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Easy Turtle Bars Recipe: A Sweet Treat That’s Always a Crowd-Pleaser

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A chewy, chocolatey dessert layered with buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans—these Easy Turtle Bars bring the classic candy flavors to your baking pan with minimal effort. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you crave a decadent treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the shortbread crust:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar

  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the caramel-pecan filling:

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter

  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup

  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream

  • 1½ cups chopped pecans

For the chocolate topping:

  • 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

  • Optional: sea salt flakes for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides.

  • In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar for the crust. Add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.

  • Bake crust for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.

  • Meanwhile, prepare the caramel layer. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt ¾ cup butter. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

  • Remove from heat and stir in chopped pecans. Pour evenly over the cooled crust, spreading with a spatula.

  • Return to the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes until caramel is bubbling and edges are golden.

  • Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot caramel layer. Let sit for 2–3 minutes, then spread evenly with a spatula.

  • Sprinkle with sea salt flakes if desired. Let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for 1 hour to set.

  • Lift out of the pan using parchment paper and cut into bars.

Notes

  • Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean cuts.

  • For a firmer texture, chill the bars before cutting.

  • Try swapping pecans for walnuts or almonds if preferred.

  • Add a drizzle of extra caramel or melted chocolate for presentation.

Find it online: https://cookingworthy.com/easy-turtle-bars-recipe-a-sweet-treat-thats-always-a-crowd-pleaser/