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Easy Turtle Bars

Easy Turtle Bars are a rich and decadent treat featuring layers of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and smooth chocolate.
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Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the Shortbread Base:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • For the Topping:
  • 1 14-ounce bag of caramels, unwrapped
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat and Prepare
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  4. Make the Shortbread Base
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, flour, and sugar. Mix until crumbly.
  6. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
  7. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
  8. Prepare the Caramel
  9. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramels and heavy cream.
  10. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth.
  11. Assemble the Turtle Bars
  12. Pour the melted caramel evenly over the baked shortbread crust.
  13. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the caramel layer.
  14. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 15-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle or spread the chocolate over the caramel and pecans.
  15. Cool and Slice
  16. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate until set.
  17. Once firm, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares or rectangles.