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Easy Turtle Bars

These Easy Turtle Bars combine the classic trio of chocolate, caramel, and pecans into a buttery shortbread crust for a dessert that’s rich, chewy, and completely irresistible. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of indulgent bars that taste like they came straight from a bakery. Perfect for holiday trays, potlucks, or an anytime sweet tooth fix.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 ½ cups chopped pecans
1 cup caramel sauce or soft caramel candies melted with cream
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour and mix until a crumbly dough forms.

Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a firm crust. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden.

Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the hot crust. Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the pecans, spreading gently to cover.

Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 10 to 12 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and set.

Remove from the oven and while still warm, sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top. Let sit for 2 to 3 minutes until melted, then use a spatula to gently spread the chocolate into a smooth layer.

Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before cutting into squares.

Notes

For the caramel layer, you can use store-bought caramel sauce or melt soft caramel candies with a tablespoon or two of heavy cream until smooth. Toasting the pecans before adding them can enhance their flavor and add more crunch. These bars store well in an airtight container at room temperature for several days or can be refrigerated for longer shelf life. Let them sit at room temperature before serving for the best texture.