Easy Turtle Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This will ensure easy removal of the bars later.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will form the base of your turtle bars. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, making sure it is well compacted.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. This pre-baking step is crucial as it gives the crust a firm texture that can hold the toppings without becoming soggy.
- Add the Pecans and Caramel: Remove the crust from the oven and immediately sprinkle the pecan halves evenly over the hot crust. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the pecans, spreading it out to cover them evenly. The heat from the crust will help the caramel spread more easily and begin to meld with the pecans.
- Add the Chocolate and Final Bake: Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the caramel layer. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the chocolate chips are melted and the caramel is bubbly. This step ensures that all the layers meld together to create a cohesive bar.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool completely. Once cooled, cut into bars. For cleaner cuts, you can chill the bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before slicing.
Enjoy these Easy Turtle Bars as a delightful treat perfect for any occasion!