Turtle Bars are an indulgent treat with layers of buttery graham cracker crust, gooey caramel, melted chocolate, and toasted pecans.
Inspired by the classic “turtle” candy, these bars are perfect for gatherings or satisfying your chocolate and caramel cravings.
Once you try them, they’ll become a favorite go-to recipe!
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
For the filling:
- 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
- 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramels, unwrapped
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 8–10 minutes until golden, then let cool.
Step 3: Toast chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant.
Set aside to cool.
Step 4: Melt caramel bits and heavy cream in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Spread over the cooled crust and sprinkle with toasted pecans, pressing them lightly.
Step 5: Melt chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
Pour over the caramel and pecan layer, spreading evenly.
Garnish with pecans and mini chocolate chips if desired.
Step 6: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Slice into squares or rectangles and serve at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes! Walnuts or almonds are excellent substitutes for pecans.
2. How do I keep the caramel layer from sticking?
Use a warm knife to slice the bars. Run the knife under hot water, then dry it before cutting.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely! Store them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
4. Can I adjust the sweetness of the chocolate layer?
Use dark chocolate for a less sweet flavor or milk chocolate for a sweeter touch.
5. What’s the best way to serve these bars?
Let them come to room temperature for the perfect gooey texture before serving.
Easy Turtle Bars
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
For the filling:
- 1 cup pecans toasted and chopped
- 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramels unwrapped
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes until golden, then let cool.
- Toast chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- Melt caramel bits and heavy cream in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Spread over the cooled crust and sprinkle with toasted pecans, pressing them lightly.
- Melt chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Pour over the caramel and pecan layer, spreading evenly. Garnish with pecans and mini chocolate chips if desired.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve at room temperature.
