Description
Decadent Turtle Bars combine a crisp buttery shortbread base with rich, gooey caramel, crunchy toasted pecans, and a smooth, glossy chocolate topping. This indulgent dessert offers a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors with a delightful texture contrast.
Ingredients
Scale
Shortbread Base
- 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
Topping
- 2 cups Chocolate Chips (semi-sweet or milk)
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1/2 cup Extra Pecans (for decoration)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shortbread Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine cold butter, all-purpose flour, and granulated sugar. Blend the ingredients together until the mixture becomes crumbly but holds together when pressed. Press the mixture evenly into a lined 9×13-inch baking dish, creating the crust base. Bake it in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Make the Caramel: While the crust is baking, place the granulated sugar and unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning and cook until the sugar melts completely and the mixture is smooth, about 5 minutes. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until you achieve a silky, smooth caramel sauce. Fold in the toasted pecans to incorporate the crunch and flavor.
- Combine Caramel and Crust: Once the shortbread base is baked, remove it from the oven and pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over the crust layer. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the caramel evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 10 to 12 minutes until the caramel layer is bubbly and set.
- Chocolate Topping: Remove the baked caramel crust from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and glossy. Pour the melted chocolate over the warm caramel layer, spreading it evenly to create an appealing finish.
- Chill and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature for at least 1 hour to help the layers set. For cleaner, easier slicing, refrigerate the bars for an additional 30 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle the extra pecans on top as decoration and for extra crunch. Slice into bars and enjoy!
Notes
- Use cold butter for the shortbread to ensure a crisp, flaky crust.
- Toast the pecans beforehand to bring out their nutty flavor and crunch.
- For best results, melt chocolate slowly to avoid burning or seizing.
- Refrigeration helps the bars cut neatly and hold their shape.
- Sea salt added on top intensifies the flavor contrast of sweet and salty.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Turtle Bars, Caramel Bars, Shortbread Dessert, Chocolate Pecan Bars, Decadent Dessert, Homemade Bars
