Description
These Easy Turtle Bars combine a buttery, crumbly crust with a rich layer of caramel and crunchy pecans, topped with melted milk chocolate chips and drizzled caramel sauce. Perfect for dessert lovers craving a sweet treat with a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
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, for garnish
- Sea salt flakes, for garnish
- Drizzled caramel sauce, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later.
- Make the Crust: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and packed brown sugar. Use a pastry blender or two knives to cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs. Work quickly to keep the butter cold.
- Press Crust Into Pan: Evenly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan using the back of a spoon or your fingers to form a compact, level crust layer.
- Add Pecans: Spread the pecan halves evenly over the pressed crust, creating a base for the caramel layer.
- Make Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and brown sugar meant for the caramel. Stir constantly and bring the mixture to a boil, then continue cooking while stirring for exactly one minute after boiling starts to achieve the perfect consistency without burning.
- Pour Caramel Over Pecans and Crust: Carefully pour the hot caramel sauce evenly over the pecans and crust layer. Use a spatula if needed to ensure full coverage.
- Bake the Bars: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until the topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Add Chocolate Topping: Remove bars immediately from the oven and sprinkle milk chocolate chips evenly over the hot surface. Allow them to sit for a few minutes until softened.
- Spread Melted Chocolate: Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the melted chocolate chips into a smooth, even layer over the bars, aided by the residual heat.
- Garnish and Cool: Once slightly cooled, garnish with extra chopped pecans, sea salt flakes, and a drizzle of caramel sauce before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure butter is cold when cutting into the flour and sugar to achieve a crumbly crust texture.
- Watch the caramel closely to avoid burning after boiling.
- Use parchment paper to easily lift out the bars for clean slicing.
- Allow bars to cool sufficiently so chocolate topping firms up before cutting.
- Optional: store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Turtle Bars, Caramel Pecan Bars, Chocolate Pecan Bars, Easy Dessert Bars, Homemade Turtle Bars
