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Easy Turtle Bars 😍😋


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Layers of Flavor : Combines buttery crust, sticky caramel, melty chocolate, and nutty crunch.
  2. Quick & Easy : Minimal prep with no fancy techniques required.
  3. Customizable : Adjust sweetness, toppings, or layers to suit your taste.
  4. Make-Ahead Friendly : Perfect for prepping ahead and slicing when ready to serve.
  5. Crowd-Pleasing : Always a hit at gatherings, potlucks, or bake sales.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Makes 16–20 bars

For the Shortbread Base:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter , softened 🧈
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ tsp salt

For the Topping:

  • 14 oz caramels (soft, unwrapped)
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts, if preferred)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) . Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Base

  1. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  4. Bake for 20 minutes , until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.

Step 3: Add the Caramel Layer

  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and melted.
  2. Pour the caramel over the baked shortbread layer, spreading evenly. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate Layer

  1. Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the caramel layer.
  2. Return the pan to the oven for 1–2 minutes , just until the chocolate softens.
  3. Use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate into an even layer.

Step 5: Chill & Slice

  1. Refrigerate the bars for 1–2 hours , until set.
  2. Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into squares.