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Homemade Turtle Bars

Homemade Turtle Bars on a wire cooling rack.

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

Homemade Turtle Bars consist of a shortbread crust, pecans, homemade caramel, and chocolate.

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.

homemade turtle bars on a wire cooling rack

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 on a baking sheet.
Cooking Method,
Cuisine
Courses,
DifficultyBeginner
Time
Prep Time: 10 minsCook Time: 20 minsTotal Time: 30 mins
Servings72
Description

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

Ingredients
    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
    How to Make Homemade Turtle Bars
  1. Crust20220514 141858 Scaled

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

  2. 20220514 142041 Scaled

    Press into a greased 12x18" cookie sheet.

  3. 20220514 143317 2 Scaled

    Sprinkle the pecans onto the shortbread layer.

  4. Caramel Layer20220514 142709 Scaled

    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. 20220514 144526 Scaled

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

  6. 20220514 150633 2 Scaled

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

    Â

  7. 20220514 160523 Scaled

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

    Let cool completely.

    Cut into 77 squares.

    Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 72

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.

Did you make this recipe?
Read it online:https://testedtriedandtasty.com/recipe/homemade-turtle-bars/
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Rebekah Callahan

Thanks for trying out this recipe!