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!
Ingredients
- 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)
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
