Pecan Turtle Bars Recipe: A Gooey, Chocolatey Delight! 🍫🌰✨
These Pecan Turtle Bars are the ultimate treat for caramel and chocolate lovers! With a buttery shortbread crust, a luscious caramel pecan filling, and a rich chocolate topping, these bars are irresistibly delicious. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just a sweet indulgence, this easy-to-make dessert will quickly become a favorite in your home! 🍪🍯
Cooking Time & Servings ⏳
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 16 bars
My Cooking Experience 🧑🍳
After years of experimenting with caramel-based desserts, I found the perfect balance of crunchy pecans, creamy caramel, and smooth chocolate in these bars. The key is using high-quality chocolate and allowing the caramel to set just right for the perfect chewy texture! 🍫🌰
Ingredients 🛒
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Pecan Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter 🧈
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups chopped pecans 🌰
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 🍫
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (for a glossy finish)
Instructions 🔪
1️⃣ Prepare the Shortbread Crust 🥣
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Add the flour and salt, mixing until crumbly. Press the dough evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
2️⃣ Make the Caramel Pecan Layer 🍯
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar, stirring constantly. Once it begins to bubble, stir in the heavy cream and pecans. Let simmer for 2 minutes, then pour the mixture evenly over the baked shortbread crust.
3️⃣ Add the Chocolate Topping 🍫
Bake the caramel pecan layer for another 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the top. Let them sit for 5 minutes to soften, then spread evenly with a spatula. Drizzle with vegetable oil for a glossy finish.
4️⃣ Cool, Slice & Enjoy 🍽️
Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set. Once firm, slice into squares and enjoy!
Variations 🔄
- Salted Caramel Twist: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Nut-Free Option: Swap pecans for sunflower seeds or skip them altogether.
- Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Extra Crunch: Add crushed pretzels on top before the chocolate sets for a salty crunch! 🥨
Equipment You’ll Need 🔪
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or whisk
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Oven
- Refrigerator
Why You’ll Love It ❤️
✔️ Gooey caramel with a buttery crust 🍯
✔️ Crunchy pecans and rich chocolate 🍫🌰
✔️ Perfect for holidays and special occasions 🎉
✔️ Easy to make and absolutely delicious! 😍
Nutritional Information
- Calories: ~280 per bar
- Carbs: 28g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 18g
- Sugar: 18g
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.)
Storage Tips ❄️
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep chilled for up to a week for a firmer texture.
- Freezing: Freeze bars in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
Conclusion 🏁
These Pecan Turtle Bars bring together everything you love about caramel, chocolate, and pecans in one decadent bite. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, they’re sure to be a hit! Give them a try and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors! 🍫🌰✨
pecan turtles bars
Ingredients
- For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened 🧈
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Caramel Pecan Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter 🧈
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups chopped pecans 🌰
- For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 🍫
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil for a glossy finish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Add the flour and salt, mixing until crumbly. Press the dough evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar, stirring constantly. Once it begins to bubble, stir in the heavy cream and pecans. Let simmer for 2 minutes, then pour the mixture evenly over the baked shortbread crust.
- Bake the caramel pecan layer for another 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the top. Let them sit for 5 minutes to soften, then spread evenly with a spatula. Drizzle with vegetable oil for a glossy finish.
- Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set. Once firm, slice into squares and enjoy!
