These Easy Caramel Pecan Turtle Bars are the perfect combination of sweet and salty flavors. They feature a buttery shortbread crust, gooey caramel, a rich chocolate coating, and crunchy pecans that make each bite a decadent experience. Whether you’re serving them at a party, bringing them to a gathering, or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, these bars are sure to impress.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1 cup pecan halves
1 cup chocolate chips
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar. Add the softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
Press the dough into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish, creating an even layer.
Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden.
While the crust is baking, heat the caramel sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and pour the caramel sauce evenly over the hot crust.
Sprinkle the pecan halves on top of the caramel, then return the dish to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
After baking, remove from the oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over the warm caramel and pecans. Let them sit for a few minutes to melt, then spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top.
Let the bars cool completely before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Variations
If I want to change things up a bit, there are plenty of variations I can try. For a richer flavor, I can use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate. If I’m not a fan of pecans, I can swap them out for walnuts or almonds for a different crunch. To make the bars even more decadent, I can drizzle a bit more caramel sauce on top after adding the chocolate. These variations will still keep the core flavor of the bars intact but allow for a personalized twist.
Storage/Reheating
To store the bars, I like to place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If I need them to last longer, I can refrigerate them for up to a week. For reheating, I usually place the bars in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to warm the caramel and chocolate slightly. This brings back their delicious gooey texture without overcooking them.
FAQs
How do I know when the shortbread crust is ready?
I watch for the edges of the crust to become lightly golden. This usually happens within the 15-18 minute baking time.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars are great for making in advance. Just allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, I can freeze the bars! After they cool, I wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, I just let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, I can use store-bought caramel sauce. I usually prefer to use a high-quality one for the best flavor, but any good caramel sauce will work for these bars.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Definitely! If I prefer a different type of nut, I can swap the pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts. Each nut brings its own unique flavor and texture to the bars.
Conclusion
These Easy Caramel Pecan Turtle Bars are a wonderful treat that I love making for special occasions or just as an everyday indulgence. With their rich layers of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and smooth chocolate, they’re sure to satisfy any sweet craving. Best of all, they’re easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether I’m celebrating a holiday or just enjoying a quiet afternoon, these bars are a guaranteed hit!
Recipe:
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Easy Caramel Pecan Turtle Bars
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Caramel Pecan Turtle Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and smooth chocolate, creating the perfect sweet and salty treat.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1 cup pecan halves
1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar. Add the softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
- Press the dough into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- While the crust is baking, heat the caramel sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and pour the caramel sauce evenly over the hot crust.
- Sprinkle the pecan halves on top of the caramel, then return the dish to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
- After baking, remove from the oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over the warm caramel and pecans. Let them sit for a few minutes to melt, then spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
If you prefer a different nut, you can swap the pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts.
For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.
Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top after adding the chocolate for an extra decadent touch.
Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
To freeze, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
