Description
These Easy Turtle Bars combine a buttery, crumbly base with rich caramel, crunchy pecans, and melted semi-sweet chocolate chips, creating a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Topping
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of bars.
- Make the Crust Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, all-purpose flour, and granulated sugar. Mix until the ingredients form a crumbly dough.
- Press and Bake the Crust: Evenly press the crumbly dough into the prepared baking pan, creating a uniform layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust turns lightly golden brown.
- Cool the Crust: Remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes, making it easier to spread the caramel without melting it too much.
- Add Caramel Layer: Spread the caramel sauce evenly over the slightly cooled crust, ensuring full coverage for a rich, gooey layer.
- Top with Pecans and Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle pecan halves and semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the caramel layer for added texture and flavor.
- Bake to Set the Topping: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbling and the chocolate chips have melted slightly.
- Cool Completely and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely to room temperature before cutting into squares for neat slices and the best texture.
Notes
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner cuts.
- Allow bars to cool fully to prevent caramel from oozing out when cut.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a nut-free version, substitute pecans with toasted coconut flakes or omit entirely.
- Use good quality caramel sauce or homemade for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 2x2 inch square)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
