Pecan Turtles Bars: A Decadent Layered Dessert

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Base:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Caramel Layer:

  • 2 cups pecan halves
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Topping:

  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Sea salt for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

Shortbread Base

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
  2. Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper
  3. In a food processor, combine:
  • Flour
  • Powdered sugar
  • Salt
  1. Pulse in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs
  2. Press firmly into prepared pan
  3. Bake for 20-22 minutes until lightly golden
  4. Cool completely

Pecan Caramel Layer

  1. Arrange pecans evenly over cooled crust
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine:
  • Butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Corn syrup
  • Salt
  1. Bring to boil over medium heat
  2. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly
  3. Remove from heat and stir in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Vanilla extract
  1. Pour over pecans
  2. Let cool completely (about 2 hours)

Chocolate Topping

  1. Melt chocolate chips and oil in double boiler
  2. Pour over cooled caramel layer
  3. Spread evenly
  4. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired
  5. Refrigerate until set (about 1 hour)

Tips for Success

  • Use cold butter for shortbread
  • Toast pecans for enhanced flavor
  • Don’t overcook caramel
  • Let each layer cool completely
  • Use quality chocolate
  • Cut with warm knife for clean slices

Storage

  • Store in airtight container
  • Keep refrigerated up to 1 week
  • Can be frozen for up to 3 months
  • Bring to room temperature before serving

Variations

  • Use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet
  • Add crushed toffee bits
  • Try different nuts
  • Drizzle white chocolate on top
  • Add espresso powder to chocolate

Common Issues and Solutions

  • If caramel is too hard: cook for less time
  • If chocolate cracks: let bars warm slightly before cutting
  • If base is crumbly: compress more firmly
  • If chocolate blooms: temper properly
  • If caramel is grainy: cook more slowly

These Pecan Turtles Bars combine the classic flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pecans in an easy-to-make bar format. The buttery shortbread base provides the perfect foundation for the gooey caramel and crunchy pecans, while the chocolate topping adds the final touch of decadence.

Perfect for holiday gifts, bake sales, or any special occasion, these bars offer all the flavor of traditional turtle candies in a convenient bar form. The key to success is patience – allowing each layer to cool completely before adding the next will ensure perfect layers and clean cuts.