Description
Indulgent caramel pecan turtle bars bring classic Southern sweetness to dessert tables with rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans. Chocolate lovers will savor each delectable bite of this irresistible treat that satisfies sweet cravings perfectly.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel sauce
Sweeteners:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Additional Components:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) heavy cream (if using caramel candies)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or applying a light grease coating to ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Create the foundational crust by combining flour, sugar, and butter in a mixing bowl. Blend the ingredients until they form a cohesive, crumbly mixture that can be easily pressed into the pan.
- Distribute the crumbly dough evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan, using your fingers to create a uniform base. Bake the crust for approximately 15 minutes until it develops a light golden hue.
- Once the crust is baked, generously scatter chopped pecans across the entire surface, ensuring an even distribution for consistent flavor and texture.
- Carefully drizzle caramel sauce over the pecan-covered crust, using a spatula to spread the sauce evenly and create a smooth, comprehensive layer that covers all the pecans.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, allowing the caramel to become bubbly and slightly caramelized, which intensifies the overall flavor profile.
- Immediately after removing the pan from the oven, sprinkle chocolate chips across the hot caramel surface. Let the chips rest for 2-3 minutes to melt naturally from the residual heat.
- Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the melted chocolate, creating a smooth, even layer that covers the entire caramel and pecan surface.
- Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the layers set and prevents immediate crumbling when cutting.
- Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour to ensure the bars are firm and easy to slice into clean, precise squares or bars.
- Once set, carefully cut the dessert into desired serving sizes and present for enjoyment.
Notes
- Prep ahead by toasting pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and aroma, creating a deeper, richer taste profile.
- Swap out traditional butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version that maintains the rich, indulgent texture of the bars.
- Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a more intense, less sweet flavor that balances the caramel’s sweetness.
- Experiment with alternative nut options like almonds or walnuts to customize the recipe and add your personal touch to these decadent bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg