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Easy Turtle Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 92 reviews
  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x

Description

These Easy Turtle Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with crunchy pecans, a rich homemade caramel layer, and a smooth melted chocolate topping. Finished with extra pecans, sea salt flakes, and drizzled caramel sauce, these bars combine sweet, salty, and nutty flavors perfectly for a decadent 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

Topping

  • 1 cup pecan halves

Caramel Layer

  • 2/3 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

Chocolate Layer and Garnish

  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips
  • Extra chopped pecans, for garnish
  • Sea salt flakes, for garnish
  • Drizzled caramel sauce, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and packed brown sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs, ensuring the butter remains cold.
  3. Form the Crust Layer: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan using the back of a spoon or your fingers to create an even, compact base.
  4. Add Pecans: Sprinkle the pecan halves evenly over the crust to prepare for the caramel topping.
  5. Prepare Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 2/3 cup butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Stir constantly as the mixture heats and begins to bubble and change color.
  6. Cook Caramel to Perfection: Continue stirring and cooking the caramel mixture for exactly one minute after it starts boiling to achieve the right consistency without burning.
  7. Pour Caramel Over Pecans and Crust: Carefully pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the pecans and crust, using a spatula if needed to distribute it fully.
  8. Bake the Bar Base: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, until the topping is bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Add Chocolate Topping: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the milk chocolate chips evenly over the hot bars. Let them sit for a few minutes to soften.
  10. Spread Melted Chocolate: Once softened, spread the melted chocolate into an even layer using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. The residual heat will help melt the chocolate smoothly.
  11. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle extra chopped pecans and sea salt flakes on top, then drizzle with caramel sauce before slicing into bars and serving.

Notes

  • Use cold butter for the crust to achieve a crumbly, shortbread texture.
  • Keep stirring the caramel constantly to prevent burning and achieve a smooth texture.
  • Allow the chocolate chips to soften before spreading to ensure a smooth, even layer.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
  • For a nut-free version, substitute pecans with toasted oats or omit nuts altogether.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Turtle Bars, Caramel Bars, Pecan Bars, Chocolate Caramel Dessert, Easy Dessert Recipes, Homemade Bars

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Find it online: https://cookingwithzoe.com/easy-turtle-bars-recipe-3/