What are some of the best Pecan Turtle Bars? What’s better than a warm hug on chilly evening? What are some of the best turtle candy you’ve ever eaten? This is their sophisticated, grown-up cousin, all dressed up in a buttery shortbread crust. What is your favorite chocolate glaze? What are some of the easiest brownies to make? I promise, you’re going to want this recipe in your back pocket!
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What are pecan turtle bars?
What are some of these delightful treats? Think of them as a layered dessert bar, starting with buttery, crumbly shortbread crust. Then comes a layer of gooey caramel, studded with crunchy pecans, almost like the filling of an ice cream. Turtle candy, but in bar form! What’s your favorite dark chocolate glaze? Is it essentially a turtle candy exploded into bar form, making it perfect for sharing. The name comes from the resemblance to those classic turtle candies, with the pecans resembleing the turtle candy.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What do you get with the buttery, slightly salty crust, the sweet and chewy caramel, and the nutty crunch of the brownie? What are the flavors of pecans and dark chocolate? It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that just work perfectly together.
What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Don’t let the layers intimidate you. How do you make a crust in minutes, the caramel is easy to make, and the glaze is just melted. Chocolate and cream! I swear, even a beginner baker can nail this one. Plus, the ingredients are pretty budget-friendly. What are some of the best things to have in your pantry? Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, pack them in lunchboxes, or bring them to the office. They’re always a crowd pleaser. I find them much more interesting than plain chocolate chip cookies, and people always seem to like them. I’m more impressed I also love that I can customize it by adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for that extra extra flavor. Salty-sweet kick
How do you make pecan turtle bars?
Quick Overview
How do you make pecan turtle bars? How do I make a shortbread crust? How do you prepare the gooey caramel filling with plenty of pecans? Once that’s spread over the crust, it goes back into the oven to get all bubbly and delicious. What are some of the best ways to drizzle a chocolate glaze on your favorite chocolates? The whole process is surprisingly straightforward, and the end result is absolutely worth it. What is the easiest way to make a delicious dessert?
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
Use a good quality butter in this recipe, as it really makes .a difference in the flavor of the crust. I prefer using European-style butter for its richness.
What is the Caramel Pecan Filling?
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/2 cup corn syrup
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 cups pecan halves, toasted
How do you toast pecans? I usually toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, until fragrant.
For the Chocolate Glaze:
* 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
* 1/4 cup heavy cream
* 1 tablespoon butter
I like to use a good quality chocolate for the glaze. Is Ghirardelli better than Guittard? Can you use dark chocolate for a richer flavor?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I always do this, but I can’t seem to remove the overhang. You can also line it with parchment paper. What is the best way to cut and serve a bar?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Set aside. This ensures that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the crust. Do you want salty bites?
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. I use an electric mixer for this, but you can also do it by hand. If butter is melted, make sure it is softened. It should be room temperature.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix the crust. This can make it tough. What should you make into a crumbly dough? I find that mixing with a wooden spoon helps prevent overmixing.
Step 5: Press into Pan & Bake
How do you press dough into a prepared baking pan? Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let cool slightly while you prepare the filling. I always poke the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up too much. I like to bake my own crust.
Step 6: Prepare Filling
In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and heavy cream. Set aside. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the caramel is a deep golden brown. Brown and reaches 245°F (118°C) on a candy thermometer. See details. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and toasted pecans. The caramel should be thick and luscious.
Step 7: Pour & Bake Again
The caramel pecan mixture should be spread evenly over the baked crust, spreading it evenly. If the caramel is bubbly and golden brown, return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes. Let cool completely before glazing.
Step 8: Prepare Glaze
In a heatproof bowl set over simmering water (or in the microwave in 30-second intervals), melt the water and stir. In a large bowl, melt the chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter, stirring until smooth. Do not overheat chocolate, or it will seize up. If using the microwave, stir well after each interval.
Step 9: Glaze & Cool
Drizzle the chocolate glaze over the caramel layer. Let the glaze set before slicing into bars. I like to put the bars in the refrigerator for a few minutes to speed up the process. Once the glaze is set, cut into bars and serve. I use a sharp knife and wipe it clean after each cut for clean lines.
What is the best way to serve it?
What are some of the best pecan turtle bars?
For Breakfast:What are some good ways to start your day with a cup of coffee? What are some good side dishes to serve with a fruit salad?
For Brunch: Serve them as part of a brunch spread with mimosas or sparkling cider. They look beautiful arranged on a platter with fresh berries and whipped cream.
As Dessert: Enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They’re also delicious with a glass of dessert wine or port.
For Cozy Snacks: Curl up with a bar and a warm cup of tea or hot chocolate on a chilly evening. They’re the perfect comfort food for a relaxing night in.
My family loves these bars so much that they often request them for special occasions. I’ve even made mini versions for parties, which are always a hit. Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the glaze for an extra touch of flavor. No matter how you serve them, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Pecan Turtle Bars
Want to take your Pecan Turtle Bars to the next level? Here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years:
Butter: Use high-quality butter for the best flavor. European-style butter is my go-to.
Pecan Prep: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the caramel really brings out their nutty flavor. Toast them in a dry skillet or in the oven until fragrant.
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the crust dough, as this can make it tough. Mix until just combined.
Caramel Perfection: Use a candy thermometer to ensure that the caramel reaches the correct temperature. This will ensure that it sets properly and is not too soft or too hard.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk in the caramel. The caramel might be a little thinner, but it will still be delicious. You can also use different types of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, in place of the pecans.
Baking Tips: Let the crust cool slightly before adding the caramel pecan mixture. This will prevent the crust from becoming soggy. Also, bake the bars until the caramel is bubbly and golden brown. This will ensure that the caramel is cooked through and has a nice chewy texture.
Glaze Variations: For a richer glaze, use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate. You can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to the glaze for extra flavor. I sometimes add a tablespoon of coffee liqueur to the glaze for a mocha flavor.
One mistake I made early on was not letting the caramel cook long enough. It ended up being too runny and didn’t set properly. So, trust the candy thermometer! And don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. That’s how you’ll create your own unique version of these delicious bars.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to make these Pecan Turtle Bars ahead of time? Here’s how to store them properly:
Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They will stay fresh and delicious.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. The chocolate glaze might harden slightly, but they will still taste great.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the bars, it’s best to add the glaze after thawing. This will prevent the glaze from cracking or becoming dull.
I’ve found that the bars taste best when they’re at room temperature, so take them out of the refrigerator or freezer a few hours before serving. And if you want to warm them up slightly, you can pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. But honestly, they’re delicious straight from the fridge too!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These Pecan Turtle Bars are truly one of my all-time favorite desserts, and I hope they become one of yours too! They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a hit with family and friends. The combination of the buttery crust, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and rich chocolate glaze is simply irresistible. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both impressive and comforting, look no further. And if you love these bars, be sure to check out my other recipes for brownies, cookies, and cakes. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know what you think. And if you make any variations, I’d love to hear about them too! Happy baking!
Pecan Turtle Bars
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup cold unsalted butter cut into cubes
Caramel Layer Ingredients
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup pecans chopped
Chocolate Drizzle Ingredients
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Combine flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press mixture into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Meanwhile, make the caramel: Combine brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened. Stir in pecans.
- Pour caramel over the baked crust.
- Bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until caramel is set.
- Melt chocolate chips and drizzle over the caramel layer.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
