Description
Turtle Bars are a deliciously rich dessert featuring a buttery crust, a layer of caramelized pecans, and a topping of melted semi-sweet chocolate. These bars offer a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors with a luscious texture, making them an ideal treat for holidays or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
Topping
- 1 cup pecan halves or pieces
Caramel Sauce
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Layer
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking while you prepare the ingredients.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar. Cut in 1 cup of softened unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust.
- Add Pecans: Sprinkle 1 cup of pecan halves or pieces evenly over the crust, spreading them out to cover the surface.
- Prepare Caramel: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 2/3 cup packed brown sugar and 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Stir constantly as the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Continue boiling for 1 minute while stirring to ensure the sugar dissolves completely and the caramel forms properly.
- Finish Caramel Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons heavy cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix well to create a smooth caramel sauce.
- Pour Caramel Over Pecans: Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the pecans in the baking dish, covering them completely.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the caramel layer is bubbly and set.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Remove the dish from the oven and immediately sprinkle 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot caramel layer. Let them sit for a few minutes to allow the chocolate to melt.
- Spread Chocolate: Once the chocolate chips have softened, gently spread the melted chocolate over the bars with a spatula to create an even chocolate layer.
- Cool and Set: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate until fully set, about 1 to 2 hours.
- Serve: Cut into 24 bars and serve chilled or at room temperature for a delectable treat.
Notes
- For an extra flavor contrast, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the melted chocolate before it sets to achieve a delightful salty-sweet balance.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. They keep well for up to 5 days.
- Ensure the butter is softened before mixing to achieve the proper crumbly texture for the crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
