Print

Easy Turtle Bars Recipe

Easy Turtle Bars Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 21 reviews

Easy Turtle Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust, a rich caramel pecan layer, and a smooth milk chocolate topping to create a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

  • 1 and ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Caramel Pecan Layer:

  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • ⅔ cup butter
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed

For the Chocolate Topping:

  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips

Optional Garnishes:

  • Extra chopped pecans
  • Sea salt flakes
  • Drizzled caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over the edges for easy bar removal later.
  2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and brown sugar. Use a pastry blender or two knives to cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs. Press this evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a compact layer.
  3. Add pecans: Evenly sprinkle the pecan halves over the pressed crust, providing a flavorful foundation for the caramel layer.
  4. Prepare caramel: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and brown sugar for the caramel. Stir constantly and watch as the mixture bubbles and darkens. Continue to cook and stir for 1 minute after boiling for perfect caramel consistency without burning.
  5. Pour caramel over pecans: Carefully pour the hot caramel evenly over the pecans and crust, using a spatula to ensure full coverage.
  6. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until the topping is bubbly and golden brown.
  7. Add chocolate topping: Immediately remove the bars from the oven and sprinkle the milk chocolate chips evenly over the hot caramel layer. Let them sit for a few minutes to soften.
  8. Spread chocolate: Once softened, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the melted chocolate into an even layer over the bars. Allow to cool before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and prevent the caramel from being too runny.
  • For extra flavor and texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or sea salt flakes on the chocolate topping before it hardens.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • For a richer flavor, use high-quality butter and fresh pecans.
  • Use parchment paper for easy removal and neat presentation.

Nutrition

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

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