Easy Turtle Bars are a delightful combination of rich chocolate, creamy caramel, and crunchy pecans that’s both indulgent and easy to make. They’re not overly sweet either.

I think they’re a perfect treat for any time of the year, and if you’re not a fan of nuts, feel free to omit them. It will still be undeniably delicious! If you’re looking for a simple & decadent dessert that’s not overly sweet, you’ve come to the right place. When you make a buttery shortbread base and pair it with gooey caramel, smooth chocolate, and a sprinkle of pecans, you get the perfect bar. The addition of caramel just sends it over the top. I’ve really been in the mood for something rich and satisfying, and these turtle bars are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Not a fan of pecans? Don’t worry, it’s still delicious without them.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

9×13 inch baking pan
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Microwave-safe bowl
Spatula

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans

Directions

Prepare the Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and form a crumbly dough.
Bake the Crust:
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Add the Caramel Layer:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Add the Chocolate and Pecans:
- Sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the caramel layer.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the chocolate chips.
Bake the Bars:
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the chocolate is melted and the caramel is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
Cut and Serve:
- Once the bars are completely cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan.
- Cut into squares or bars and serve.

Enjoy your delicious and Easy Turtle Bars!

Easy Turtle Bars

Easy Turtle Bars are a delightful combination of rich chocolate, creamy caramel, and crunchy pecans that’s both indulgent and easy to make.

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Equipment

9x13 inch baking pan
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Microwave-safe bowl
Spatula

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
1 cup caramel sauce store-bought or homemade
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Prepare the Base:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and form a crumbly dough.
Bake the Crust:
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Add the Caramel Layer:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Pour the caramel mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Add the Chocolate and Pecans:
Sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the caramel layer.
Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the chocolate chips.
Bake the Bars:
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the chocolate is melted and the caramel is bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.