Description
Delightfully rich and easy-to-make Turtle Bars featuring a buttery crust, crunchy pecans, gooey caramel layer, and a smooth chocolate topping. Perfect as a sweet treat for any occasion, these bars combine classic flavors with a simple baking method to create an irresistible dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Caramel Layer
- 2/3 cup butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
Topping
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- Extra chopped pecans (optional, for garnish)
- Sea salt flakes (optional, for garnish)
- Drizzled caramel sauce (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven 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.
- Make the Crust: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and brown sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs. Work quickly to keep the butter cold.
- Press Crust into Pan: Evenly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan using the back of a spoon or your fingers to form a compact, even layer.
- Add Pecans: Sprinkle the pecan halves evenly over the crust, creating a crunchy base for the caramel layer.
- Prepare Caramel Layer: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine butter and brown sugar for the caramel. Stir constantly and carefully watch the mixture as it begins to bubble and change color.
- Cook Caramel: Once the mixture starts boiling, continue stirring and cook for exactly one minute to achieve the perfect caramel consistency without burning.
- Pour Caramel Over Pecans: Carefully pour the hot caramel evenly over the pecans and crust in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it if needed, ensuring full coverage.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until the topping is bubbly and golden brown, indicating the caramel is perfectly cooked.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Immediately after removing the pan from the oven, sprinkle milk chocolate chips evenly over the hot bars. Let them sit for a few minutes to soften.
- Spread Melted Chocolate: Once the chocolate chips have softened, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the melted chocolate into an even layer over the bars, using the residual heat to smooth it out.
Notes
- For best results, keep the butter cold while making the crust to achieve a crumbly texture.
- You can add extra chopped pecans and drizzle caramel sauce on top after spreading the chocolate for added texture and flavor.
- Sprinkling sea salt flakes on top helps enhance the caramel and chocolate flavors.
- Be careful while cooking the caramel to avoid burning; timing is key for the perfect texture.
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to maintain clean edges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Turtle Bars, caramel bars, pecan dessert, chocolate caramel bars, easy dessert recipe, homemade turtle bars
