Turtle Bars
A delightful treat requiring only five basic components, Turtle Bars combine buttery richness with the satisfying crunch of pecans and the indulgence of caramel and chocolate. This straightforward dessert offers a surprisingly decadent experience with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter for caramel
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter for crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar for caramel
- 1 cup packed brown sugar for crust
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. In a mixing bowl, blend together the flour, 1 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup butter using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes cohesive and crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the base. Distribute the chopped pecans uniformly over the crust. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 2/3 cup butter with 1/2 cup brown sugar and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Stir continuously and allow it to boil for 30 to 60 seconds. Drizzle this hot caramel mixture evenly over the crust and pecans. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and promptly scatter the chocolate chips across the surface. Return the pan to the now-off oven for 1 to 2 minutes to melt the chocolate, then spread it smoothly over the bars.
Notes
Always opt for real butter rather than margarine to preserve the rich, creamy flavor. Ensure the butter is at room temperature before mixing to facilitate blending. Allowing the residual heat of the oven to melt the chocolate chips provides an even and glossy topping without risk of scorching.