Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Crust
Preheat Oven Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine First Set of Ingredients In a large bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter. Into the dry ingredients and mix just until the dough comes together.
Press and Bake: Using your fingers, press the dough into an ungreased 9×13-inch baking pan, as evenly as you can. Slip it in the oven, then bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. When done, remove and cool completely.
Make the Caramel Layer
Melt the Butter
In a small to medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring often so it doesn’t brown.
Melt mixture: Butter, brown sugar, light corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk are mixed. Stir and bring to a boil.
Simmer: Turn the heat to low, and simmer, stirring constantly the whole time, for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens up and deepens into a dark caramel brown color.
Pour Over Crust: Carefully pour the caramel over the top, don’t bother spreading it around evenly— it will settle out itself.
Topping
Add chopped pecans: Take the chopped pecans and evenly sprinkle over the caramel.
Bake Again: Put the pan back in the oven and bake for 10-15 more minutes, until the caramel is bubbly and the pecans are browned.
Chocolate:
Add Chocolate Chips: Take the pan out of the oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over the caramel and pecans while still hot. The heat should start to melt the chocolate.
Melt and Spread: Let the chips sit for a minute or two until moistened, then smooth with a spatula and distribute evenly.
Cool, Set, and Serve
Cool and Set : Allow the bars to cool, then leave at room temperature until completely chilled. Keep in the refrigerator for at least one more hour to set the chocolate completely.
Cut and Serve: When chilled, remove and cut the bars into bite-sized pieces. Serve immediately and keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream:
The Pecan Turtle Bars can be served hot, cold or at room temperature. Top with vanilla ice cream for the full dessert experience.
While the Pecan Turtle Bars are prepared and ready to be eaten, people can use them for a number of different activities to offer their friends and family members a better experience.
Storage and Freezing Tips:
These bars store and freeze very well, so they are an excellent treat to make ahead of time or a delightful gift.
Room Temperature: These bars should be stored in an airtight tub at room temperature and consumed in five days. They’re perfect at room temperature when the caramel is gooey.
Refrigeration: These bars can then be kept in the fridge for up to two weeks. Remove from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to let the caramel slightly soften.
Freezing: These can be stored and frozen for up to three months. They should be e overwrapped in plastic in a sealed tub. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Recipe Variations:
Salted Caramel Pecan Bars: A little flaky sea salt on top of these gooey caramel bars is a salted caramel gourmet.
Peanut Butter Turtle Bars: Use a cupful peanut butter chip along with the chocolate chips for a rich chocolate and peanut butter flavor.
Use milk chocolate chips rather than semisweet to good milk chocolate flavored.
Almond Turtle Bars: If you don’t like pecans, chop nuts for a new twist. * Dark Chocolate Flavor: Dark chocolate chips keep the sweetness of the caramel in check.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Pecan Turtle Bars are a luxurious and pleasant dessert that combines a crunchy buttery shortbread crust and topping with a rich, gooey caramel, toasted nuts, and a spread of melted chocolate. Due to the completely different layers once you bite into this dessert, you get all the flavors and textures you enjoy, just like the classical version of the chocolate turtle candy. It comes together easily, makes a wonderful presentation of beautifully sparkling layers, and tastes sinful. It is a tasty treat that you will want to enjoy again and again. Give this recipe a try, and the delicious, chewy, crunch, and chocolate center makes them practically irresistible.
