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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://dinewithdylan.com/decadent-turtle-bars-recipe/