Tortoise Bars

Indulge in the ultimate blend of sweet, nutty, and chocolatey decadence with these irresistible Tortoise Bars! This easy-to-make dessert layers a buttery, golden crust with crunchy chopped pecans, gooey caramel, and a silky smooth chocolate topping, creating a perfect harmony of textures. A sprinkle of sea salt adds a gourmet touch, taking these bars to the next level. With just 20 minutes of prep time and common pantry staples like soft caramels and semi-sweet chocolate chips, these treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or satisfying your sweet tooth at home. Whether you serve them straight from the fridge for a chilled treat or at room temperature for softer layers, these bars are guaranteed to impress. Try these Tortoise Bars today for a show-stopping dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious! Keywords: "Tortoise Bars recipe," "chocolate pecan bars," "easy caramel dessert," "layered dessert bars."

Nutriscore Rating: 40/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 16

Ingredients

• 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened
• 0.5 cup Granulated sugar
• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Pecans, chopped
• 11 oz Soft caramels, unwrapped
• 2 tablespoons Heavy cream
• 1.5 cups Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 0.25 teaspoons Sea salt (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.

Step 2

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 3

Gradually mix in the flour until the dough forms and no dry streaks remain.

Step 4

Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Allow to cool slightly.

Step 5

Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the baked crust and set aside.

Step 6

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped soft caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until completely melted and smooth.

Step 7

Pour the melted caramel over the pecans, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Let the caramel layer set for about 10 minutes.

Step 8

In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until smooth.

Step 9

Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the caramel layer. Optionally, sprinkle sea salt on top for a sweet-and-salty finish.

Step 10

Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour or until the layers have fully set.

Step 11

Once fully chilled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into 16 squares and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1286.9 grams (1286.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6454

Total Fat 396.90g	509%
Saturated Fat 199.80g	999%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 591mg	197%
Sodium 1043mg	45%
Total Carbohydrate 714.30g	260%
Dietary Fiber 35.50g	127%
Total Sugars 441.20g
Protein 60.20g	120%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 385mg	30%
Iron 20mg	112%
Potassium 1217mg	26%

*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: 53.6%

Protein: 3.6%

Carbs: 42.8%