Dessert

Turtle Earthquake Brownies Recipe

ByZoe Lane January 5, 2026January 5, 2026

Introduction

Turtle Earthquake Brownies are a decadent twist on classic brownies, loaded with rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans. This indulgent dessert combines a fudgy base with a melty turtle topping, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.

Two thick, dark brown brownies stacked on a white plate, showing a moist and dense texture with small chunks inside. The top brownie is covered in chopped nuts and gooey caramel sauce dripping down the sides, glistening under soft light. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup caramel sauce
1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar until well combined.
Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Step 6: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips, caramel sauce, and chopped pecans on top.
Step 9: Return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the toppings to melt and combine.
Step 10: Let cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

Use high-quality caramel sauce or make your own for a richer flavor.
Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if preferred.
For extra gooey brownies, slightly underbake the base before adding toppings.
Add a pinch of espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Storage

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave to soften the toppings before serving.

How to Serve

Two thick, dark brown brownies are stacked on top of each other on a white plate. The brownies look soft and moist with a slightly rough texture on the edges. On the top brownie, there are small pieces of nuts mixed in and gooey caramel sauce dripping down the sides, creating shiny golden brown streaks. The white plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boxed brownie mix for this recipe?

While using boxed mix can save time, the homemade batter provides a richer flavor and better texture, especially when paired with the caramel and pecan topping.

How do I prevent the caramel from burning during the second bake?

Bake the toppings at the same temperature for just 10 minutes and keep a close watch. Using a light-colored baking pan can also help prevent overcooking the caramel.