Decadent Turtle Bars Recipe
Decadent Turtle Bars are a rich and indulgent dessert featuring a buttery crumbly crust topped with a gooey caramel pecan layer and a smooth chocolate topping. These bars combine the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and chocolate flavors, making them a favorite treat for any occasion.
- Author: Rico
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Crust
- 1 cup cold butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (can be substituted with gluten-free flour)
Caramel Pecan Layer
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (dairy-free options available for vegan)
- 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup chocolate chips (dark chocolate recommended)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and all-purpose flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into a greased baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until the crust turns lightly golden.
- Make the Caramel Pecan Layer: In a medium saucepan, add the sweetened condensed milk and toasted, chopped pecans. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes gooey. Pour the caramel pecan blend over the baked crust and spread it evenly.
- Add the Chocolate Topping: Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler until soft and pourable. Stir in the vanilla extract, then pour the melted chocolate over the caramel pecan layer, smoothing it with a spatula to create an even topping.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before slicing into squares. Cooling ensures clean slices and easier serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour in the crust.
- To make the bars vegan, use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk and vegan butter, and select vegan chocolate chips.
- To enhance the flavor of pecans, toast them lightly before adding to the caramel layer.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Cut bars with a sharp knife dipped in hot water for cleaner slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approximately 60g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Turtle Bars, Caramel Bars, Pecan Bars, Chocolate Bars, Dessert Recipe, Sweet Treat