How to Follow
Initial step: Get the oven hot, about 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Spread parchment paper in a 9×13-inch baking dish, being sure to leave a little overhang for easy removal.
2. Combine the flour, butter that has been melted, powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl. Stir until the mixture is the consistency of coarse crumbs.
3. Make a crust by pressing the mixture evenly into the baking dish that you’ve prepared. Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until a little golden color appears around the edges.
4. While the crust is in the oven, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, 2 tablespoons of butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence to form the caramel layer. For around five to seven minutes, while stirring constantly, the liquid should thicken and become smooth.
5. Evenly distribute the caramel layer over the cooked crust. Top the caramel with the chopped pecans.
6. Return the bars to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pecans are slightly browned and the caramel begins to bubble.
6. Take it out of the oven and top it with chocolate chips. After a few minutes of sitting, use a spatula to evenly distribute the melted chocolate over the bars.
8. When the Turtle Bars have cooled completely, remove them from the baking dish by using the overhanging parchment paper. Before serving, cut into bars.
Tips and Variations
Swapping up the semi-sweet chocolate with dark chocolate gives these traditional Turtle Bars a new dimension of rich chocolate taste. If you like salty-sweet flavors, you’ll love the contrast that flaky sea salt brings to the melting chocolate layer. If you prefer nuts other than pecans or don’t have any on hand, you can easily swap them out for almonds or walnuts. If you’re short on time but still want a sweet treat, prepare these bars ahead of time and freeze them.
