If you’re a fan of rich, indulgent desserts, these Easy Turtle Bars are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. They bring together the perfect balance of sweet and salty with chocolate, caramel, and pecans all layered into a soft, gooey treat. It’s a simple and fast recipe that will satisfy your sweet tooth any time you’re craving something special.
Ingredients
1 box yellow cake mix
1 large egg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup caramel sauce
(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) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a large bowl, I combine the cake mix, melted butter, and egg. I mix it all together until it’s smooth and well combined.
Then, I press the cake mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to form a crust.
Next, I sprinkle the chopped pecans and chocolate chips over the top of the cake mixture.
After that, I drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top of everything.
I bake it all in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bars turn golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, I let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares to serve.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Variations
If I’m feeling adventurous, I love experimenting with different add-ins. Here are a few ways I like to mix things up:
Swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
Use butterscotch chips or white chocolate chips instead of the regular chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Drizzle some extra caramel sauce on top before serving for an even gooier treat.
Add a pinch of sea salt over the top after baking to enhance the sweet and salty flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
These Turtle Bars store really well, and I find that they actually taste even better the next day! To store them, I place the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I want them to last longer, I refrigerate them, and they can stay fresh for up to a week. When I’m ready to enjoy them again, I simply warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds to get that gooey texture back.
FAQs
How can I make these Turtle Bars without nuts?
If I’m making these bars for someone with nut allergies or who just doesn’t like nuts, I simply leave out the pecans. I still have all the caramel and chocolate goodness, and it’s just as tasty!
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! I love to make these Turtle Bars a day or two in advance. They actually get better as they sit, allowing the flavors to meld together even more. Just store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Absolutely! If I want to switch things up, I’ve tried using chocolate cake mix for an even more chocolatey experience, or spice cake mix for a little warmth and depth. The possibilities are endless!
What should I do if I don’t have caramel sauce?
If I don’t have caramel sauce on hand, I can make a quick homemade version by melting some caramel candies with a bit of cream. You can also use dulce de leche as a substitute for a creamy, caramel-like consistency.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
I check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re done. They should also look golden on top.
Conclusion
These Easy Turtle Bars are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves a rich combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecans. They come together so quickly with minimal ingredients and are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether for a casual get-together or a sweet treat for yourself, these bars never disappoint.
Recipe:
Print
Easy Turtle Bars
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Turtle Bars combine the perfect balance of sweet and salty with chocolate, caramel, and pecans in a soft, gooey treat. They are made with a cake mix for a quick and simple dessert.
Ingredients
1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Press the cake mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to form a crust.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans and chocolate chips over the top of the cake mixture.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top of everything.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares to serve.
Notes
These bars store well and even taste better the next day.
Can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.
For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and still enjoy the caramel and chocolate flavors.
Consider swapping the pecans for walnuts or almonds or using butterscotch or white chocolate chips for variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
