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Easy Turtle Bars Recipe

Featured in Bake Something Special.

Turtle bars are a delightful dessert made with layers of a buttery shortbread crust, pecans, a rich caramel layer, and a chocolate topping. Start by preparing the shortbread base with flour, butter, and brown sugar. Top it with pecans and a homemade caramel sauce made from brown sugar and butter. After baking, finish with melted chocolate for a decadent dessert. Allow it to cool, then cut into bar shapes. These treats are perfect for special occasions or as an everyday indulgence that everyone will love!
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Rose
Updated on Thu, 13 Mar 2025 17:23:25 GMT
Best Turtle Bars Pin it
Best Turtle Bars | lovelylifewithrose.com

Turtle Bars are a decadent fusion of buttery shortbread, rich caramel, crunchy pecans, and smooth chocolate that create an irresistible dessert experience. This classic recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into an elegant treat that's perfect for special occasions or whenever you're craving something truly indulgent.

I've been making these bars for family gatherings for over a decade, and they consistently disappear within minutes. My sister-in-law once drove across town just to get the recipe after tasting them at our holiday party.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • All-purpose flour: Creates a sturdy shortbread base; use unbleached for best results
  • Brown sugar: Dark or light both work; dark adds deeper caramel notes
  • Butter: Use unsalted, room temperature butter for control over saltiness
  • Pecan halves: Fresh, golden-colored nuts ensure best flavor
  • Milk chocolate chips: High-quality chips melt more smoothly
  • Sea salt: Optional but enhances all flavors dramatically

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) - This temperature perfectly caramelizes the sugar while protecting the nuts from burning
Step 2:
Mix shortbread base until crumbly - Don't overmix or the base will become tough
Step 3:
Press mixture firmly into pan - Use flat bottom of measuring cup for even compression
Step 4:
Arrange pecans carefully - Create a single layer for even caramel coverage
Step 5:
Prepare caramel mixture - Constant stirring prevents burning
Step 6:
Pour and bake until bubbling - Watch carefully in final minutes
Step 7:
Add chocolate chips while hot - The residual heat creates perfect melting
Step 8:
Cool completely before cutting - Patience yields cleanest cuts

Growing up, my grandmother would always emphasize the importance of using quality pecans. She had a pecan tree in her backyard, and those freshly harvested nuts made these bars absolutely exceptional.

Storage and Serving

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking. These bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 months when properly wrapped.

After years of making these Turtle Bars, I've found they're not just a dessert - they're a way to create memories. Whether shared at potlucks or gifted during holidays, they never fail to bring smiles and recipe requests. The combination of textures and flavors makes them truly unforgettable, and I'm convinced they'll become a tradition in your kitchen too.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What is the base of turtle bars made of?
The base is made from a mixture of flour, butter, and brown sugar, creating a crumbly shortbread layer.
→ How do you make the caramel layer?
The caramel layer is made by boiling butter and brown sugar together for one minute to achieve the perfect consistency.
→ Can I use a different type of nut besides pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds based on your preference.
→ How do I ensure the chocolate layer spreads evenly?
Sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot caramel layer and let it sit for a few minutes to melt before gently spreading.
→ How long should I cool the bars before cutting?
Allow the bars to cool completely for about 2 hours before cutting to ensure clean edges.

Best Turtle Bars

Make mouthwatering turtle bars easily!

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Rose

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Base Layer

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 cup packed brown sugar
03 ½ cup softened butter

→ Caramel Layer

04 ⅔ cup butter
05 ½ cup packed brown sugar

→ Topping

06 1 cup pecan halves
07 1 cup milk chocolate chips
08 ¼ teaspoon sea salt (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for the baking process.

Step 02

Combine the all-purpose flour and brown sugar in a mixing bowl. Add ½ cup softened butter and mix until it forms coarse crumbs.

Step 03

Press the crumb mixture evenly into a 9x13-inch baking pan. Arrange the pecan halves uniformly on top of the base.

Step 04

In a small saucepan, combine ⅔ cup butter and ½ cup brown sugar. Cook over medium heat while stirring constantly until the mixture boils. Let it boil for 1 minute, stirring continuously.

Step 05

Evenly drizzle the caramel mixture over the pecan and crumb base. Spread it out gently with a spatula, ensuring full coverage.

Step 06

Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the caramel bubbles vigorously.

Step 07

Remove the pan from the oven and immediately scatter the chocolate chips over the top. Let the chocolate sit for 3-5 minutes until it softens, then spread it into an even layer.

Step 08

Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack for about 2 hours. Once fully cooled, slice into squares and serve.

Notes

  1. This recipe creates 24 delicious turtle bars ideal for sharing at parties or gatherings.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven
  • Mixing bowls
  • Small saucepan
  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Spatula
  • Wire rack
  • Knife

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten (all-purpose flour).
  • Contains nuts (pecans).
  • Contains dairy (butter, milk chocolate chips).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 92
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~