Turtle Oat Squares

Indulge in the sweet, buttery, and nutty goodness of Turtle Oat Squares, a decadent treat that's perfect for dessert or an afternoon pick-me-up. These layered bars combine a chewy oatmeal crust with a rich caramel and chocolate filling, enhanced by the crunch of chopped pecans. The recipe starts with a simple oat-based dough that doubles as both the base and crumbly topping, sandwiching a luscious layer of melted caramel candies and creamy chocolate chips. With just 15 minutes of prep and a sprinkle of optional kosher salt for a sophisticated sweet-and-salty flair, these squares are as easy to make as they are irresistible. Cut into 16 satisfying portions, Turtle Oat Squares are a guaranteed hit for family gatherings, potlucks, or gifting. Plus, they store beautifully for up to three days, making them a fantastic make-ahead dessert option!

Nutriscore Rating: 43/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 16

Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.75 cup brown sugar
• 0.75 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 0.5 cup pecans, roughly chopped
• 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Step 2

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, and brown sugar.

Step 3

Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract, then stir until the mixture forms a crumbly but evenly moistened dough.

Step 4

Press half of the oat mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base layer. Reserve the other half for the topping.

Step 5

Bake the base layer in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.

Step 6

While the base is baking, combine the unwrapped caramel candies and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the caramel is fully melted and smooth.

Step 7

Spread the melted caramel evenly over the baked base layer.

Step 8

Sprinkle the chocolate chips and chopped pecans evenly over the caramel layer.

Step 9

Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top, pressing gently to adhere it to the filling beneath.

Step 10

Bake in the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan. This will take about 1-2 hours.

Step 12

Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the square out of the pan. Cut into 16 equal squares.

Step 13

Optional: Sprinkle a light dusting of kosher salt over the squares for a sweet and salty finish.

Step 14

Serve and enjoy! Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1068.8 grams (1068.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5129

Total Fat 281.10g	360%
Saturated Fat 148.10g	740%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 418mg	139%
Sodium 953mg	41%
Total Carbohydrate 647.60g	235%
Dietary Fiber 36.00g	129%
Total Sugars 353.10g
Protein 55.00g	110%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 438mg	34%
Iron 19mg	103%
Potassium 1554mg	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: 47.4%

Protein: 4.1%

Carbs: 48.5%