Introduction

Decadent Turtle Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with rich caramel, crunchy pecans, and a smooth chocolate topping. This delightful treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with layers of texture and flavor.

Decadent Turtle Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 cup Cold Butter
2 cups All-Purpose Flour
3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (for crust)
1 cup Granulated Sugar (for caramel)
1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
1/2 cup Heavy Cream
1 cup Toasted Pecans
2 cups Chocolate Chips (semi-sweet or milk)
1 teaspoon Sea Salt
1/2 cup Extra Pecans (for decoration)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine cold butter, all-purpose flour, and 3/4 cup granulated sugar. Blend until crumbly, then press the mixture evenly into a lined 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the crust turns golden.
Step 2: While the crust bakes, prepare the caramel. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Stir constantly until melted, about 5 minutes. Whisk in heavy cream until smooth, then fold in toasted pecans and 1 teaspoon sea salt.
Step 3: Pour the warm caramel evenly over the baked crust and spread it out. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes until the caramel is bubbly.
Step 4: Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and spread to create a glossy finish. Decorate with extra pecans if desired.
Step 5: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for at least one hour, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to help achieve clean cuts. Slice into bars and serve.

Tips & Variations

Use cold butter for the crust to ensure a crisp and flaky base.
Try using a mix of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips for a balanced flavor.
For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top right after spreading the chocolate.
Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.

Storage

Store the turtle bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer the chocolate soft.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bars a day or two in advance and keep them refrigerated. This actually improves the flavors as they meld together.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level precisely, especially since sea salt is added separately in the recipe.

Decadent Turtle Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 98 reviews

Decadent Turtle Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, rich homemade caramel loaded with toasted pecans, and a luscious chocolate topping. This classic dessert combines textures and flavors for a sweet, crunchy, and gooey treat perfect for any occasion.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Shortbread Crust

1 cup Cold Butter
2 cups All-Purpose Flour
3/4 cup Granulated Sugar

Caramel Layer

1 cup Granulated Sugar
1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
1/2 cup Heavy Cream
1 cup Toasted Pecans
1 teaspoon Sea Salt

Topping

2 cups Chocolate Chips (semi-sweet or milk)
1/2 cup Extra Pecans (for decoration)

Instructions

Prepare Shortbread Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine cold butter, all-purpose flour, and 3/4 cup granulated sugar. Blend the ingredients together until the mixture is crumbly. Press the mixture evenly into a lined 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Make Caramel Sauce: While the crust bakes, heat a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup unsalted butter, stirring constantly until the mixture is melted and smooth, about 5 minutes. Whisk in 1/2 cup heavy cream until fully incorporated and smooth. Fold in 1 cup toasted pecans and 1 teaspoon sea salt to add texture and flavor.
Assemble Caramel Layer: Pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over the baked shortbread crust. Spread it carefully to cover the surface. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, until the caramel is bubbly and set.
Chocolate Topping: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. Melt 2 cups chocolate chips in short 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each, until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and use a spatula to spread it evenly to create a glossy finish. Sprinkle the extra 1/2 cup pecans over the top for decoration.
Chill and Serve: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour to set the layers. For cleaner slicing, refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes before cutting into bars and serving.

Notes

Ensure the butter is cold when preparing the crust to achieve a crisp texture.
Use toasted pecans to enhance the nutty flavor and crunch.
For a richer chocolate taste, use semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they can last up to 5 days.
To soften chocolate for melting, use short bursts in the microwave and stir often to prevent burning.

Keywords: Turtle Bars, caramel bars, shortbread dessert, pecan dessert, chocolate caramel bars, homemade turtle bars