Description
These Easy Turtle Bars combine a buttery crust with a rich caramel layer, toasted pecans, and a smooth chocolate topping. Perfectly baked to create a decadent dessert that blends sweet and nutty flavors in every bite, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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
For the Caramel Layer
- 2/3 cup butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
For the Topping
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- Extra chopped pecans (optional)
- Sea salt flakes (optional)
- Drizzled caramel sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over the edges for easy removal later.
- Mix Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the cold, cubed butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse, sandy crumbs.
- Form Crust: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring a compact and even layer using the back of a spoon or your fingers.
- Add Pecans: Sprinkle pecan halves evenly over the crust to create a nutty base for the caramel layer.
- Prepare Caramel: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine butter and brown sugar. Stir constantly and cook until the mixture starts to bubble and change color, then continue cooking and stirring for exactly one minute.
- Pour Caramel: Carefully pour the hot caramel evenly over the pecans and crust, using a spatula to distribute it fully.
- Bake Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, until the caramel is bubbly and golden brown.
- Add Chocolate: Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the hot bars. Let them sit for a few minutes to soften.
- Spread Chocolate: Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the melted chocolate into an even layer over the caramel. The residual heat will help the chocolate melt smoothly.
- Optional Garnishes: Sprinkle extra chopped pecans, sea salt flakes, or drizzle additional caramel sauce over the bars for added flavor and texture. Allow bars to cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use cold butter for the crust to achieve a crumbly, shortbread-like texture.
- Be sure to stir the caramel constantly to avoid burning and to get the perfect consistency.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For vegan or dairy-free versions, substitute butter and chocolate chips with plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: turtle bars, caramel bars, pecan bars, chocolate caramel dessert, easy dessert recipe, baked dessert
