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Easy Turtle Bars

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These Easy Turtle Bars are the perfect balance of buttery shortbread crust, gooey caramel pecan filling, and a smooth milk chocolate topping. Simple to prepare yet irresistibly indulgent, they’re ideal for holidays, potlucks, or anytime cravings strike.

  • Total Time: 56 minutes
  • Yield: 16–20 bars

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Crust:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • For the Caramel Pecan Layer:
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 2/3 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • For the Chocolate Topping:
  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips
  • Optional Garnishes:
  • Extra chopped pecans
  • Sea salt flakes
  • Drizzled caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Press the crust mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
  4. Sprinkle pecan halves evenly over the crust.
  5. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar, stirring constantly. Once bubbling, cook for exactly 1 minute.
  6. Carefully pour the hot caramel evenly over the pecans and crust.
  7. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
  8. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the top.
  9. Let sit for a few minutes, then spread melted chocolate evenly.
  10. Cool completely before slicing into bars.

Notes

  • Allow bars to cool fully for clean slices.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • For extra flair, finish with flaky sea salt or a caramel drizzle.
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian