Easy Turtle Bars Recipe

Introduction

Easy Turtle Bars combine a buttery crust, crunchy pecans, gooey caramel, and silky melted chocolate for a deliciously decadent treat. This no-fuss recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with classic flavors in just a few simple steps.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper. Let the paper hang over the edges for easy removal later.
2. Step 2: Create the crust by combining flour and 1/2 cup brown sugar in a medium mixing bowl. Use a pastry blender or two knives to cut in the cold, cubed butter. Work quickly to maintain the butter’s coldness.
3. Step 3: Continue cutting the butter until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create an even, compact layer.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the pecan halves in an even layer over the crust. This creates a delicious base for the caramel layer.
5. Step 5: In a small saucepan, combine 2/3 cup butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar for the caramel layer. Place over medium heat and stir constantly. Watch carefully as the mixture begins to bubble and change color.
6. Step 6: Continue cooking and stirring for exactly one minute after the mixture starts boiling. This ensures the perfect caramel consistency without burning.
7. Step 7: Carefully pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the pecans and crust. Use a spatula to help distribute it if needed, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Step 8: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Look for a bubbly, golden-brown topping that indicates the caramel is perfectly cooked.
9. Step 9: Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the hot bars. Let the chips sit for a few minutes to soften.
10. Step 10: Once softened, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the melted chocolate into an even layer. The residual heat will help melt the chocolate smoothly.

Tips & Variations

• Use cold butter for the crust to achieve a crumbly, tender base that holds together well.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle additional chopped pecans over the melted chocolate before it sets.
• Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top before serving for more gooey sweetness.
• Swap milk chocolate chips for dark or white chocolate depending on your preference.

Storage

Store turtle bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Before serving chilled bars, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften. These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts make great substitutes and offer a slightly different flavor and texture.

How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Stir the caramel mixture constantly over medium heat and watch closely once it starts to bubble. Removing from heat exactly one minute after boiling helps prevent burning while achieving the right consistency.

Easy Turtle Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 142 reviews

This Easy Turtle Bars recipe features a buttery, crumbly crust topped with toasted pecans, a rich caramel layer, and melted milk chocolate, finished with extra pecans and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Perfectly sweet with a delightful mix of textures, these bars make an irresistible treat for any occasion.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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
• Sea salt flakes
• Drizzled caramel sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper hangs over the edges for easy removal later.
2. Prepare Crust Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and brown sugar. Use a pastry blender or two knives to cut in the cold, cubed butter quickly until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs.
3. Form Crust: Press the crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create an even, compact layer.
4. Add Pecans: Sprinkle the pecan halves evenly over the crust to create a delicious base for the caramel layer.
5. Make Caramel Layer: In a small saucepan, combine the butter and brown sugar intended for the caramel. Place over medium heat and stir constantly. Once the mixture starts to bubble and change color, continue cooking and stirring for exactly one minute to achieve the perfect caramel consistency without burning.
6. Pour Caramel: Carefully pour the hot caramel evenly over the pecans and crust. Use a spatula if needed to distribute the caramel to ensure complete coverage.
7. 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.
8. Add Chocolate Chips: Immediately remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the milk chocolate chips evenly over the hot bars. Let the chips sit for a few minutes to soften.
9. Spread Chocolate: Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the melted chocolate into an even layer, using the residual heat from the bars to melt the chocolate smoothly.
10. Garnish and Serve: Once the chocolate has set slightly, sprinkle extra chopped pecans and sea salt flakes over the bars, then drizzle with caramel sauce for added flavor and presentation. Allow bars to cool before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Ensure the butter for the crust is cold to achieve a crumbly texture.
• Monitor the caramel carefully to avoid burning; one minute after boiling is key.
• Let the chocolate chips soften on the hot bars before spreading for a smooth finish.
• Use parchment paper for easy removal of the bars from the pan.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Turtle Bars, Caramel Bars, Pecan Bars, Easy Dessert, Chocolate Caramel Bars