Easy Turtle Bars Recipe

Introduction

Easy Turtle Bars combine a buttery crust, rich caramel and pecan layer, and a smooth chocolate topping for a decadent dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make. These bars are perfect for sharing or enjoying any time you crave a sweet treat.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 cup pecan halves
• ⅔ cup butter
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• Optional: extra chopped pecans
• Optional: sea salt flakes
• Optional: drizzled caramel sauce

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the paper hang over the edges for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the flour and ½ cup brown sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Step 3: Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, using the back of a spoon or your fingers to create an even, compact layer.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle pecan halves evenly over the crust to form the base for the caramel layer.
5. Step 5: In a small saucepan, combine ⅔ cup butter and ½ cup brown sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture bubbles. Continue cooking and stirring for 1 minute after boiling to achieve perfect caramel consistency.
6. Step 6: Carefully pour the hot caramel evenly over the pecans and crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly if needed.
7. Step 7: Bake for 18-20 minutes until the caramel layer is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Step 8: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot bars. Let them sit for a few minutes to soften.
9. Step 9: Spread the melted chocolate into an even layer using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Allow to cool before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly before layering them on the crust.
• Use dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a richer flavor.
• Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes on top of the chocolate for a gourmet touch.
• Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the cooled bars for extra indulgence.

Storage

Store turtle bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the chocolate topping.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes, though pecans provide the classic turtle bar flavor.

How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Stir constantly over medium heat and remove the caramel from heat exactly one minute after it starts to boil to avoid burning and achieve the perfect consistency.

Easy Turtle Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 128 reviews

Easy Turtle Bars are a decadent treat featuring a buttery crust topped with caramelized pecans and a smooth layer of melted milk chocolate. This simple, no-fuss dessert combines sweet, salty, and nutty flavors with a perfect chewy and crunchy texture. Ideal for special occasions or whenever you crave a rich, homemade bar dessert.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Crust:

• 1 and ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Caramel Pecan Layer:

• 1 cup pecan halves
• ⅔ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup packed brown sugar

For the Chocolate Topping:

• 1 cup milk chocolate chips

Optional Garnishes:

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

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the edges for easy removal later.
2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and packed brown sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry blender or two knives to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even, compact layer using the back of a spoon or your fingers.
3. Add Pecans: Evenly spread the pecan halves over the crust layer, creating a base for the caramel topping.
4. Prepare Caramel Layer: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the ⅔ cup unsalted butter and ½ cup packed brown sugar. Stir constantly and bring to a boil. Once boiling, continue cooking and stirring for exactly one minute to develop the perfect caramel consistency without burning.
5. Combine Caramel with Pecans and Crust: Carefully pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the pecans and crust in the pan. Use a spatula if needed to spread the caramel evenly.
6. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the topping is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Add Chocolate Topping: Immediately after removing the bars from the oven, sprinkle the milk chocolate chips evenly across the top. Let the chips sit for a few minutes to soften with the residual heat.
8. Spread Chocolate: Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the softened chocolate into an even layer over the caramel and pecans.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely before lifting them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Optionally, garnish with extra chopped pecans, sea salt flakes, or a drizzle of caramel sauce before cutting into bars and serving.

Notes

• Use cold butter when making the crust for a better crumbly texture.
• Stir the caramel constantly to prevent burning and ensure smooth consistency.
• You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips if you prefer a less sweet topping.
• For easier cutting, refrigerate the bars after cooling to firm up the chocolate.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: Turtle bars, caramel pecan bars, chocolate bars, easy dessert, homemade turtle bars, pecan caramel bars, chocolate caramel bars