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Turtle Bars: The Ultimate Guide to Making Delicious Homemade Treats

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Buttery shortbread crust topped with gooey caramel, rich chocolate, and crunchy pecans.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
  • Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, or in the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
  3. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  4. Press into pan: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  5. Bake the crust: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the caramel layer.
  6. Combine ingredients in a saucepan: In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk.
  7. Cook the caramel: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Once the mixture is smooth, bring it to a boil, stirring constantly. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 5-7 minutes, or until the caramel reaches a deep golden brown color and thickens slightly. Use a candy thermometer if you have one; the ideal temperature is around 245°F (118°C).
  8. Remove from heat and add vanilla and salt: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
  9. Pour over crust: Pour the caramel evenly over the partially baked crust. Spread it out with a spatula to ensure it covers the entire surface.
  10. Bake again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and golden brown.
  11. Cool completely: Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the pan in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.
  12. Melt the chocolate and butter: In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between), melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter together until smooth.
  13. Spread chocolate over caramel: Once the caramel layer is completely cool and set, pour the melted chocolate evenly over the caramel. Spread it out with a spatula to create a smooth, even layer.
  14. Add pecan halves: Immediately arrange the pecan halves over the melted chocolate, pressing them gently into the chocolate so they adhere.
  15. Sprinkle with sea salt (optional): If desired, sprinkle the top of the bars with sea salt flakes.
  16. Chill to set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set.
  17. Cut into bars: Once the chocolate is set, remove the pan from the refrigerator and cut the bars into squares or rectangles.
  18. Serve and enjoy!: Store the turtle bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan for the caramel to prevent scorching.
  • Be very careful when working with hot caramel, as it can cause serious burns.
  • Make sure the caramel layer is completely cool before adding the chocolate topping to prevent them from mixing.
  • Wipe the knife clean between each cut when cutting the bars to prevent the chocolate from smearing.

Find it online: https://mmmflavors.com/turtle-bars/