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Delicious Turtle Bars

Featured in Treats That Make Everything Better.

Press shortbread dough in a pan, layer with pecans, pour homemade caramel, bake, spread melted chocolate chips on top, cool, and slice into bars.
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Clare Recipes
Updated on Wed, 12 Mar 2025 16:25:57 GMT
Delectable Turtle Bars Pin it
Delectable Turtle Bars | lilicooks.com

These layered turtle bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with toasted pecans, rich caramel, and smooth milk chocolate. The combination of textures - from crisp base to gooey middle to silky top - makes these bars completely irresistible. Perfect for sharing, this recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into an elevated dessert that never fails to impress.

This tried-and-tested recipe has become a staple at neighborhood gatherings and holiday celebrations. The buttery shortbread paired with caramel-coated pecans creates an addictive combination that keeps everyone reaching for another piece. Even those who claim they don't like sweets find these bars impossible to resist.

Key Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: Forms the foundation of the tender shortbread base
  • Brown sugar: Provides rich caramel notes and depth of flavor
  • Unsalted butter: Creates flaky texture in shortbread and smooth caramel
  • Pecan halves: Adds essential crunch and nutty flavor
  • Milk chocolate chips: Creates the smooth, sweet topping
  • Sea salt: Enhances all flavors and provides contrast
Turtle Bars Pin it
Turtle Bars | lilicooks.com

Preparation Method

Setup:
Heat oven to 350°F. Have ingredients measured and ready.
Shortbread Base:
Mix flour and sugar, then work in butter until sandy. Press firmly into pan.
Pecan Layer:
Arrange nuts in single layer over shortbread.
Caramel:
Cook butter and sugar exactly one minute at full boil. Pour over nuts.
Baking:
Bake until caramel bubbles across entire surface.
Chocolate Layer:
Top with chocolate chips immediately after baking. Let melt 5 minutes, then spread smooth.

This recipe emerged from an old family collection, refined over years of baking. The proportions have been carefully adjusted to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It's become a cherished favorite at family gatherings, with everyone expecting these bars at every holiday celebration.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slightly warm with vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert. For casual gatherings, cut into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a serving platter. These bars pair wonderfully with coffee or a small glass of bourbon.

Recipe Variations

Try using walnuts or cashews for different flavor profiles. Dark chocolate creates a more sophisticated version, while adding espresso powder deepens the chocolate notes. A splash of bourbon in the caramel adds complexity.

Storage Guide

Keep in airtight container at room temperature for 5 days or refrigerate up to 2 weeks. Freeze for up to 3 months in sealed containers with parchment between layers. Allow frozen bars to thaw one hour before serving.

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Best Turtle Bars Recipe | lilicooks.com

These turtle bars represent the perfect marriage of textures and flavors - crisp shortbread, chewy caramel, crunchy nuts, and smooth chocolate. While they require some patience to prepare properly, the remarkable results make them worth every minute. They've become a signature recipe that friends and family request time and again.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap homemade caramel for pre-made caramel?
For the best taste and texture, homemade caramel is the way to go. But if you're in a rush, use a cup of thick, store-bought caramel. Gently heat it up so it spreads easily over the pecans.
→ What causes a crumbly shortbread base?
Your butter might not have been soft enough, or you didn’t firmly press the dough into the pan. Make sure your butter is fully softened and really pack the base into the pan evenly.
→ Can I change the type of nuts?
Sure! While pecans are classic in this recipe, you can switch them out for walnuts or even blend different nuts. Just stick to the same overall amount.
→ When is the caramel fully cooked?
Start a timer once the caramel is bubbling. Let it continue boiling, stirring non-stop, for exactly one minute until smooth and light golden.
→ What if my chocolate chips don’t melt completely?
Normally, the heat from the caramel layer melts the chocolate. If it doesn’t work, try putting the pan back in the oven for a minute to help them melt.
→ Can these bars go in the freezer?
Definitely! Freeze them for up to 3 months. Just cut them into bars first, stack them in an airtight container separated with parchment, and thaw when ready to eat.

Quick Turtle Dessert

Layered turtle bars with buttery shortbread, toasted pecans, warm gooey caramel, and melted chocolate. Great for parties, holidays, or when you want to elevate dessert time!

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Lily Chen

Category: Sweet Stuff

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 bars)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Shortbread Crust Ingredients

01 1 cup packed brown sugar
02 2 cups of regular flour
03 ½ cup of butter, softened to room temperature

→ Caramel Filling Ingredients

04 ½ cup brown sugar, packed tightly
05 1 cup whole pecan halves
06 ⅔ cup of butter

→ For the Chocolate Top

07 ¼ teaspoon sea salt (optional for decoration)
08 1 cup of milk chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat.

Step 02

In a bowl, stir together the 2 cups of flour and brown sugar. Cut in the softened butter using a fork or pastry cutter until you end up with a crumbly mixture.

Step 03

Take a 9x13 inch pan and press the crumbly dough in evenly. Place the pecans in a single even layer on top of the crust.

Step 04

In a small pot, melt the butter together with the brown sugar. Stir it over medium heat until it starts boiling. Let it boil, while stirring nonstop, for one minute.

Step 05

Carefully pour the hot caramel all over the pecans and the crust to cover it completely.

Step 06

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 18-20 minutes until the caramel bubbles.

Step 07

Take the pan out of the oven and scatter the chocolate chips over the hot caramel. Leave them for about 3-5 minutes to soften, then spread them into a smooth coat using a spatula.

Step 08

If you'd like, sprinkle some sea salt over the melted chocolate. Let the whole thing cool off on a cooling rack for at least 2 hours.

Step 09

Once totally cooled, use a sharp knife to cut everything into 24 squares.

Notes

  1. Keep these in a sealed container at room temperature for a maximum of 5 days.
  2. These bars freeze well for up to 3 months if wrapped tightly.
  3. For neater slices, chill them in the fridge briefly before cutting.
  4. Feel free to switch milk chocolate chips with semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips.

Tools You'll Need

  • A 9x13 inch baking pan
  • A medium-sized bowl for mixing
  • A small pot for making the caramel
  • A cooling rack for the bars
  • A spatula or something similar for spreading chocolate
  • A sharp knife to cut the bars

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • This recipe includes wheat flour.
  • There’s dairy in the butter and chocolate.
  • Pecans are tree nuts and are used in this recipe.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 210
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 24 g
  • Protein: 2 g