Print

Decadent Turtle Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/decadent-turtle-bars-recipe/