Name: Easy Turtle Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 and 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; Extra chopped pecans; Sea salt flakes; Drizzled caramel sauce

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Easy Turtle Bars combine a buttery crust, rich caramel with crunchy pecans, and a smooth chocolate topping for a delightful treat. These bars are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a sweet indulgence any time of day.

This image shows a close-up of two square dessert bars in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Each bar has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a crumbly, golden-brown crust, the middle layer is a smooth, light caramel color, and the top layer is a thick, glossy dark chocolate spread evenly. The chocolate layer is topped with whole and chopped pecans, giving a mix of reddish-brown and tan nut textures scattered all over. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 and 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 garnishes: extra chopped pecans, sea salt flakes, drizzled caramel sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over the edges for easy removal later.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
Step 3: Evenly sprinkle the pecan halves over the crust to create a base for the caramel layer.
Step 4: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and brown sugar for the caramel. Stir constantly as the mixture begins to bubble. Continue cooking and stirring for exactly one minute after boiling to achieve the perfect caramel.
Step 5: Carefully pour the hot caramel evenly over the pecans and crust. Use a spatula if needed to spread it thoroughly.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, until the topping is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot bars. Let them soften for a few minutes.
Step 8: 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 added texture, sprinkle extra chopped pecans or a pinch of sea salt flakes on top after spreading the chocolate.
Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a richer flavor.
Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the finished bars for extra gooeyness.

Storage

Store turtle bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to one week. To serve chilled bars at room temperature, let sit for about 15 minutes before enjoying. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer warm bars, but be careful not to melt the chocolate too much.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of two square dessert bars in a baking pan lined with parchment paper, placed on a white marbled texture. Each bar has three distinct layers: a crumbly golden-brown base, a light caramel-colored middle layer, and a glossy dark chocolate top layer. The top is decorated with whole pecan nuts and small chopped pecan pieces scattered evenly across the surface, adding texture and visual contrast. The dessert bars have a rich and inviting look with the shiny chocolate layer catching the light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts or almonds can be substituted for pecans if preferred. They provide a similar crunch and flavor that pairs well with caramel and chocolate.

How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Stir the caramel constantly once it begins boiling and cook for exactly one minute after boiling starts. This helps achieve a smooth caramel without burning it.