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Easy Turtle Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 59 reviews

Easy Turtle Bars are a decadent layered dessert featuring a buttery crust, a rich caramel pecan layer, and a smooth chocolate topping. These bars combine the perfect balance of crunchy pecans, gooey caramel, and creamy melted chocolate, making a delightful treat that’s simple to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

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

For the Caramel Pecan Layer:

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

For the Chocolate Topping:

  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips

Optional Garnishes:

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: 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.
  2. Prepare Crust Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and packed brown sugar. Use a pastry blender or two knives to cut in the cold, cubed unsalted butter. Work quickly to keep the butter cold, cutting it until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs.
  3. Form Crust: Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, using the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a compact, level layer.
  4. Add Pecans: Evenly sprinkle the pecan halves over the crust to create a crunchy base for the caramel layer.
  5. Make Caramel Mixture: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and brown sugar for the caramel layer. Stir constantly and watch the mixture as it begins to bubble and change color.
  6. Cook Caramel: Once boiling, continue to cook and stir the caramel mixture for exactly one minute to achieve the perfect consistency without burning.
  7. Pour Caramel Layer: Carefully pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the pecans and crust in the pan. Use a spatula if necessary to spread it completely and evenly.
  8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Add Chocolate Topping: Immediately after removing the pan from the oven, sprinkle the milk chocolate chips evenly over the hot bars. Allow the chocolate to sit for a few minutes to soften.
  10. Spread Chocolate: Once softened, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the melted chocolate into an even layer. The residual heat will help to melt and smooth the chocolate.

Notes

  • For easier removal, make sure to let the parchment paper hang over the pan edges before pressing in the crust.
  • Working quickly when cutting the butter into the flour mixture helps keep the crust crumbly and flaky.
  • If desired, garnish the bars with extra chopped pecans, sea salt flakes, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added flavor and presentation.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to hold their shape better.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Keywords: Turtle Bars, Caramel Bars, Pecan Bars, Chocolate Dessert, Easy Dessert, Layered Bars, Homemade Treats

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