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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.

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
  • 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

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