Turtle Bars combine the irresistible flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pecans in a simple and delicious bar that’s perfect for any occasion. These rich and gooey treats mimic the classic turtle candy, with a buttery shortbread base, a luscious caramel layer, crunchy pecans, and a chocolate topping. Whether you’re making them for a holiday, party, or just to treat yourself, these Turtle Bars are guaranteed to be a hit. Let’s jump into the recipe!
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Base:
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened)
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups)
- Brown Sugar (1/2 cup, packed)
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
For the Caramel Layer:
- Soft Caramel Candies (2 cups, unwrapped)
- Heavy Cream (1/4 cup)
- Pecans (1 1/2 cups, chopped)
For the Chocolate Layer:
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (2 cups)
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the Shortbread Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour and salt, and mix until the dough comes together.
- Press into Pan: Press the shortbread dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the Shortbread: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow the base to cool slightly while preparing the caramel layer.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer
- Melt the Caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine the caramel candies and heavy cream. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring frequently, until the caramels are fully melted and smooth.
- Add Pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the caramel.
- Pour Over Shortbread: Pour the caramel-pecan mixture over the cooled shortbread base, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Chill to Set: Place the dish in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to allow the caramel layer to set slightly.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Layer
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and unsalted butter in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
- Spread the Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel-pecan layer and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Chill to Set: Place the dish back in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate is firm and set.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
- Cut into Bars: Once the bars are fully set, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles.
- Serve: Enjoy these rich, gooey, and crunchy turtle bars as a dessert or snack!
Duration Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 15-18 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1-2 hours
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (per bar, based on 24 bars)
- Calories: 260
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugars: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade caramel instead of caramel candies?
Yes, you can use homemade caramel sauce. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape in the bars.
2. How do I store Turtle Bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
3. Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate will add a richer, slightly more intense flavor to the bars.
4. Can I make these bars nut-free?
Yes, if you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans. The bars will still be deliciously sweet and gooey.
5. Can I use different nuts?
Yes, feel free to substitute the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or your favorite type of nut for a variation.
6. How do I prevent the caramel from sticking to the knife when slicing?
To avoid sticking, lightly grease your knife with cooking spray or butter before cutting the bars. You can also refrigerate the bars longer to firm up the caramel.
7. Can I add sea salt to these bars?
Yes! For a salted turtle bar twist, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the chocolate layer before it sets.
8. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the bars gluten-free.
Conclusion
These Turtle Bars are a heavenly combination of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and rich chocolate. They’re the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you serve them at a party, gift them during the holidays, or enjoy them as an indulgent snack, these bars are sure to be a hit!