If you’ve ever wondered what our most popular candy is at Lillie Mae Chocolates, the answer is simple: the Tortush.
Yes, it’s spelled a little differently — a playful twist on the word tortoise. But it’s more than just a name. The Tortush was first created by Buck Dates, who put a unique spin on the traditional “turtle” candy. Instead of placing caramel on top of nuts, the nuts are mixed right into the caramel, giving it a flavor and texture that’s unlike anything else.
How a Tortush Is Made
Every Tortush starts with our slow-cooked caramel, made in small batches using fresh Iowa butter and cream. We cook it low and slow, which creates that rich, buttery flavor and deep golden caramel color.
Then we mix in a generous amount of pecans and English walnuts for crunch. Once the caramel-nut mixture is poured out and cooled, our staff hand-forms it into a signature shape — something between a rectangle and a cluster.
From there, the fun really begins. Our candy dippers coat each piece in chocolate either milk or dark finishing with a beautiful figure-8 swirl on top. After the chocolate sets in our temperature-controlled cooler, every Tortush is finished with a touch of white chocolate for that perfect signature look.
Why We Love Them (and Why You Will Too)
People often ask me what my go-to candy is at Lillie Mae. Without hesitation, it’s the Tortush. There’s just something about the combination of buttery caramel, crunchy nuts, and smooth chocolate that hits every note.
They’re available in both European-style milk chocolate and dark chocolate, and they make an amazing gift for anyone who loves chocolate, nuts, or caramel (or all three!).
You can buy Tortush in sizes ranging from a small 4-piece gift box all the way up to a 5-pound, 60-piece box — because let’s be honest, sometimes you really do need that much chocolate.
📍 Find Tortush at Lillie Mae Chocolates in Marshalltown and Clear Lake, Iowa, or order online for delivery.
It really is a Sweet Life ~ Aimee and Tom
PS...
How Do You Pronounce “Tortush”?
This is one of our favorite customer moments: when someone points at the case and asks, “Can I get one of those… Tour-tu-shays?” We’ve heard it all — Tortuche, Tortoush, even “that turtle thing.”
The good news is, it’s actually super easy to say. Just break it into two parts:
-
“Tor” - like when you tore a piece of paper.
-
“Tush” - like a little shake of your tush.
Put it together and you’ve got Tortush. Fun to say, even better to eat!!!!
