Easy Chocolate Turtle Bars

Indulge in the ultimate sweet treat with these Easy Chocolate Turtle Bars, a decadent combination of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and smooth chocolate. Perfectly layered for a satisfying bite, this dessert is ready in just 35 minutes of prep and bake time, making it an ideal option for last-minute gatherings or a simple weeknight indulgence. The optional sprinkle of kosher salt adds a gourmet touch, enhancing the sweet and salty contrast that makes these bars irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a party or satisfying your chocolate cravings, these turtle bars are a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing delight. With straightforward instructions and pantry-friendly ingredients, they’re as easy to make as they are to devour!

Nutriscore Rating: 40/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 16

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups pecans, chopped
• 14 oz soft caramels, unwrapped
• 3 tbsp heavy cream
• 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 0.25 tsp kosher salt (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in the flour until fully incorporated and the dough resembles a soft crumbly texture.

Step 3

Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish to form a crust layer. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly.

Step 4

While the crust is cooling, in a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring frequently, until the caramels are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.

Step 5

Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the partially cooled crust. Pour the melted caramel over the pecans, spreading it evenly into a smooth layer. Allow it to set for 5-10 minutes.

Step 6

In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly with an offset spatula.

Step 7

Optionally, sprinkle a light pinch of kosher salt over the chocolate layer for a sweet-and-salty flavor profile.

Step 8

Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour to fully set. Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into 16 squares and serve.

Step 9

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1443 grams (1443.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	7285

Total Fat 454.00g	582%
Saturated Fat 212.50g	1063%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 618mg	206%
Sodium 1171mg	51%
Total Carbohydrate 789.20g	287%
Dietary Fiber 41.50g	148%
Total Sugars 497.80g
Protein 67.50g	135%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 486mg	37%
Iron 22mg	120%
Potassium 1570mg	33%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.4%

Protein: 3.6%

Carbs: 42.0%