Easy Chocolate Turtle Bars
Indulge in the ultimate sweet treat with these Easy Chocolate Turtle Bars, a decadent combination of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and smooth chocolate. Perfectly layered for a satisfying bite, this dessert is ready in just 35 minutes of prep and bake time, making it an ideal option for last-minute gatherings or a simple weeknight indulgence. The optional sprinkle of kosher salt adds a gourmet touch, enhancing the sweet and salty contrast that makes these bars irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a party or satisfying your chocolate cravings, these turtle bars are a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing delight. With straightforward instructions and pantry-friendly ingredients, they’re as easy to make as they are to devour!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups pecans, chopped
- 14 oz soft caramels, unwrapped
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
- 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 0.25 tsp kosher salt (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in the flour until fully incorporated and the dough resembles a soft crumbly texture.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish to form a crust layer. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly.
While the crust is cooling, in a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring frequently, until the caramels are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the partially cooled crust. Pour the melted caramel over the pecans, spreading it evenly into a smooth layer. Allow it to set for 5-10 minutes.
In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly with an offset spatula.
Optionally, sprinkle a light pinch of kosher salt over the chocolate layer for a sweet-and-salty flavor profile.
Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour to fully set. Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into 16 squares and serve.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
457 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.4 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.1 g | 66% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 38 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 68 mg | 3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 49.7 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.5 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.1 g | ||
| Protein | 4.1 g | 8% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 30 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 1.3 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 95 mg | 2% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
