Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars have everything you love about turtle candies but in a delicious, easy-to-make bar form. The combination of sweet and salty flavors, plus the rich textures of caramel and chocolate, makes them irresistible. The festive red and green sprinkles add a holiday touch, making them perfect for Christmas gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup powdered sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 ½ cups pecans, chopped
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Red and green sprinkles (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

2. Make the Shortbread Base

In a medium bowl, mix the flour and powdered sugar.
Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

3. Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.
Pour the mixture evenly over the warm crust.

4. Add Caramel and Pecans

Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the condensed milk layer.
Sprinkle the chopped pecans on top, pressing them gently into the caramel.

5. Bake Again

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are golden brown.

6. Melt the Chocolate

While the bars cool slightly, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
Spread the melted chocolate over the pecan and caramel layer.

7. Decorate

If desired, sprinkle red and green sprinkles on top for a festive holiday touch.

8. Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set completely.
Once firm, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and slice into squares or rectangles.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 bars
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Total time: 2 hours
Calories per serving: 200 kcal

Variations

Dark Chocolate Version: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer taste.
Nut-Free Option: Swap pecans for sunflower seeds or omit nuts entirely.
Salted Caramel Twist: Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the caramel layer for a gourmet touch.
Extra Crunch: Mix crushed pretzels into the caramel layer for a salty crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating: These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature, but you can warm them slightly in the microwave if desired.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works well, but homemade caramel adds a richer flavor.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! They store well, making them perfect for preparing in advance for holiday gatherings.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate will make the bars even sweeter.

How do I prevent the shortbread from getting too hard?

Make sure to bake it just until lightly golden and avoid overmixing the dough.

Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts would work great in this recipe.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.

How do I cut the bars cleanly?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat slices.

Can I drizzle extra caramel on top?

Yes! A caramel drizzle over the chocolate layer makes them even more decadent.

Do I have to use sprinkles?

No, they’re optional, but they add a festive touch for Christmas.

What can I serve these bars with?

They pair well with a hot cup of coffee, cocoa, or a glass of milk.

Conclusion

Christmas Turtle Bars are the perfect combination of buttery, nutty, caramelized goodness wrapped in rich chocolate. Easy to make and full of holiday cheer, they’re ideal for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or as a homemade gift. Make a batch today and share the joy of this festive treat!

Turtle Bars

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 2 hour
Yield: 24 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Turtle Bars are a festive, indulgent treat with layers of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and rich chocolate. Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or homemade gifts, these bars are easy to make and irresistibly delicious!

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
Make the Shortbread Base:
- Mix flour and powdered sugar in a medium bowl.
- Cut in softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes, until lightly golden.
Prepare the Filling:
- Mix sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.
- Pour evenly over the warm crust.
Add Caramel & Pecans:
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the condensed milk layer.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans, pressing them gently into the caramel.
Bake Again: Return to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the filling is set.
Melt Chocolate: While cooling, melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Decorate: Spread melted chocolate over the pecan layer. Sprinkle with festive sprinkles if desired.
Cool & Slice: Let bars cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Once firm, lift from the pan and slice into squares.

Notes

Dark Chocolate Option: Use dark chocolate for a richer taste.
Nut-Free Version: Swap pecans for sunflower seeds or omit entirely.
Salted Caramel Twist: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel layer.
Extra Crunch: Add crushed pretzels to the caramel for a salty crunch.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American