Name: Easy Turtle Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 2/3 cup butter; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 cup milk chocolate chips; Extra chopped pecans; Sea salt flakes; Drizzled caramel sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges for easy removal later.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the flour and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Use a pastry blender or two knives to cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs.

Step 3: 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 layer.

Step 4: Evenly sprinkle the pecan halves over the crust as the base for the caramel layer.

Step 5: In a small saucepan, melt 2/3 cup butter with 1/2 cup brown sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly.

Step 6: Once the mixture begins to bubble, continue to cook and stir for exactly one minute to achieve the perfect caramel consistency.

Step 7: Carefully pour the hot caramel evenly over the pecans and crust, using a spatula to spread it if needed.

Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until the topping is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 9: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot bars. Let them sit for a few minutes to soften.

Step 10: Spread the softened chocolate into an even layer using an offset spatula or back of a spoon. The residual heat will melt the chocolate smoothly.

Tips & Variations

Use toasted pecans to enhance the nutty flavor and add extra crunch.

For a richer caramel, add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel mixture before pouring over the pecans.

Try dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a slightly less sweet contrast.

Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top for an extra decadent finish.

Storage

Store the turtle bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week. Before serving chilled bars, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften. These bars also freeze well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds based on your preference. Each nut will offer a slightly different flavor and texture.

How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Stir the caramel constantly and watch closely once it starts to bubble. Cooking it for exactly one minute after boiling helps ensure it reaches the right consistency without burning.