Name: Easy Turtle Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 2/3 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 cup milk chocolate chips; Extra chopped pecans, for garnish; Sea salt flakes, for garnish; Drizzled caramel sauce, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges for easy removal later.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the flour and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Use a pastry blender or two knives to cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs.

Step 3: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a compact and even layer with the back of a spoon or your fingers.

Step 4: Sprinkle the pecan halves evenly over the crust, forming a solid base for the caramel layer.

Step 5: In a small saucepan, combine 2/3 cup butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Place over medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture begins to bubble and darken slightly.

Step 6: Continue cooking and stirring for exactly one minute after boiling to achieve the perfect caramel consistency without burning.

Step 7: Carefully pour the hot caramel evenly over the pecans and crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly if needed.

Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 9: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the hot bars. Let them sit for a few minutes to soften.

Step 10: Once softened, spread the melted chocolate into an even layer using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Allow to cool completely before cutting.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top along with a pinch of sea salt flakes before the chocolate sets.

Use dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a richer flavor.

Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the cooled bars for added gooey sweetness.

Make sure the butter is cold when cutting into the flour to create a flaky crust.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep the chocolate layer glossy, let the bars come to room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer warm bars, but avoid overheating to prevent the chocolate from seizing.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts or almonds make excellent substitutes and provide a similar crunchy texture and flavor.

How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly once the mixture starts boiling. Cooking for exactly one minute after bubbling starts ensures a smooth caramel without burning.