Description
Easy Turtle Bars are a decadent dessert that combines a buttery crust, toasted pecans, luscious caramel, and silky melted chocolate. This recipe creates a rich and irresistible treat perfect for chocolate and caramel lovers looking for an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dessert.
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 (for garnish)
- Sea salt flakes (optional, for garnish)
- Drizzled caramel sauce (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over the edges for easy removal later.
- Make the Crust: Combine the flour and brown sugar in a medium mixing bowl. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a compact layer.
- Add Pecans: Evenly sprinkle the pecan halves over the crust layer to prepare the base for the caramel topping.
- Prepare Caramel: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine butter and brown sugar for the caramel layer. Stir constantly and watch carefully as the mixture begins to bubble and change color. Continue cooking and stirring for exactly one minute after it starts boiling to achieve perfect caramel consistency.
- Pour Caramel: Carefully pour the hot caramel evenly over the pecans and crust in the pan. Use a spatula if needed to ensure full coverage.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until the topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the milk chocolate chips evenly over the hot bars. Let the chips sit for 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 over the caramel.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Garnish with extra chopped pecans, sea salt flakes, and drizzled caramel sauce if desired before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- Using cold butter for the crust ensures a better crumbly texture.
- Monitor the caramel carefully to avoid burning—timing is critical.
- Letting the chocolate chips melt on the hot caramel creates a smooth chocolate layer without extra melting steps.
- Optional garnishes like sea salt and additional caramel drizzle add extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean edges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Turtle Bars, caramel bars, chocolate pecan bars, easy dessert, homemade bars, caramel chocolate dessert
