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Easy Turtle Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 76 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 16-20 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delight in these Easy Turtle Bars featuring a buttery crust topped with a gooey caramel pecan layer and a smooth milk chocolate topping. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and texture, these bars combine crunchy pecans, rich caramel, and creamy chocolate for an irresistible treat that’s simple to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Crust:

  • 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Caramel Pecan Layer:

  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 2/3 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

For the Chocolate Topping:

  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips

Optional Garnishes:

  • Extra chopped pecans
  • Sea salt flakes
  • Drizzled caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and 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 the edges for easy removal later.
  2. Make the Crust: 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 unsalted butter. Work quickly to keep the butter cold until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs. Press this evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a compact layer with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
  3. Add Pecans: Evenly sprinkle the pecan halves over the crust, providing a flavorful base for the caramel topping.
  4. Prepare the Caramel Layer: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine butter and brown sugar. Stir constantly as the mixture heats and begins to bubble and change color. Continue cooking and stirring for exactly one minute after boiling to achieve the perfect caramel consistency without burning.
  5. Combine Caramel and Pecans: Carefully pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the pecans and crust. Use a spatula if necessary to distribute the caramel fully for complete coverage.
  6. Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and golden brown indicating the caramel is perfectly cooked.
  7. Add Chocolate Topping: Immediately remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle milk chocolate chips evenly over the hot bars. Let them sit a few minutes to soften.
  8. Spread Chocolate: Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the softened chocolate into an even layer. The residual heat will melt the chocolate smoothly.
  9. Cool and Garnish: Allow the bars to cool before lifting them out using the parchment paper edges. Optionally, garnish with extra chopped pecans, sea salt flakes, or drizzled caramel sauce for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Use cold butter for the crust to ensure a crumbly texture.
  • Stir the caramel constantly to prevent burning and achieve the right consistency.
  • Allow the chocolate chips to soften before spreading to avoid breaking the crust.
  • Let bars cool completely to fully set layers before slicing.
  • Optional garnishes add texture and enhance visual appeal, but are not necessary.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar (based on 16 bars)
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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