Introduction

Easy Turtle Bars are a delightful treat combining a buttery crust, crunchy pecans, rich caramel, and gooey chocolate. This delicious dessert is perfect for sharing or satisfying a sweet tooth anytime.

A close-up view of a tray filled with 16 square bars, each about two layers thick; the bottom layer is dense and golden brown with visible bits of nuts, while the top layer is a smooth, shiny dark chocolate layer. Each square is topped with one whole pecan half and small pieces of chopped pecans, adding a textured look. The tray is white and the surface beneath has a white marbled texture. The image focuses tightly on the bars, showing rich textures and glossy chocolate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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
2/3 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup milk chocolate chips
Extra chopped pecans
Sea salt flakes
Drizzled caramel sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, letting the paper hang over the edges for easy removal later.
Step 2: Create the crust by combining flour and 1/2 cup brown sugar in a medium mixing bowl. Use a pastry blender or two knives to cut in the cold, cubed butter quickly to keep it cold.
Step 3: Continue cutting the butter until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs. Press this evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, using the back of a spoon or your fingers to form a compact layer.
Step 4: Sprinkle pecan halves evenly over the crust to create a delicious base for the caramel layer.
Step 5: In a small saucepan, combine 2/3 cup butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar for the caramel. Place over medium heat and stir constantly as the mixture begins to bubble and change color.
Step 6: Continue cooking and stirring for exactly one minute after boiling starts to achieve perfect caramel consistency without burning.
Step 7: Carefully pour the hot caramel evenly over the pecans and crust. Use a spatula to spread it if needed to ensure complete coverage.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until the topping is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 9: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the hot bars. Let them sit for a few minutes to soften.
Step 10: Once softened, spread the melted chocolate into an even layer using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Residual heat will help melt the chocolate smoothly.
Step 11: Allow the bars to cool completely before sprinkling with extra chopped pecans, sea salt flakes, and drizzling caramel sauce on top to finish.

Tips & Variations

Use cold butter for the crust to achieve a crumbly, flaky texture.
Swap pecans for walnuts if preferred or for a different nutty flavor.
For a richer caramel flavor, add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel mixture while cooking.
To make the bars extra gooey, slightly underbake them and let them set as they cool.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual bars gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the chocolate and caramel layers.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a tray with nine square dessert bars neatly arranged in three rows. Each bar has three visible layers: a crumbly light brown base layer, a thick middle layer of smooth caramel in a golden tan color, and a glossy dark chocolate top layer. Scattered across the chocolate are whole and broken pecan nuts in rich brown tones, adding texture. The tray sits on 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 salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit additional salt to avoid oversalting the bars.

How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Stir constantly once the mixture starts boiling and cook for exactly one minute past boiling to ensure smooth caramel without burning.