Description
Indulgent turtle bars showcase layers of chocolate, caramel, and pecans in a classic dessert. Chocolate lovers can quickly prepare this rich, sweet treat that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups (473 ml) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) packed brown sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) pecan halves
Butter Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (118 ml) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (158 ml) unsalted butter
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13 inch baking pan with grease for optimal non-stick performance.
- Craft the crust by blending flour and brown sugar in a mixing bowl, then incorporate softened butter until the mixture transforms into a crumbly texture. Firmly press this foundation evenly across the prepared baking pan.
- Strategically position pecan halves across the entire crust surface to create a decorative and flavorful base layer.
- Create the caramel sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Introduce brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, continuously stirring until the mixture reaches a rolling boil. Maintain the boil for precisely one minute, then cascade the molten caramel evenly over the pecan-adorned crust.
- Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, watching for the edges to develop a light golden-brown hue.
- Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle chocolate chips across the hot surface, allowing them to melt naturally for several minutes.
- Once the chocolate has softened, use a spatula to smooth the chips into a uniform, glossy layer covering the caramel.
- Exercise patience and permit the bars to cool completely at room temperature before slicing into individual squares for serving.
Notes
- Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile for the bars.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for a richer, more indulgent chocolate layer that melts smoothly and evenly.
- Chill the bars in the refrigerator for cleaner, more precise cuts and a firmer texture that holds together perfectly.
- Swap pecans with almonds or walnuts for a different nut variation that suits personal preferences or dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 317 kcal
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 82 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg