Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Easy Turtle Bars Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 60 reviews
  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x

Description

Delight in the rich, gooey goodness of Easy Turtle Bars, a scrumptious dessert featuring a buttery crumb crust topped with crunchy pecans, smooth caramel, and melted milk chocolate. Garnished with extra pecans, a sprinkle of sea salt flakes, and drizzled caramel sauce, these bars combine classic flavors into one irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the 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

For the Caramel Layer

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

For the Topping

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and let the edges hang over the sides for easy removal of the bars later.
  2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar. Use a pastry blender or two knives to cut in the cold, cubed unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs. Work quickly to keep the butter cold for a crumbly texture.
  3. Press the Crust: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the back of a spoon or your fingers to form a compact, even layer that will act as the base of the bars.
  4. Add Pecans: Sprinkle the pecan halves evenly over the crust, creating a crunchy foundation for the caramel topping.
  5. Cook the Caramel: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 2/3 cup butter and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar. Stir constantly as the mixture comes to a boil. Once boiling, continue cooking and stirring for exactly one minute to achieve the ideal caramel consistency without burning.
  6. Pour Caramel Layer: Carefully pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the pecans and crust in the baking pan. Use a spatula if needed to ensure full coverage.
  7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the topping is bubbly and golden brown, indicating the caramel is perfectly cooked.
  8. Add Chocolate Chips: Immediately upon removing the pan from the oven, sprinkle the milk chocolate chips evenly on top. Let them sit for a few minutes to soften from the residual heat.
  9. Spread Chocolate Layer: Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the softened chocolate into a smooth, even layer over the caramel and pecans.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Once the chocolate is spread, garnish the bars with extra chopped pecans, a sprinkle of sea salt flakes, and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Allow to cool and set before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use cold, cubed butter for the crust to achieve a crumbly texture.
  • Be careful when cooking the caramel, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.
  • Allow the chocolate chips to soften fully before spreading for a smooth topping.
  • Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of bars and clean-up.
  • For extra indulgence, top with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce just before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Turtle Bars, caramel bars, pecan bars, chocolate caramel bars, easy dessert bars, homemade turtle bars, caramel pecan dessert

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://cookingwithzoe.com/easy-turtle-bars-recipe-4/