.
How do I prevent sticking?
Line with foil or parchment and lightly coat with nonstick spray before cooking.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Chocolate Turtles 2 delivers decadent, gooey indulgence without heating up your oven. With layers of chocolate, homemade caramel, and crunchy pecans, it’s the perfect treat for gatherings or cozy nights in. Give it a try, drop a comment below, and explore more slow cooker sweets in my recipe library!
Slow Cooker Chocolate Turtles 2
Ingredients
- 4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk one can
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cut into pieces
- 2 cups soft caramel bits or 12 unwrapped squares
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecan halves toasted and chopped
- Sea salt pinch
Instructions
- Lightly grease the insert and line it with foil or parchment paper.
- Place semisweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter into the slow cooker; stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring gently every 30 minutes until smooth.
- Microwave caramel bits and heavy cream for 30 seconds, then whisk until smooth.
- Stir vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt into the glossy fudge base.
- Spread half of the fudge mixture into the lined insert.
- Drizzle half the caramel and sprinkle half the pecans over the first chocolate layer.
- Spread the rest of the fudge, then finish with the remaining caramel and pecans.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, then use a warmed knife to cut into squares.
Notes
Nutrition
