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Pecan Turtle Bars are an indulgent treat that combines the rich flavors of caramel, chocolate, and pecans atop a buttery shortbread crust. This dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a delightful homemade gift. The name “turtle” is derived from the classic candy that features the same ingredients, resembling the shape of a turtle. These bars offer a similar taste experience in a convenient, easy-to-share format.
The history of turtle candies dates back to the early 20th century, when a Chicago candy company began producing the iconic treats. Over the years, bakers have adapted the concept into various desserts, including bars and brownies, making it easier to enjoy these flavors in a crowd-pleasing form. The combination of crunchy pecans, gooey caramel, and creamy chocolate is a timeless favorite that appeals to both kids and adults.
These Pecan Turtle Bars are straightforward to make and can be customized with different types of chocolate, nuts, and even added ingredients like coconut or sea salt. Below is a detailed recipe, along with several variations and substitutions to suit different preferences and dietary needs.
Pecan Turtle Bars Recipe
Ingredients
For the Crust
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Caramel Layer
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
For the Topping
2 cups coarsely chopped pecans
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter. Mix until the dough comes together.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Make the Caramel Layer
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and turns a deep caramel color. Pour the caramel evenly over the baked crust.
Add the Topping
Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the caramel layer. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and the pecans are toasted.
Add the Chocolate
Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot caramel and pecans. Let them sit for a few minutes to melt, then use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top.
Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set the chocolate.
Cut and Serve
Once the bars are fully set, cut them into squares and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Variations
Dark Chocolate Turtle Bars
Use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
White Chocolate and Macadamia Nut Bars
Substitute white chocolate chips for semisweet chocolate and chopped macadamia nuts for pecans for a different flavor profile.
Salted Caramel Turtle Bars
Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the melted chocolate layer before it sets for a sweet and salty contrast.
Coconut Turtle Bars
Add a layer of shredded coconut over the caramel before adding the pecans for added texture and flavor.
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Crust
Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the crust gluten-free.
Vegan Turtle Bars
Use vegan butter substitutes for both the crust and caramel layer, and replace sweetened condensed milk with a vegan alternative. Ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.
Nut-Free Bars
Substitute the pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
Honey Caramel
Replace the light corn syrup with honey for a different take on the caramel layer.
Conclusion
Pecan Turtle Bars are a deliciously indulgent dessert that combines the best of caramel, chocolate, and pecans. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations. The versatility of the recipe allows you to experiment with different flavors and ingredients, ensuring you can tailor it to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out one of the suggested variations, these bars are sure to impress. Their rich, decadent flavors and delightful textures make them a standout treat that will have everyone coming back for more. Enjoy making and sharing these Pecan Turtle Bars, and experience the joy of a timeless dessert that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing.
Pecan Turtle Bars Recipe
Pecan Turtle Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with layers of rich caramel, crunchy pecans, and melted chocolate, offering a delicious twist on the classic turtle candy. Perfect for gatherings or as a sweet homemade gift, these bars are a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (For the shortbread crust)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (Adds sweetness to the crust)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened (Provides richness and structure to the crust))
- 1 cup unsalted butter (For the caramel layer, creating a rich base)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (Adds sweetness and depth to the caramel layer)
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup (Helps prevent crystallization in the caramel)
- 1 can (14 oz sweetened condensed milk (Adds creaminess to the caramel layer))
- 2 cups coarsely chopped pecans (For the topping, adding crunch and flavor)
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (Creates a smooth, chocolatey top layer)
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter. Mix until the dough comes together. Press the dough evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Set aside. Create a buttery, firm base for the bars.
- Make the Caramel Layer: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until thickened and deep caramel color. Pour evenly over baked crust.Create a rich, smooth caramel layer.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the caramel layer. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until caramel is bubbly and pecans are toasted. Toast pecans for added flavor and texture.
- Add the Chocolate: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot caramel and pecans. Let sit for a few minutes to melt, then spread evenly with a spatula. Create a glossy, chocolatey top layer.
- Cool and Set: Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set the chocolate. Ensures bars are firm and easy to cut.
- Cut and Serve: Once fully set, cut into squares and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Ready to enjoy or share!
These bars can be customized with different types of chocolate, nuts, or additional ingredients like coconut. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Pecan Turtle Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour For the shortbread crust
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar Adds sweetness to the crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened (Provides richness and structure to the crust)
- 1 cup unsalted butter For the caramel layer, creating a rich base
- 1 cup packed brown sugar Adds sweetness and depth to the caramel layer
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup Helps prevent crystallization in the caramel
- 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk (Adds creaminess to the caramel layer)
- 2 cups coarsely chopped pecans For the topping, adding crunch and flavor
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips Creates a smooth, chocolatey top layer
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter. Mix until the dough comes together. Press the dough evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Set aside. Create a buttery, firm base for the bars.
- Make the Caramel Layer: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until thickened and deep caramel color. Pour evenly over baked crust.Create a rich, smooth caramel layer.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the caramel layer. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until caramel is bubbly and pecans are toasted. Toast pecans for added flavor and texture.
- Add the Chocolate: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot caramel and pecans. Let sit for a few minutes to melt, then spread evenly with a spatula. Create a glossy, chocolatey top layer.
- Cool and Set: Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set the chocolate. Ensures bars are firm and easy to cut.
- Cut and Serve: Once fully set, cut into squares and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Ready to enjoy or share!
