Description
Delicious Turtle Bars featuring a buttery shortbread crust, rich caramel layer, toasted pecans, and melted semi-sweet chocolate. This decadent dessert combines a crisp base with gooey caramel and chocolate, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
Caramel Layer
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Toppings
- 1 ½ cups pecans, chopped
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, softened butter, and brown sugar. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly but can hold together when pressed.
- Press Crust into Pan: Evenly press the crumbly dough mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust layer.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until it turns lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow it to cool.
- Prepare Caramel Layer: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with brown sugar, stirring constantly to combine smoothly.
- Add Cream and Flavorings: Stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Continue stirring and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Thicken Caramel: Boil for 3-4 minutes while stirring constantly until the caramel thickens slightly and becomes smooth.
- Pour Caramel over Crust: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately pour the caramel over the baked crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Add Pecans: Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the caramel layer.
- Bake with Toppings: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, until the caramel is bubbling and pecans are lightly toasted.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Remove the bars from the oven and immediately sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips over the hot caramel and pecan layer.
- Spread Melted Chocolate: Let the chocolate chips sit for a few minutes to soften, then gently spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature or place them in the refrigerator until set firmly.
- Slice and Serve: Once cooled and set, slice into 12 bars and optionally sprinkle with sea salt before serving for a finishing touch.
Notes
- Make sure to line the baking pan with parchment paper to make removal and clean-up easier.
- Use fresh pecans for the best texture and flavor in the topping.
- Allow chocolate to soften fully before spreading to get a smooth chocolate layer without breaking the bars.
- Store Turtle Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For a richer caramel, you can use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
