Description
Decadent Turtle Bars feature a buttery, crisp shortbread base topped with rich, gooey caramel blended with toasted pecans and a glossy layer of melted chocolate chips, finished with a sprinkle of sea salt and extra pecans for a delightful crunch and sophisticated flavor contrast.
Ingredients
Scale
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 the 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 mixture until it becomes crumbly. Firmly press this mixture into a lined 9×13-inch baking dish to form the shortbread base. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the crust turns a golden color.
- Make the Caramel: While the crust is baking, place 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes until the mixture melts completely. Slowly whisk in 1/2 cup heavy cream until the caramel is smooth and uniform. Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup toasted pecans and 1 teaspoon sea salt for balanced flavor.
- Assemble and Bake Caramel Layer: Pour the warm caramel evenly over the baked shortbread crust. Spread the caramel to cover the surface fully. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until the caramel layer is bubbly and set.
- Add Chocolate Topping: After baking, allow the bars to cool for about 10 minutes. Melt 2 cups of chocolate chips in 30-second intervals using a microwave, stirring in between until smooth. Pour and spread the melted chocolate evenly over the caramel layer for a glossy and velvety finish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup extra pecans on top for added crunch and decoration.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour to allow layers to set properly. For cleaner slices, refrigerate the bars for an additional 30 minutes before cutting them into individual portions.
Notes
- Use cold butter for the crust to achieve a crisp and flaky texture.
- Toast pecans before adding to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- When melting chocolate chips, use short intervals to avoid burning.
- Allow bars to cool completely before slicing to maintain clean edges.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Turtle bars, caramel bars, shortbread dessert, chocolate pecan bars, homemade caramel dessert
