Print

Easy Turtle Bars Recipe

Easy Turtle Bars Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 8 reviews

Easy Turtle Bars are a decadent layered dessert featuring a buttery crust, a rich caramel pecan topping, and a smooth milk chocolate layer, garnished optionally with extra pecans, sea salt flakes, and a drizzle of caramel sauce. This recipe combines sweet, nutty, and chocolate flavors into an irresistible treat 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, letting the paper hang over the edges for easy removal later.
  2. Make the Crust: Combine flour and brown sugar in a medium mixing bowl. Use a pastry blender or two knives to cut in the cold, cubed butter quickly until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a compact layer.
  3. Add Pecans Layer: Evenly sprinkle the pecan halves over the crust to form the base for the caramel layer.
  4. Prepare Caramel: In a small saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar. Place over medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture begins to bubble and change color. Continue cooking and stirring for exactly one minute after boiling to achieve the perfect caramel consistency.
  5. Pour Caramel Over Pecans: Carefully pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the pecans and crust. Use a spatula if needed to distribute it evenly, ensuring complete coverage.
  6. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until the topping is bubbly and golden brown, indicating the caramel is perfectly cooked.
  7. Add Chocolate Topping: Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle milk chocolate chips evenly over the hot bars. Let the chips sit for a few minutes to soften.
  8. Spread Chocolate: Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the softened, melted chocolate into an even layer. The residual heat will help melt the chocolate smoothly.
  9. Optional Garnishes: After chocolate sets slightly, garnish with extra chopped pecans, sea salt flakes, or a drizzle of caramel sauce if desired. Allow bars to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is cold when cutting into the flour mixture to achieve a crumbly, sandy texture for the crust.
  • Stir the caramel mixture constantly to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
  • Use parchment paper for easy removal of bars from the pan.
  • Let the bars cool fully before slicing to allow layers to set properly.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Nutrition

Keywords: Turtle Bars, caramel pecan bars, chocolate bars, easy dessert, layered bars, pecan caramel chocolate dessert

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