Easy Turtle Bars Recipe
Introduction
Easy Turtle Bars are a delightful treat combining a buttery crust, crunchy pecans, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate. This no-fuss dessert is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 2/3 cup butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- Extra chopped pecans (optional)
- Sea salt flakes (optional)
- Drizzled caramel sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the paper hang over the edges for easy removal later.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the flour and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in the cold, cubed butter quickly until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs.
- Step 3: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a compact layer.
- Step 4: Evenly sprinkle the pecan halves over the crust.
- Step 5: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 2/3 cup butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Stir constantly and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Step 6: Once boiling, continue cooking and stirring for exactly one minute to achieve the perfect caramel consistency without burning.
- Step 7: Carefully pour the hot caramel evenly over the pecans and crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly if needed.
- Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, until the topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Step 9: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot bars. Let them sit for a few minutes to soften.
- Step 10: Once softened, spread the melted chocolate into an even layer using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Allow to cool before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use toasted pecans for extra flavor and crunch.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt flakes on top to enhance the sweet and salty contrast.
- Try dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a richer taste.
- Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the cooled bars for an indulgent finish.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds to soften before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts besides pecans?
Yes, walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes and offer a different texture and flavor.
Do I need to line the baking pan with parchment paper?
While not absolutely necessary, using parchment paper makes it much easier to remove the bars cleanly and helps prevent sticking.
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Easy Turtle Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Easy Turtle Bars are a delightful dessert featuring a buttery crust topped with crunchy pecans, rich caramel, and melted milk chocolate. Finished with extra chopped pecans and a drizzle of caramel sauce, these bars combine sweet and nutty flavors into a gooey, irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup pecan halves
Caramel Layer
- 2/3 cup butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
Topping
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- Extra chopped pecans
- Sea salt flakes
- Drizzled caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the paper hang over the edges for easy bar removal later.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Use a pastry blender or two knives to cut in the cold, cubed butter quickly until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs, keeping the butter cold for optimal texture.
- Press the Crust: Evenly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan using the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a compact, even layer.
- Add Pecans: Sprinkle the pecan halves evenly over the crust as the base for the caramel layer.
- Prepare Caramel: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine butter and brown sugar for the caramel layer. Stir constantly as the mixture heats, watching closely as it begins to bubble and change color.
- Cook Caramel: After the mixture starts boiling, continue stirring and cooking for exactly one more minute to achieve the perfect caramel consistency without burning.
- Pour Caramel: Carefully pour the hot caramel evenly over the pecans and crust in the baking pan. Use a spatula to spread if needed, ensuring full coverage.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until the topping is bubbly and golden-brown, indicating perfectly cooked caramel.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Immediately remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the milk chocolate chips evenly over the hot bars. Allow them to sit a few minutes to soften.
- Spread Chocolate: Once softened, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the melted chocolate into an even layer using the residual heat to smooth it out. Finish by topping with extra chopped pecans, a sprinkle of sea salt flakes, and a drizzle of caramel sauce as desired.
Notes
- Ensure the butter for the crust is very cold to achieve a crumbly texture.
- Stir the caramel constantly to avoid burning and achieve a smooth consistency.
- You can swap milk chocolate chips for dark or semi-sweet chocolate for a less sweet version.
- Use parchment paper with overhang for easy removal and clean edges.
- Allow bars to cool completely before slicing to maintain structure and cleaner cuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Turtle Bars, caramel bars, pecan bars, chocolate caramel dessert, easy dessert bars, holiday dessert, sweet treats
