Description
Turtle Bars are a decadent dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with rich caramel, melted chocolate chips, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings, these bars combine creamy caramel and chocolate with a nutty finish for a truly indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Shortbread Crust
- 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
Caramel Topping
- 1 (11 ounce) bag caramel bits
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth.
- Add Powders and Flavor: Stir in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing well to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Incorporate Flour: Add the all-purpose flour and mix until just combined to form the shortbread dough.
- Form Base Layer and Bake: Press approximately two-thirds of the dough mixture firmly into the bottom of the greased pan to create an even layer. Reserve the remaining dough for topping. Bake this base layer for 18 minutes until slightly golden.
- Prepare Caramel: While the crust bakes, combine the caramel bits and heavy whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Melt Caramel: Microwave the caramel mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the caramel is fully melted and smooth.
- Spread Caramel: Pour the melted caramel evenly over the baked shortbread crust and spread with a spatula.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips evenly over the warm caramel layer.
- Top with Remaining Dough and Pecans: Crumble the reserved shortbread dough over the chocolate chips, then evenly distribute the chopped pecans on top, pressing them gently into the dough.
- Bake Final Layer: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter to ensure easy mixing and a smooth dough.
- Ensure caramel bits and cream are well melted and smooth before spreading for an even layer.
- Press pecans gently into the dough to help them adhere during baking.
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbling.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- For a softer texture, reduce baking time slightly on the final bake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 2x2 inch)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
