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Easy Turtle Bars Recipe

Easy Turtle Bars Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 6 reviews

These Easy Turtle Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with a rich caramel and pecan layer, topped with melted milk chocolate and finished with a drizzle of caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes. Perfect for a sweet treat that balances crunchy, gooey, and chocolatey textures in every bite.

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 unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

Topping

  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips
  • Extra chopped pecans (for garnish)
  • Sea salt flakes (for garnish)
  • Drizzled caramel sauce (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over edges for easy removal later.
  2. Make the Crust Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and brown sugar. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in the cold cubed butter quickly until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs, keeping the butter as cold as possible.
  3. Press the Crust: 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 and smooth base.
  4. Add Pecans: Sprinkle the pecan halves evenly over the crust layer, creating a nutty base for the caramel topping.
  5. Prepare Caramel: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and brown sugar for the caramel. Stir constantly as the mixture heats and begins to bubble, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  6. Cook Caramel: Once the mixture comes to a boil, continue stirring and cooking for exactly one minute until the caramel thickens slightly and develops the perfect consistency.
  7. Pour Caramel Over Pecans: Carefully pour the hot caramel evenly over the pecans and crust. Use a spatula to help distribute it to ensure complete coverage.
  8. Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, until the caramel is bubbly and golden brown on top.
  9. Add Chocolate Chips: Immediately after removing the bars from the oven, sprinkle the milk chocolate chips evenly over the hot surface. Let them sit for a few minutes to soften.
  10. Spread Melted Chocolate: Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, gently spread the softened chocolate into an even layer over the bars. The residual heat will melt the chocolate smoothly.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter in the crust is very cold for a crumbly texture.
  • Do not skip the one-minute cook time after caramel begins boiling to achieve perfect thickness without burning.
  • Use parchment paper to easily remove the bars in one piece after baking.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts if preferred.
  • For a richer caramel flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes on top after drizzling caramel sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Turtle bars, caramel bars, pecan dessert, chocolate caramel bars, easy dessert recipe, sweet bars, homemade treats

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