Turtle Bars Recipe
This Turtle Bars recipe combines buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and a smooth chocolate layer into one irresistible dessert. Simple to make yet bakery-quality in taste, these bars deliver the perfect balance of chewy, crunchy, and chocolatey in every bite.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Wire rack
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 2 cups all-purpose flour can substitute half with whole wheat for a nuttier note
- 1 cup packed brown sugar deep molasses flavor; light brown or dark brown works
- 1/2 cup butter, softened unsalted, room temperature
Pecan Layer
- 1 cup pecan halves walnuts or cashews can substitute
Caramel Layer
- 2/3 cup butter melted; for caramel layer
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar combines with butter for caramel layer
Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips use semi-sweet or dark chocolate if preferred
- 1/4 tsp sea salt (optional) for garnish; enhances sweetness contrast
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat & Prep – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, extending edges for easy lift-out.
- Step 2: Make and Press the Base – Cream together softened butter (½ cup) and 1 cup brown sugar. Mix in flour until a coarse dough forms. Press evenly into the prepared pan and scatter pecan halves on top. Gently press nuts into the dough.
- Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Layer – In a saucepan, melt ⅔ cup butter and ½ cup brown sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until boiling, then boil for 30–60 seconds. Remove from heat and pour evenly over the crust and pecans.
- Step 4: Bake – Bake for 20–22 minutes until the edges are golden and caramel is bubbling. Remove from oven.
- Step 5: Add Chocolate Topping – Immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot caramel layer. Let sit for 1–2 minutes, then gently spread melted chocolate into an even layer. Sprinkle sea salt if desired.
- Step 6: Cool & Slice – Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for 2–3 hours. Once set, lift using parchment edges and cut into bars. For cleaner slices, chill briefly before cutting.
Notes
To create variation, try using dark chocolate chips for a richer taste or drizzle melted white chocolate for contrast. For added crunch, mix crushed pretzels into the crust or sprinkle coarse salt before cooling.