Turtle Bars
Indulge in the decadent layers of these irresistible Turtle Bars—a dessert that combines buttery shortbread crust, gooey caramel, roasted pecans, and melty semi-sweet chocolate for the ultimate sweet treat. Perfectly sweet and salty, these bars are a crowd-pleasing favorite for gatherings or gifting. With a prep time of just 20 minutes, the recipe utilizes simple pantry staples like brown sugar, caramels, and chocolate chips, making it both easy and satisfying to whip up. Baked to golden perfection and chilled for a flawless set, each bite offers a harmonious crunch and chewiness that dessert lovers won’t be able to resist. Whether you're craving a luxurious dessert or looking for the perfect party treat, Turtle Bars are guaranteed to impress.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1.5 cups pecan halves
- 1 pound caramels
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal, and lightly grease the paper with cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
Slowly add the flour to the mixing bowl, stirring until the mixture forms a crumbly dough.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a base layer. Use a flat-bottomed glass to firmly press it down for an even surface.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
While the crust cools, combine the caramels and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until the caramels are completely melted and smooth (about 2 minutes total).
Pour the melted caramel evenly over the baked crust, using a spatula to spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the pecan halves evenly over the caramel.
Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the pecans, allowing them to slightly melt from the warmth of the caramel.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This will help set the caramel and meld all the layers together.
Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the turtle bars to cool completely at room temperature. Then, transfer the dish to the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to fully set.
Once set, lift the turtle bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 16 squares using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.
Store the turtle bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4376 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 166.9 g | 214% | |
| Saturated Fat | 96.2 g | 481% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 177 mg | 59% | |
| Sodium | 1423 mg | 62% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 613.2 g | 223% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 453.2 g | ||
| Protein | 32.5 g | 65% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 1153 mg | 89% | |
| Iron | 4.6 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 1500 mg | 32% | |
*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.
