Turtle Bars are a rich and irresistible dessert that brings together the classic flavors of caramel, chocolate, and pecans over a buttery graham cracker crust. With layers of gooey sweetness and a satisfying crunch, these bars make an impressive treat for parties, holidays, or a special indulgence at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Turtle Bars are as delicious as they are simple to prepare. The combination of textures—from the crisp graham cracker crust to the soft caramel and crunchy pecans—offers a perfect balance in every bite. Using pantry staples like chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results without requiring advanced baking skills. Whether you’re entertaining or just craving something decadent, these bars are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
For the Topping:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 30 soft caramels, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Pinch of sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang. Lightly grease the lining.
- Prepare the crust:
In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until evenly combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. - Layer chocolate and pecans:
Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the crust, followed by the chopped pecans. - Make the caramel topping:
In a small saucepan, combine caramels and heavy cream. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring frequently until fully melted and smooth. Drizzle the caramel evenly over the chocolate and pecans. - Add sweetened condensed milk:
Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the entire pan to bind the layers and add richness. - Bake again:
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the edges are golden and the caramel is bubbly. Remove from the oven. - Optional sea salt topping:
If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top while the bars are still warm for a sweet-and-salty flavor. - Cool and slice:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift them out. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 12 to 16 bars
Variations
- Toffee Crunch: Add toffee bits on top before baking for an extra buttery crunch.
- Coconut Twist: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the chocolate for added flavor.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: After cooling, drizzle with melted white chocolate for contrast.
- Nut-Free Version: Omit the pecans or substitute with sunflower seeds for an allergy-friendly option.
- Graham-Free Crust: Use crushed digestive biscuits or chocolate cookies for a different base.
Storage/Reheating
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 2 months—place parchment between layers and thaw before serving. Bars can be served chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought caramels?
Yes, homemade caramel can be used, but ensure it has a thick consistency to hold the layers together.
Do I need to toast the pecans first?
Toasting is optional, but it enhances their flavor and crunch.
Can I make these bars in advance?
Yes, they store well and can be made a day or two ahead of serving.
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips can be used based on preference.
How do I cut clean slices?
Let the bars cool completely and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
Print
Turtle Bars
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12–16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Turtle Bars are a rich and irresistible dessert that brings together the classic flavors of caramel, chocolate, and pecans over a buttery graham cracker crust. With layers of gooey sweetness and a satisfying crunch, these bars make an impressive treat for parties, holidays, or a special indulgence at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Turtle Bars are as delicious as they are simple to prepare. The combination of textures—from the crisp graham cracker crust to the soft caramel and crunchy pecans—offers a perfect balance in every bite. Using pantry staples like chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results without requiring advanced baking skills. Whether you’re entertaining or just craving something decadent, these bars are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crust:
-
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
-
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
-
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
For the Topping:
-
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
-
1 cup chopped pecans
-
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
-
30 soft caramels, unwrapped
-
2 tablespoons heavy cream
-
Pinch of sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)
Directions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang. Lightly grease the lining.
-
Prepare the crust:
In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until evenly combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. -
Layer chocolate and pecans:
Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the crust, followed by the chopped pecans. -
Make the caramel topping:
In a small saucepan, combine caramels and heavy cream. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring frequently until fully melted and smooth. Drizzle the caramel evenly over the chocolate and pecans. -
Add sweetened condensed milk:
Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the entire pan to bind the layers and add richness. -
Bake again:
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the edges are golden and the caramel is bubbly. Remove from the oven. -
Optional sea salt topping:
If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top while the bars are still warm for a sweet-and-salty flavor. -
Cool and slice:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift them out. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.
Servings and Timing
-
Prep Time: 15 minutes
-
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
-
Total Time: 55 minutes
-
Servings: 12 to 16 bars
Variations
-
Toffee Crunch: Add toffee bits on top before baking for an extra buttery crunch.
-
Coconut Twist: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the chocolate for added flavor.
-
White Chocolate Drizzle: After cooling, drizzle with melted white chocolate for contrast.
-
Nut-Free Version: Omit the pecans or substitute with sunflower seeds for an allergy-friendly option.
-
Graham-Free Crust: Use crushed digestive biscuits or chocolate cookies for a different base.
Storage/Reheating
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 2 months—place parchment between layers and thaw before serving. Bars can be served chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought caramels?
Yes, homemade caramel can be used, but ensure it has a thick consistency to hold the layers together.
Do I need to toast the pecans first?
Toasting is optional, but it enhances their flavor and crunch.
Can I make these bars in advance?
Yes, they store well and can be made a day or two ahead of serving.
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips can be used based on preference.
How do I cut clean slices?
Let the bars cool completely and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
Ingredients
Turtle Bars are a rich and gooey dessert layered with a buttery graham cracker crust, semisweet chocolate chips, chopped pecans, creamy caramel, and sweetened condensed milk. These indulgent bars are easy to make and perfect for holidays, parties, or any time you want a decadent treat!
Instructions
For the Crust:
-
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
-
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
-
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
For the Topping:
-
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
-
1 cup chopped pecans
-
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
-
30 soft caramels, unwrapped
-
2 tablespoons heavy cream
-
Pinch of sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions:
-
Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment or foil, and lightly grease.
-
Make Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into pan to form an even layer. Bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
-
Add Chocolate & Pecans: Evenly sprinkle chocolate chips and chopped pecans over the crust.
-
Make Caramel: In a saucepan, melt caramels with heavy cream over low-medium heat, stirring until smooth. Drizzle evenly over the chocolate and pecans.
-
Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top.
-
Bake Again: Bake for 25–30 minutes, until edges are golden and caramel is bubbling.
-
Optional Sea Salt: Sprinkle with sea salt while warm for a sweet-salty twist.
-
Cool & Slice: Cool completely in the pan. Lift using parchment, slice into bars, and serve.
Notes
-
Add-ins like coconut, white chocolate, or toffee bits can make great variations.
-
Store in an airtight container at room temp for 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
-
These bars freeze well too—wrap individually for grab-and-go treats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
