Decadent Turtle Bars Recipe

Introduction

Decadent Turtle Bars combine a crisp buttery shortbread base with rich, gooey caramel, crunchy toasted pecans, and a smooth layer of melted chocolate. This indulgent treat is perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth or sharing at gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Cold Butter
• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (for crust)
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar (for caramel)
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
• 1 cup Toasted Pecans
• 2 cups Chocolate Chips (semi-sweet or milk)
• 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
• 1/2 cup Extra Pecans (for decoration)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the cold butter, all-purpose flour, and 3/4 cup granulated sugar. Blend until the mixture is crumbly.
2. Step 2: Press the crumbly mixture firmly into a lined 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
3. Step 3: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Stir constantly until melted and smooth, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the heavy cream until the caramel is smooth, then fold in the toasted pecans and sea salt.
4. Step 4: Pour the warm caramel evenly over the baked crust. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until the caramel is bubbly.
5. Step 5: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals using a microwave, stirring after each interval, until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and spread evenly for a glossy finish.
6. Step 6: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour. Then refrigerate for 30 minutes to make slicing easier and cleaner. Decorate with extra pecans before cutting into bars.

Tips & Variations

• Use semi-sweet chocolate chips for a balanced sweetness or milk chocolate for a creamier taste.
• For extra richness, add a pinch of cinnamon to the crust mixture.
• Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
• Chill the dough slightly before pressing it into the pan to help maintain a crisp texture.

Storage

Store turtle bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to soften the chocolate slightly. You can also freeze the bars for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added sea salt in the caramel to avoid over-salting the bars.

How do I toast pecans at home?

Spread pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned, stirring once for even toasting.

Decadent Turtle Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 81 reviews

Decadent Turtle Bars combine a buttery, crisp shortbread crust with a rich, gooey caramel layer studded with toasted pecans, all topped with melted chocolate for a luscious finish. These bars are perfect for anyone craving a sweet treat that balances crunchy textures and creamy flavors.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shortbread Crust

• 1 cup Cold Butter
• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar

Caramel Layer

• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
• 1 cup Toasted Pecans
• 1 teaspoon Sea Salt

Topping

• 2 cups Chocolate Chips (semi-sweet or milk)
• 1/2 cup Extra Pecans (for decoration)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shortbread Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine cold butter, all-purpose flour, and granulated sugar. Blend the ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into a lined 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown.
2. Make the Caramel Layer: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar and unsalted butter. Stir constantly as they melt together, which should take about 5 minutes. Once melted, whisk in the heavy cream until the sauce is smooth. Fold in the toasted pecans carefully to distribute evenly.
3. Assemble and Bake: Pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over the baked crust. Spread it out carefully to cover the surface. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until the caramel layer is bubbly and set.
4. Add the Chocolate Topping: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals using a microwave or double boiler, stirring between intervals until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and spread it into a glossy, even coating.
5. Chill and Serve: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour to let the chocolate set properly. For cleaner, neater cuts, refrigerate the bars for an additional 30 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra pecans if desired before serving.

Notes

• Use cold butter for the crust to ensure a crisp texture.
• Toast pecans before adding for a deeper flavor and crunch.
• Melt chocolate carefully to avoid burning or seizing.
• Refrigerate before cutting to achieve clean slices.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Keywords: Turtle Bars, caramel bars, pecan dessert, chocolate caramel bars, shortbread crust, holiday dessert