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Easy Turtle Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 105 reviews
  • Author: Victor
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Add Pecans: Sprinkle the pecan halves evenly over the crust as the base for the caramel layer.
  5. 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.
  6. Cook Caramel: After the mixture starts boiling, continue stirring and cooking for exactly one more minute to achieve the perfect caramel consistency without burning.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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

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Find it online: https://tastywithvictor.com/easy-turtle-bars-recipe-2/