Turtle Bars are a delightful confection that brings together the rich flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pecans atop a buttery shortbread crust. Inspired by the classic turtle candies, which resemble turtles with pecan “legs” and a caramel “shell,” these bars offer a convenient and shareable twist on the traditional treat.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the topping:
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 1/4 cups milk chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Prepare the crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Press this mixture evenly into a 13×9-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil, ensuring some overhang for easy removal later.
- Add the pecans:
- Arrange the pecan halves evenly over the pressed crust, ensuring they are spread out without overlapping.
- Prepare the caramel topping:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the cubed butter over medium heat.
- Add the brown sugar, stirring continuously until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Allow it to boil for one minute, continuing to stir to prevent burning.
- Carefully pour this hot mixture over the pecans and crust, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the entire surface is bubbly.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and place on a wire rack.
- Add the chocolate:
- Immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot surface.
- Allow them to sit for a few minutes until they melt.
- Once melted, use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the chocolate evenly over the top.
- Cool and serve:
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- Once cooled, use the overhanging parchment or foil to lift the bars out of the pan.
- Place on a cutting board and cut into squares of your desired size.
Conclusion:
Turtle Bars are a testament to the timeless combination of chocolate, caramel, and nuts. Their layered structure provides a delightful contrast of textures—from the crumbly shortbread base to the crunchy pecans and smooth chocolate topping. Perfect for gatherings, gifting, or a personal indulgence, these bars are sure to satisfy sweet cravings and evoke fond memories of traditional turtle candies.
For the lovers of Turtle Bars:
Enthusiasts often experiment with variations, such as adding a sprinkle of sea salt to the caramel layer for a sweet-salty contrast or using dark chocolate for a richer flavor. Some even incorporate a drizzle of white chocolate on top for decorative flair. No matter the variation, the essence of Turtle Bars remains a cherished treat for all ages.