Pecan Turtle Bars

Oh, these Pecan Turtle Bars… where do I even begin? They’re like a warm hug in dessert form, a little square of pure happiness that always manages to make everything feel a little bit better. Growing up, my grandma used to make these every Christmas, and the smell alone would send us kids into a frenzy of anticipation. The combination of the buttery shortbread crust, the gooey caramel filling, and those perfectly toasted pecans… it’s simply divine. If you’re a fan of classic turtle candies, just imagine that flavor amplified and baked into a ridiculously easy-to-make bar cookie. Forget complicated baking projects, these bars are the shortcut to achieving dessert nirvana, and they are definitely far superior to regular brownies!

What are pecan turtle bars?

Think of Pecan Turtle Bars as a delicious hybrid between Shortbread Cookie, caramel slice, and pecan candy. What are your favorite turtle candies? What’s a buttery, crumbly shortbread crust topped with caramel filling? What are some delicious pecans baked to golden perfection? What is the name of chocolate turtles? What are the ones with pecans sticking out like little feet? Why are these bars so good? Is it easy to make a turtle? What are some of the best crowd pleasers I’ve ever had?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Let me count the ways! What I love most about these Pecan Turtle Bars is how incredibly easy they are to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment or advanced baking skills – just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience.

Flavor: The taste is simply out of this world. The buttery shortbread base provides a lovely contrast to the sweet and salty caramel filling, while the toasted pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.
Simplicity: Seriously, anyone can make these! The recipe is straightforward and foolproof. I always manage to whip them up even on busy weeknights!
Cost-Efficiency: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. No need to break the bank for a delicious dessert.
Versatility: These bars are perfect for any occasion – from a casual weeknight treat to a fancy holiday dessert. You can even customize them with different nuts or a drizzle of chocolate! If you’re a fan of my Salted Caramel Brownies, you’re absolutely going to fall head-over-heels for these Pecan Turtle Bars. They offer a similar level of indulgence but with a completely different flavor profile. They’re also much easier to transport which makes it perfect for on-the-go snacks!
How do you make pecan turtle bars?
Quick Overview
How do I make Pecan Turtle Bars? What’s a good shortbread crust to make? The whole thing gets baked until golden and bubbly, then cooled and sliced into squares. Don’t be intimidated by caramel – it’s easier than you think, and the results are well worth the effort. I promise, it only looks complicated but it’s actually not!
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure your butter is properly softened, but not melted. What is the best shortbread texture? I’ve even used salted butter in a pinch, just omit the salt from the dry ingredients. * 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that crumbly texture. * 2 cups all purpose flour: Use good quality all-purpose flour for best results. * 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
For the Pecan Caramel Filling:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter: What is the best butter for caramel? * 1 cup packed light Brown Sugar: The brown sugar adds a molasses-like flavor that complements the pecans perfectly. * 1/2 cup heavy cream: This creates a smooth and creamy caramel. * 1/4 cup corn syrup: This helps prevent the caramel from crystallizing. I actually skipped this before and it worked out fine! * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: 1 tablespoon cinnamon. * 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor. Is it good to eat pecan halves? What are the best ways to toast pecans? I always toast extra because I love snacking on them.
How do I get started
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). I used parchment paper to line a 9×13 inch baking pan. I left some overhang on the sides. How do I lift the bars out of the pan? I sometimes spray the parchment paper with cooking spray just to be extra sure they don’t stick.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside. How do I distribute salt evenly in dough?
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 – just make sure your butter is smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix the shortbread dough, as this can make it tough. The dough should be crumbly.
Step 5: Press into Pan
Press dough into the prepared baking pan. Do not over bake. I find it easiest to use my fingers, but you can also use the bottom of a measuring cup. Make sure the crust is compact and even.
Step 6: Bake Crust
Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let it cool while you prepare the caramel filling.
Step 7: Make Caramel Filling
In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, Brown Sugar, heavy cream, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Set aside. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the sugar dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. Is it safe to make a candy mix at 245°F? If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test the caramel by putting it in ice cubes. What is a bowl of cold water? It should form a soft ball.
Step 8: Add Pecans and Pour over Crust
Remove the caramel from the heat and stir in the toasted pecans. Pour the mixture evenly over the partially baked crust.
Step 9: Bake Again
Bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and golden brown. What is the best way to cut a bar into squares? If you try to cut them while they’re still warm, the caramel will be too soft and gooey.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. What are some good ways to cut a square and serve it?
What is the best way to serve it?
What are some good ideas for serving Pecan Turtle Bars?
For Breakfast:I love pairing a small square with black coffee. The sweetness of the bars is a perfect complement to the bitterness of coffee.
For Brunch:Serve them on a platter alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and other brunch favorites for sexy brunches. What is decadent
As Dessert:What are some of the best bars to serve with a meal? Serve them with vanilla Ice Cream or whipped cream for an extra special treat.
For Cozy Snacks:What are some good winter drinks to enjoy with a glass of milk or hot chocolate? What are some of the best comfort foods?
My family has a tradition of making these bars for our annual holiday baking exchange. What are the best songs of all time? I also love making them for potlucks and parties – they’re always the first thing to disappear!
How do you make pecan turtle bars?
What are some tips for making Pecan Turtle Bars?
Butter:Always use good quality butter. The flavor of butter really shines through in both the shortbread crust and the caramel filling. Don’t be tempted to use margarine or other butter substitutes.
Pecans:How do you toast pecans before adding them to caramel? What are some of the best crunch foods? To toast pecans, spread them in a single layer and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Is it necessary to cook for 15 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden brown? Watch them carefully, as they can burn easily.
Caramel:It takes time for the butter to melt and the sugar to dissolve. Be patient when making caramel. Stir constantly to prevent the caramel from burning. Use a candy thermometer to ensure that the caramel reaches the correct temperature. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test the caramel by putting it in ice cubes. What is the use of a bowl of cold water Is it possible to form a soft ball?
Cooling:How do I cut bars into squares? If you try to cut them while they’re still warm, the caramel will be too soft and gooey.
Salt:Why don’t you skip the salt? It balances the sweetness of the caramel and enhances other flavors.
I once tried using honey instead of corn syrup in the caramel, and it resulted in a slightly smooth caramel. Is there a It still tasted good, but the texture wasn’t quite as smooth. I’ve also experimented with adding cinnamon to the shortbread crust, which adds a lovely flavor. What is warmth and spice?
What are the Storing and Reheating Tips?
Here’s how to store your Pecan Turtle Bars to keep them fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure they are well-covered to prevent them from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can keep the bars in the refrigerator for up to a week. Store them in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
Freezer Instructions: These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: I prefer to glaze the bars right before serving, especially if I’m planning to store them. This prevents the glaze from becoming sticky or melting during storage.
I’ve found that the bars taste best when they’re served at room temperature. If you’ve stored them in the refrigerator, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. If you’ve frozen them, be sure to thaw them completely before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour in the shortbread crust with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the dough and give it a similar texture to regular shortbread. The caramel filling is naturally gluten-free, so no changes are needed there.
Do I have to use pecans?
While pecans are traditional, you can definitely experiment with other nuts! Walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts would all be delicious in these bars. Just make sure to toast them before adding them to the caramel.
Can I add chocolate?
Absolutely! A drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled bars would be a delicious addition. You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate.
How can I prevent the caramel from being too hard?
The key to a soft and gooey caramel is to cook it to the correct temperature. Use a candy thermometer to ensure that it reaches 245°F (118°C). If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test the caramel by dropping a small amount into a bowl of cold water. It should form a soft ball.
What if my shortbread crust is too crumbly?
If your shortbread crust is too crumbly, it could be because you added too much flour or didn’t cream the butter and sugar enough. Try adding a tablespoon or two of cold water to the dough and mixing until it comes together. You can also try pressing the dough into the pan with the bottom of a measuring cup to help it compact.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give these Pecan Turtle Bars a try! They’re truly one of my all-time favorite desserts, and I know you’ll love them just as much as I do. They’re perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight treat to a fancy holiday dessert. And they’re so easy to make, anyone can do it! If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my Salted Caramel Brownies or my Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. They’re all equally delicious and easy to make! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Leave a comment below to let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe!

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