Description
Irresistible Turtle Bars blend chocolate, caramel, and pecans into a heavenly dessert that captures sweet indulgence. Layers of rich flavors and textures create a delightful treat you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 12 tablespoons (170 grams) butter, softened
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
Caramel and Seasoning:
- 2/3 cup (150 grams) butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
Garnish:
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C), ensuring a consistent temperature for optimal baking.
- Create a crumbly foundation by mixing flour and brown sugar in a medium bowl, then incorporate softened butter until the texture resembles coarse, sandy granules.
- Transfer the crumb mixture into an ungreased 9×13 inch baking pan, pressing firmly to form an even base layer. Meticulously arrange pecan halves in a uniform single layer across the surface.
- Craft the caramel sauce by combining butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium temperature, continuously stirring until the mixture reaches a rolling boil. Maintain the boil while stirring precisely for one minute.
- Carefully distribute the molten caramel evenly over the pecan-covered base, ensuring complete and consistent coverage across the entire surface.
- Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, watching for the caramel layer to become visibly effervescent and bubbly.
- Immediately after removing from the oven, scatter chocolate chips uniformly across the hot caramel. Allow 3-5 minutes for the chips to melt naturally, then gently spread into a smooth, seamless layer.
- Optional: Sprinkle sea salt delicately over the melted chocolate for enhanced flavor complexity. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and permit complete cooling, which typically requires approximately 2 hours.
- Once thoroughly cooled, utilize a sharp knife to slice the confection into 24 precise, equal squares for serving.
Notes
- Toast pecans lightly before adding to the base for enhanced nutty flavor and extra crunch, bringing depth to the overall taste profile.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips like dark or semi-sweet for a more sophisticated and rich chocolate layer that balances the sweetness of caramel.
- For gluten-free adaptation, replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same crumbly texture in the base.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt sparingly to create a gourmet touch that cuts through the sweetness and elevates the entire dessert experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg