This post may contain affiliate links, please read myprivacy policy.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Homemade Turtle Bars consist of a shortbread crust, pecans, homemade caramel, and chocolate, the perfect delectable combination!

Homemade Turtle Bars are deliciously simple! This recipe is always a hit and is so quick and easy to make. With only 5 ingredients, you won’t believe how stunningly rich and impressive the results of making this recipe will be. The name Homemade Turtle Bars is because they have caramel, pecans and chocolate. Just like the Turtle Chocolates. The shortbread crust contributes a melt in your mouth sensation. There are many variations of this recipe with some using whipping cream or condensed milk in the caramel layer. This recipe is been a never-fail tested and tried combination! I use a baking sheet instead of a casserole dish or cake pan because it lets the shortbread crust dry out more so that you don’t get a soggy bottom layer. And baking the caramel topping causes it to become candy-like.

History of Turtles Chocolates

Turtles Chocolates are a delectable candy made with pecans and caramel, then dipped in chocolate. The shape looks like turtles. This name is trademarked by DeMet’s Candy Company. Johnson’s Candy Comapany introduced Turtles in 1918. (Johnson’s Candy Company became DeMet’s Candy Company in 1923) In Canada, Turtles are distributed and sold as a Nestle product. Turtles are especially popular at Christmas! The recipe for Turtle Bars has been passed down from generation to generation.

These Homemade Turtle Bars are great to have in the freezer. These turtle bars will always disappear if left out on the counter! For some reason, we all have a hard time eating only one of these Homemade Turtle Bars. Truly, I actually make a double batch, which is what I have printed out here. To store, just cut and place in a sealed container in the freezer for up to 3 months. These are great for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any other big get together.

Ingredients for Homemade Turtle Bars

• Flour: For shortbread crust
• Brown Sugar: I use golden/light brown sugar for this recipe. You don’t want too powerful a flavor to overpower the caramel.
• Butter:It has to be butter, margarine will not work in this recipe.
• Pecans: The signature nut in Turtles candies
• Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt on the top for the chocolatey layer.

Method

1. First, make the shortbread crust by cutting the butter into the flour and sugar, then, press into the pan.
2. Sprinkle pecans on top of the crust.
3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Add the sugar and bring to a rolling boil.
4. Boil for 1 minute.
5. Pour the caramel over the pecans
6. Bake for 20 minutes in 350°F convection oven.
7. Spread the chocolate chips over the top. Wait about 5 minutes before spreading them.
8. Cool completely.
9. Cut into 77 squares.

Homemade Turtle Bars

Homemade Turtle Bars consist of a shortbread crust, pecans, homemade caramel and chocolate, the perfect delectable combination!

Author:RebekahCooking Method:Baked, Stove-topCuisine:AmericanCourses:Dessert, SnackRecipe Keys:HomemadeSweets

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 minsCook Time20 minsTotal Time30 minsDifficulty:BeginnerServings:72

Ingredients

Servings

Crust

• 4 cup Flour
• 1 cup Butter (softened)
• 2 cup Brown Sugar

Caramel and Chocolate Layers

• 2 cup Pecans
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cup Butter
• 1 cup Brown Sugar
• 2 cup Chocolate Chips

Instructions

Video

OffOn

How to Make Homemade Turtle Bars

1. Crust

   Mix the flour and 2 cups of brown sugar in a large bowl. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter until crumbly.

   

2. Press into a greased 12x18" cookie sheet.

   

3. Sprinkle the pecans onto the shortbread layer.

   

4. Caramel Layer

   Place the 1 1/2 cups of butter and the 1 cup of brown sugar in a small saucepan. Heat on medium until a rolling boil, stirring every once in a while. Boil for 1 minute.

   

5. Pour the caramel over the pecans. Bake in 350°F convection oven for 20 minutes.

   

6. Take out of the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips onto the caramel layer.

   

7. Wait 5 minutes, then spread the chocolate chips over the caramel.

   Let cool completely.

   Cut into 77 squares.

   Enjoy!

   

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 square

Servings 77

---

Amount Per Serving

Calories 81kcal

Calories from Fat 48kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 5.6g9%

Saturated Fat 2.9g15%

Trans Fat 0.2g

Cholesterol 12mg4%

Total Carbohydrate 8g3%

Sugars 4g

---

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

I use a large baking sheet. 12"x18"

Do not use a food processor to mix the butter with the flour and sugar. Cut in with a pastry cutter until crumbly.

Bake in convection otherwise bake a bit longer.

Soften the butter before making the shortbread to make it easier to cut in.

Sometimes I refrigerate to cool the Homemade Turtle Bars to cool them quickly,but make sure to cut them before they get completely hard.