Description
Delicious Turtle Bars featuring a buttery crumb crust, a rich caramel pecan layer, and a luscious milk chocolate topping. These bars combine sweet, nutty, and chocolate flavors into a perfect dessert for gatherings or anytime sweet cravings strike.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup butter, softened
Turtle Layer
- â…” cup butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pecan halves
Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the bars.
- Make the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and softened butter. Beat at medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture forms fine crumbs. Press this crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 13×9-inch baking pan to create the base layer.
- Prepare the Turtle Layer: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt ⅔ cup butter with ½ cup brown sugar. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to bubble, then continue cooking for another 30-60 seconds before removing from heat. This forms the caramel sauce of the turtle layer.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread 1 cup pecan halves evenly over the crust. Carefully pour the hot butter and brown sugar mixture evenly over the pecans, coating them thoroughly.
- Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until the surface is bubbly and the turtle layer is set.
- Add the Chocolate Topping: Remove the bars immediately from the oven and sprinkle 1 cup of milk chocolate chips over the hot surface. Let the chocolate chips melt for 2-3 minutes, then gently swirl the melted chocolate into the surface with a knife for a marbled effect.
- Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, about 30 minutes, to let the layers firm up. Once cool, slice into 48 small pieces and serve.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh pecan halves for a crunchy texture.
- Pressing the crust mixture firmly into the pan helps achieve a sturdy base.
- If you prefer a darker chocolate flavor, substitute milk chocolate chips with semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips.
- Make sure to swirl the melted chocolate gently to create a pretty marbled look without mixing layers too much.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
