Dark chocolate caramel is an extremely popular taste combination, and the number and variety of products reflects this popularity. Caramel, which started as a unique and different way to prepare sugar treats, was combined with dark chocolate in the mid-1800s, and the rest really is history.
Caramel is a firm chewy candy made from caramelized sugar, butter, and milk, plus maybe some vanilla or other flavoring. It seems that caramel was introduced in North America in the mid 1600s. By the mid 1800s caramels were extremely popular in America, and were gainng a large following in Europe. Milton Hershey started out making caramels, and was originally interested in chocolate as a coating for his caramels. The combination of chocolate and caramel started gaining popularity about this time.
The dark chocolate with caramel combination can now be found in three main forms: dark chocolate, caramel, and various kinds of nuts (this combination is often called "turtles", especially with pecans); bite-sized dark chocolates coating a caramel filling; and of course dark chocolate bars. There are also a few extras, such as with pretzels, and dark chocolate with caramel drink mix.
Turtles
The combination of chocolate, caramel, and nuts is often called a Turtle, especiallly if the chosen nut is pecan. But I've also seen them called Brags, Clusters, Myrtles, Patties and Puddles. Whatever you call them, they are declicious and very popular. Such as these.
Individual Bites
These might be simple: just dark chocolate around a regular caramel, or they could be fancier, perhaps handmade in small batches by specialty shops. The caramel itself might contain vanilla, or even additional chocolate. Have a look.
Dark Chocolate Bars
There are a few very interesting dark chocolate bars with caramel, such as these by Ghirardelli and Lake Champlain.
Extras
An interesting combination I have found is basically a turtle on a stick -- dark chocolate, caramel, and nuts on a pretzel stick. I've also seen hot cocoa mix with caramel. And how about these spoons? Check out the extras here.
Pecan or Cashew Turtle Gift Tin
Rich, smooth caramel is combined with hand picked premium Pecans or Cashews and is topped with Belgian Dark Chocolate.
14 oz gift tin,
$21.95, Cashews
Shipping: Ships to US addresses. Hot Weather: Requires expedited shipping and hot weather packaging. Ships only Monday through Wednesday.
Almond, Pecan, or Cashew Turtles
Hand made turtles available with your choice of almonds, pecans, or cashews, smothered in creamy caramel, covered in your choice of chocolate (pick dark chocolate, of course), then drizzled with more chocolate.
8 oz, $14; 1 lb, $24; 2 lb, $48
Shipping: Ships to US addresses. Hot Weather: special packaging included, restricted shipping days, recommend expedited shipping.
Blueberry Pecan Caramel Pattie
Chopped crunchy pecans and juicy dried blueberries swirled with chewy caramel and topped by a fine dark chocolate with white candy drizzle!
Shipping: Ships to US addresses. Warm Weather: Recommends Ice Pack shipping, expedited shipping, Monday through Wednesday shipping.
Dark Pecan Caramel Pattie
A unique combination of chewy soft caramel and crunchy pecans enrobed in a deep dark chocolate!
Shipping: Ships to US addresses. Warm Weather: Recommends Ice Pack shipping, expedited shipping, Monday through Wednesday shipping.
Dark Chocolate Pecan Brag
Whole Pecans Covered with Rich Caramel and Swirled with Dark Chocolate. Gluten free.
Shipping: Ships to US addresses. Warm Weather: Recommends Ice Pack shipping, expedited shipping, Monday through Wednesday shipping.
Dark Chocolate Pecan Myrtle
Crunchy pecans covered by a chewy caramel and then topped with a rich dark chocolate.
Shipping: Ships to US addresses. Warm Weather: Recommends Ice Pack shipping, expedited shipping, Monday through Wednesday shipping.
Orange Peel with Walnut Caramel Pattie
Crunchy walnuts and sweet dried orange peels are mixed with a chewy caramel and coated in a fine dark chocolate then drizzled with an sweet orange candy!
Shipping: Ships to US addresses. Warm Weather: Recommends Ice Pack shipping, expedited shipping, Monday through Wednesday shipping.
Forbes Dark Delights
Made with Dark chocolate and caramel mixed with your choice of Pecans or Cashews, the homestyle creation makes the taste that much more enjoyable.
Shipping: Ships to US addresses. Warm Weather: Recommends Ice Pack shipping, expedited shipping, Monday through Wednesday shipping.
Lulu's Sea Salt Caramel Collection
These gourmet sea salt caramels are made with soft buttery caramels enrobed in dark chocolate topped with an eclectic selection of sea salts from around the world.
Shipping: Ships to many locations in North and South America, and Europe, plus Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. Special arrangements for other destinations may be possible.
AvenueSweets Dark Chocolate Caramels
Cut into nice, big pieces, these are Dark Chocolate Caramels you can really sink your teeth into. AvenueSweets Gourmet Caramels are soft, rich and buttery. Each batch of caramels is handcrafted one at a time and every piece is wrapped individually Made with the highest quality Swiss chocolate, AvenueSweets Dark Chocolate Caramels are soft, rich and possess a deep chocolate flavor. But beware. You will crave more.
Shipping: Ships to many locations in North and South America, and Europe, plus Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. Special arrangements for other destinations may be possible.
Ashers Dark Chocolate Caramel
Chewy chocolate caramel centers covered with a meltaway dark chocolate coating!
Shipping: Ships to US addresses. Warm Weather: Recommends Ice Pack shipping, expedited shipping, Monday through Wednesday shipping.
Ashers Dark Vanilla Caramel
These chewy vanilla caramel centers are covered with a meltaway dark chocolate coating!
Shipping: Ships to US addresses. Warm Weather: Recommends Ice Pack shipping, expedited shipping, Monday through Wednesday shipping.
Dark Chocolate Caramel
Creamy hand cut bite sized caramels drenched in premium dark chocolate. Each piece melts in your mouth! Made fresh for every order.
8 oz, $14; 1 lb, $24; 2 lb, $48
Shipping: Ships to US addresses. Hot Weather: special packaging included, restricted shipping days, recommend expedited shipping.
Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Caramel Squares
Delivers the perfect balance of award-winning 60% cacao dark chocolate and a rich buttery caramel center.
5.32 oz bag, 18
bag case, $60.52
1.3 oz squares,
18 square case, $18.94
Shipping: Ships to US addresses. Warm Weather: Recommends Ice Pack shipping, expedited shipping, Monday through Wednesday shipping.
Ghirardelli 60% Intense Dark Citrus Sunset
60% Cacao dark chocolate combined with flavorful orange bits and caramel crunch. The zesty orange bits and caramel crunch in this bar provide delightful textural and flavor contrast to the smooth, dark rich chocolate.
3.5 oz bars, 18
bar case, $37.88
Shipping: Ships to US addresses. Warm Weather: Recommends Ice Pack shipping, expedited shipping, Monday through Wednesday shipping.
Nirvana Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt and Caramel
Combined with a smooth caramel and finished with a light taste of sea salt, this 72% cocoa organic vegan dark Belgian chocolate will melt in your mouth. The perfect salty and sweet combination!
3.5 oz bars
Shipping: Ships to addresses in the US (including Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico) and Canada. Warm Weather: Recommends warm weather packaging, Express or 2nd Day shipping, restricted shipping days.
Shipping: Ships to US addresses. Warm Weather: Recommends Ice Pack shipping, expedited shipping, Monday through Wednesday shipping.
Lake Champlain Rum Caramel
Caramel and hearty dark rum, tucked inside perfectly balanced dark chocolate. It's a classic for a reason -- life doesn’t get much better than dark chocolate and sweet dark caramel. Crafted in small batches to ensure absolute freshness. Pure Belgian chocolate filled with all-natural taste sensations.
3.25 oz bars, 10
bar case, $35.26
Shipping: Ships to US addresses. Warm Weather: Recommends Ice Pack shipping, expedited shipping, Monday through Wednesday shipping.
Rocky Road Pretzel Rod
Start with a pretzel rod, roll it in caramel, then roll it in pecans, then dip it in Dark Chocolate. One sweet treat!
Shipping: Ships to US addresses. Hot Weather: special packaging included, restricted shipping days, recommend expedited shipping.
Bellagio Caramel Praline Gourmet Hot Cocoa
Roasted pralines and sweet caramel ribbons blended in delicious dark chocolate.
7 oz cannister,
12 cannister case, $48.94
Individual
serving packets, 25 packet case,
$17.88
Shipping: Ships to US addresses. Warm Weather: Recommends Ice Pack shipping, expedited shipping, Monday through Wednesday shipping.
Melville's Chocolate Caramel Flavoring Spoons
Simply enjoy by adding one Chocolate Caramel Spoon into your favorite cup of hot tea or coffee. Notice as a blast of Chocolate Caramel flavor comes right out making the very best cup you've ever tasted.
8 spoon package,
3 package case, $31.18
Shipping: Ships to US addresses. Warm Weather: Recommends Ice Pack shipping, expedited shipping, Monday through Wednesday shipping.
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