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Easy Turtle Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 148 reviews

These Easy Turtle Bars combine a buttery crust, crunchy pecans, gooey caramel, and rich melted chocolate for a decadent treat that’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion.

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 (optional)
  • Sea salt flakes (optional)
  • Drizzled caramel sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving edges hanging for easy removal.
  2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix flour and brown sugar. Use a pastry blender or two knives to cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs.
  3. 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 layer.
  4. Add Pecans: Sprinkle pecan halves evenly over the crust to create a crunchy base for the caramel.
  5. Prepare Caramel: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine butter and brown sugar for the caramel layer. Stir constantly as the mixture begins to simmer and bubble.
  6. Cook Caramel: Continue to cook and stir the caramel for exactly one minute after it starts boiling to achieve perfect consistency without burning.
  7. Pour Caramel Over Pecans: Carefully pour the hot caramel evenly over the pecans and crust, using a spatula to spread it if needed.
  8. Bake the Bars: Bake the pan in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until the topping is bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Add Chocolate Chips: 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.
  10. Spread Melted Chocolate: Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the softened chocolate into an even layer using the residual heat for smooth melting. Optionally, garnish with extra chopped pecans, sea salt flakes, and drizzle with caramel sauce.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter for the crust is cold to achieve a crumbly texture.
  • Use a pastry blender or two knives to cut in the butter quickly to keep it cold.
  • Do not overcook the caramel to avoid a burnt taste—stick to cooking for one minute after boiling.
  • Let the chocolate chips soften fully before spreading to avoid tearing the crust.
  • These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Optional toppings like sea salt flakes enhance the flavor by balancing sweetness.

Keywords: Turtle Bars, Easy Dessert, Caramel Bars, Chocolate Pecan Bars, Homemade Treat

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