Description
Easy Turtle Bars are a decadent dessert featuring a buttery crust topped with pecans, a rich caramel layer, and a silky milk chocolate topping. These bars combine the classic flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pecans into a luscious treat perfect for sharing or enjoying as a sweet indulgence.
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 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 to easily lift the bars out later.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and brown sugar. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the cold cubed butter into the mixture quickly until it resembles coarse, sandy crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a compact layer.
- Add Pecans: Evenly sprinkle the pecan halves over the pressed crust, creating a crunchy and flavorful base for the caramel.
- Prepare Caramel Layer: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and brown sugar. Stir constantly as the mixture heats and begins to bubble. Continue boiling and stirring for exactly one minute to develop a perfect caramel consistency without burning.
- Pour Caramel: Carefully pour the hot caramel evenly over the pecans and crust. Use a spatula to smooth and cover the surface thoroughly.
- Bake Bars: 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 set.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Immediately after removing the pan from the oven, sprinkle the milk chocolate chips evenly over the hot bars and allow them to 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.
- Optional Garnishes: For extra flavor and presentation, sprinkle chopped pecans and sea salt flakes on top, and drizzle with caramel sauce if desired.
Notes
- Use cold butter for the crust to ensure a crumbly and tender base.
- Do not overcook the caramel to avoid bitterness; timing is key.
- The parchment paper lining makes it easy to lift the bars out of the pan for clean slicing.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Turtle Bars, Caramel Bars, Chocolate Pecan Bars, Easy Dessert, Homemade Bars, Turtle Dessert
