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Decadent Turtle Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 123 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12-16 bars 1x

Description

Decadent Turtle Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with rich, gooey caramel studded with toasted pecans and finished with a luscious layer of melted chocolate. This irresistible dessert combines a crispy base, crunchy nuts, smooth caramel, and velvety chocolate for a perfect indulgent treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 cup Cold Butter
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar

Caramel Layer

  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 cup Toasted Pecans
  • 1 teaspoon Sea Salt

Topping

  • 2 cups Chocolate Chips (semi-sweet or milk)
  • 1/2 cup Extra Pecans (for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the cold butter, all-purpose flour, and 3/4 cup granulated sugar. Blend the mixture until it becomes crumbly. Press this crumb mixture firmly into a lined 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even layer. Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes or until it turns a golden color.
  2. Make the caramel: While the crust bakes, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Stir constantly to melt the sugar and butter together evenly, which should take about 5 minutes. Once melted, whisk in 1/2 cup heavy cream until the caramel is smooth. Then fold in 1 cup toasted pecans and 1 teaspoon sea salt to add a delightful crunch and a touch of savory contrast.
  3. Assemble the bars: Pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over the baked and cooled shortbread crust. Spread it smoothly to cover the entire surface. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the caramel layer is bubbly and set.
  4. Add the chocolate topping: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes. Melt the 2 cups of chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and spread it evenly for a glossy, sumptuous finish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup pecans on top as decoration.
  5. Cool and serve: Let the bars cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour. Then refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to firm up which makes slicing cleaner and easier. Cut into bars and serve.

Notes

  • For best results, use cold butter for the crust to achieve a crisp texture.
  • Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their flavor and crunch.
  • You can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips depending on your preference.
  • Chill before slicing to avoid gooey edges and clean cuts.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Turtle bars, caramel bars, shortbread crust, pecan caramel bars, chocolate caramel dessert, homemade turtle bars

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Find it online: https://everydaytastes.com/decadent-turtle-bars-recipe/