Introduction
Turtle Bars are a decadent, sweet, and crunchy dessert that combines layers of buttery graham cracker crust, gooey caramel, melted chocolate, and toasted pecans. Named for their resemblance to the classic “turtle” candy, these bars are an irresistible treat for chocolate and caramel lovers alike. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a special indulgence at home, this recipe is easy to make but delivers a luxurious and satisfying flavor. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a recipe worth keeping!
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Filling:
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramel candies, unwrapped
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
- Mix Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture looks like wet sand.
- Form the Crust: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan using the back of a spoon or your fingers. Make sure it’s tightly packed.
- Bake: Bake the crust for about 8-10 minutes until it’s slightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Toast the Pecans
- Toast Pecans: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped pecans for 3-5 minutes until fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Melt the Caramel
- Melt Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel bits (or unwrapped soft caramels) and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the caramel is smooth and fully melted. This should take about 2 minutes.
- Pour Caramel: Pour the melted caramel evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Add Pecans: Sprinkle the toasted pecans evenly over the caramel layer, gently pressing them in so they stick.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
- Melt Chocolate Chips: In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. It should take around 1 to 1.5 minutes to melt fully.
- Pour Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel and pecan layer, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Garnish: If desired, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the top while the chocolate layer is still soft.
Step 5: Chill and Slice
- Chill the Bars: Place the baking pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set. You can also chill it overnight for a firmer texture.
- Slice into Bars: Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice them into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife.
- Serve: Serve the Turtle Bars at room temperature for the best texture.
COOKING Note
- Make sure to toast the pecans to enhance their flavor; this step makes a big difference in the final taste.
- The caramel layer can be sticky. For easier slicing, run your knife under hot water, then dry it off before cutting.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The bars can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Turtle Bars slightly chilled or at room temperature with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee.
- For a fancy touch, drizzle a bit of caramel or chocolate sauce over the bars before serving.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side to transform these bars into a decadent dessert.
Tips
- Graham Cracker Substitution: If you can’t find graham crackers, digestive biscuits work well as a substitute.
- Nut Options: Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer.
- Chocolate Choice: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer taste, or milk chocolate for a sweeter profile.
- Caramel Texture: For a softer caramel layer, increase the heavy cream to 4 tablespoons.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
25 minutes (plus chilling time)
Nutritional Information (Approximate per bar, based on 12 bars)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 100mg
Conclusion
Turtle Bars are an easy yet indulgent treat that combines the best of sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors. Whether you’re making them for a party, a special occasion, or just a weeknight dessert, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is simple enough to follow yet produces professional-level results. Don’t lose this recipe; it’s one you’ll want to make over and over again!
PrintTurtle Bars Recipe – Don’t Lose This Classic Treat!
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Filling:
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramel candies, unwrapped
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
- Mix Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture looks like wet sand.
- Form the Crust: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan using the back of a spoon or your fingers. Make sure it’s tightly packed.
- Bake: Bake the crust for about 8-10 minutes until it’s slightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Toast the Pecans
- Toast Pecans: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped pecans for 3-5 minutes until fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Melt the Caramel
- Melt Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel bits (or unwrapped soft caramels) and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the caramel is smooth and fully melted. This should take about 2 minutes.
- Pour Caramel: Pour the melted caramel evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Add Pecans: Sprinkle the toasted pecans evenly over the caramel layer, gently pressing them in so they stick.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
- Melt Chocolate Chips: In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. It should take around 1 to 1.5 minutes to melt fully.
- Pour Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel and pecan layer, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Garnish: If desired, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the top while the chocolate layer is still soft.
Step 5: Chill and Slice
- Chill the Bars: Place the baking pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set. You can also chill it overnight for a firmer texture.
- Slice into Bars: Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice them into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife.
- Serve: Serve the Turtle Bars at room temperature for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
- Sodium: 100mg
- Protein: 3g