Description
Deliciously rich and chewy Turtle Bars featuring a buttery crust, gooey caramel layer, toasted pecans, and melted semi-sweet chocolate topping. These decadent bars offer the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors in every bite, ideal for parties or indulgent snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
Caramel Layer
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Toppings
- 1 ½ cups pecans, chopped
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal of bars.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup softened unsalted butter, and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar. Mix until the mixture has a crumbly texture.
- Press Crust into Pan: Evenly press the crumbly mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a firm and level base for the bars.
- Bake Crust: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the crust turns lightly golden. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare Caramel Layer: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup unsalted butter with 1 cup packed brown sugar. Stir until combined.
- Add Cream and Flavor: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly and develops a caramel consistency.
- Pour Caramel Over Crust: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately pour the caramel evenly over the baked crust. Use a spatula to spread it smoothly.
- Add Pecans: Sprinkle 1 ½ cups chopped pecans evenly over the warm caramel layer to add a crunchy, nutty texture.
- Bake with Toppings: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes until the caramel is bubbly and pecans are toasted.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Remove the bars from the oven and while still hot, sprinkle 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips over the caramel and pecan layer. Allow them to soften.
- Spread Melted Chocolate: After letting the chocolate chips soften for a few minutes, gently spread the melted chocolate over the top layer to create an even chocolate coating.
- Cool and Set: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate until the chocolate is set and firm.
- Serve: Once cool, slice into bars and optionally sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon sea salt for an extra touch of flavor and contrast.
Notes
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner edges.
- Be sure to stir the caramel continuously to prevent burning or graininess.
- Use fresh pecans for the best flavor and to ensure they toast well.
- For a smoother chocolate layer, spread gently after the chips have softened but not completely hardened.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
