Scrumptious Turtle Bars

First, let's delve into what exactly turtle bars are. These decadent treats consist of a rich chocolate base that is layered with a gooey caramel topping and sprinkled with crunchy pecans. The origins of turtle bars trace back to the classic turtle candies, which were first created in the early 20th century. The name "turtle" is derived from the candies' resemblance to a turtle, with the rounded shapes of chocolate-covered caramel and nuts mimicking the shell and legs of the creature.

Indulge in the sweetness of homemade turtle bars, a delightful dessert combining rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for parties or cozy nights, these bars offer a fantastic blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love. With a simple recipe featuring fresh ingredients, you can create an irresistible treat that's sure to impress. Discover the joy of baking these decadent bars from scratch and satisfy your sweet tooth!

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Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup brown sugar, packed

½ cup granulated sugar

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

1 cup chopped pecans

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)

Sea salt for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.

Cream the Butters and Sugars: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Spread Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, making sure to spread it evenly to the corners.

Drizzle Caramel: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. Remove and immediately drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the warm batter, spreading it gently with a spatula.

Sprinkle Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top, followed by the remaining caramel sauce.

Final Bake: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).

Cool and Slice: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Once slightly cooled, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt if desired. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Serve and Enjoy: Cut into squares and serve. These scrumptious turtle bars are rich in flavor and perfectly sweet — a delightful treat for your friends and family!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 24 bars