Dessert

Turtle Earthquake Brownies Recipe

ByLily Cross January 4, 2026January 4, 2026

Introduction

Turtle Earthquake Brownies are a decadent treat that combine rich chocolate with gooey caramel and crunchy pecans. This layered dessert offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion.

The image shows two thick, rich chocolate brownies stacked on a white plate. The bottom brownie has a dense, moist texture with visible tiny pockets, and the top brownie looks soft with walnut pieces embedded inside. A glossy, golden caramel sauce is slowly dripping down the sides of the brownies, pooling slightly on the plate. The background is a soft white marbled texture, highlighting the dark brown of the dessert and the caramel’s shiny surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup caramel sauce
1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar until well combined.
Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Step 6: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips, caramel sauce, and chopped pecans on top.
Step 9: Return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the toppings to melt and combine.
Step 10: Let cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra gooey brownies, slightly underbake the base before adding the topping.
Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
Use homemade caramel sauce for a richer flavor.
Allow brownies to cool completely for cleaner cuts and better texture.

Storage

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week; bring to room temperature before serving. To reheat, warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the caramel and chocolate.

How to Serve

The image shows two thick, dark brown chocolate brownies stacked on a white plate. The brownies have a slightly crumbly texture with small pieces of nuts mixed inside. The top brownie is drizzled with a golden caramel sauce that flows down the sides onto the plate. The nuts on top add a crunchy texture, contrasting with the sticky caramel and moist brownies. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought brownie mix instead of making the base from scratch?

Yes, you can use a box brownie mix as your base. Just bake according to package instructions before adding the turtle topping and baking the additional 10 minutes.

How do I prevent the caramel from burning during the second bake?

Keep the oven temperature at 350°F and watch the brownies closely during the last 10 minutes. If your caramel sauce is very thin, you may want to reduce the time slightly to avoid burning.