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Easy Turtle Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 94 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x

Description

Easy Turtle Bars are a deliciously indulgent dessert featuring a buttery crust topped with pecans, a rich caramel layer, and melted milk chocolate chips. Finished with extra pecans, sea salt flakes, and a drizzle of caramel sauce, these bars offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors with a satisfyingly chewy texture.

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 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 bar removal later.
  2. Make the crust mixture: Combine the all-purpose flour and brown sugar in a medium mixing bowl. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in the cold, cubed butter quickly until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs.
  3. Press the crust: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, using the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a compact and even layer.
  4. Add pecans: Sprinkle the pecan halves evenly over the crust layer to create a nutty base for the caramel topping.
  5. Prepare caramel sauce: In a small saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar. Place over medium heat and stir constantly. Watch carefully as the mixture bubbles and changes color.
  6. Cook caramel: Once the mixture starts boiling, continue cooking and stirring for exactly one minute to achieve the perfect caramel consistency without burning.
  7. Pour caramel over pecans: Carefully pour the hot caramel evenly over the pecans and crust layer. Use a spatula if needed to spread it for complete coverage.
  8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, until the topping is bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Add chocolate chips: Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle milk chocolate chips evenly over the hot bars. Let them sit for a few minutes to soften from the residual heat.
  10. Spread melted chocolate and finish: Once softened, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the melted chocolate into an even layer. Finally, sprinkle extra chopped pecans and sea salt flakes, then drizzle caramel sauce on top before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use cold butter when making the crust for a better crumbly texture.
  • Watch the caramel carefully to prevent burning; timing is key.
  • Let the bars cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • You can substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans if preferred.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Turtle Bars, caramel bars, pecan dessert, chocolate caramel bars, easy dessert, homemade bars

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