Turtle Bars with Caramel and Pecans
Delightful layers of smooth caramel, crunchy pecans, and a buttery base create these irresistible Turtle Bars, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure to have it at room temperature.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed Use light or dark brown sugar as desired.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Sifted if preferred for a lighter texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Essential for the crust to rise slightly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances the flavors of the crust.
For the topping
- 1 cup pecans, chopped Toast them lightly for more flavor.
- 1 cup caramel sauce Store-bought or homemade, ensure it's pourable.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips Optional for drizzling on top.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until incorporated.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down firmly.
Baking
- Bake the crust in the oven for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Remove the crust from the oven and drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over it.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans on top.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Cooling and Serving
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles.
Notes
For nut-free bars, consider swapping pecans with chopped dried fruits. Cool completely before slicing to maintain texture. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for up to three months.