Delightful Chocolate Caramel Bars

Featured in: Desserts

These mouthwatering treats stack a crumbly butter crust with gooey caramel, crunchy pecans and smooth chocolate for a crowd-pleasing sweet that tastes like fancy candy.
Twistytaste.com
Updated on Fri, 25 Apr 2025 19:12:33 GMT
A close-up of a caramel pecan square with whole pecans on top sitting on a dark plate. Pin it
A close-up of a caramel pecan square with whole pecans on top sitting on a dark plate. | twistytaste.com

I've treasured these Pecan Turtle Bars in my baking lineup forever, and they always bring smiles around the table. Each layer unfolds its own tasty tale - from the crumbly shortbread bottom to that sticky caramel loaded with pecans and finished with smooth chocolate. The amazing smell that fills my kitchen when I bake them can't be beat.

The Magic Behind These Treats

What gets me is how these bars turn basic cupboard stuff into something truly wonderful. I can't get enough of how the textures play together - soft shortbread, gooey caramel, and that nice pecan crunch. They look and taste like something from a pricey sweet shop but you can whip them up right at home without any fuss.

A Closer Look at What You'll Need

  • Flour: I always run my all purpose flour through a sifter for these bars, giving the shortbread that melt-away feeling.
  • Brown Sugar: This adds that rich caramel note we want in both the bottom layer and topping.
  • Butter: Go for unsalted and room temperature so its pure flavor comes through clearly.
  • Pecans: Whole, fresh pecan halves really bump up both flavor and appearance.
  • Chocolate Chips: I tend to reach for milk chocolate, though dark gives them a more grown-up twist.

Your Path to Dessert Success

Get the Base Ready
Blend your flour brown sugar and butter until it resembles damp sand, then push it down firmly in your baking dish.
Add Your Nuts
Cover your base completely with those lovely pecans before we move to the next yummy bit.
Whip Up the Caramel
See the transformation as butter and brown sugar combine, then drizzle this over your nut layer.
Into the Oven
Slide it into a 350°F oven and let it get bubbly and golden for about 20 minutes.
Add the Chocolate
Scatter chocolate chips across your hot creation, wait for them to soften, then smooth them out evenly.
Let It Set and Cut
You'll need some patience while they cool down, but you'll get perfect squares if you wait.

Storage Tips

These treats stay yummy for a week in a box on your counter. Want to make them ahead? They freeze really well for up to three months. Just stick some wax paper between the layers so they don't get stuck together. Let them warm up to room temp before you eat them.

Try Something New

I sometimes throw in walnuts or play around with different chocolate types for fun. A bit of sea salt with dark chocolate tastes amazing. Recently I've tried using coconut sugar and non-dairy options for my vegan buddies and they turn out just as tasty.

Perfect Pairings

These bars taste great by themselves but add some vanilla ice cream and wow. They're always the first gone from any holiday cookie tray. My little trick is sprinkling a tiny bit of sea salt just before serving - it really makes all the flavors stand out.

Pro Tips

Fresh nuts really do make these bars taste better with that perfect crunch. Make sure you press your base down super well so it can handle all that caramel. And don't rush the cooling part - this is how you get those nice clean cuts for pretty squares.

What Makes Them Fan Favorites

The way these flavors work together is just wonderful. Whenever I take them anywhere, folks always want to know how to make them. You just can't beat that mix of buttery base, sticky caramel, crunchy nuts and smooth chocolate - it grabs everyone.

A close-up of two stacked pecan bars with a shiny caramel layer and whole pecans on top, resting on parchment paper. Pin it
A close-up of two stacked pecan bars with a shiny caramel layer and whole pecans on top, resting on parchment paper. | twistytaste.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the best way to keep these treats fresh?
Pop them in a sealed container at room temp for about a week. If you want them to last longer, stick them in the fridge. Don't forget to put parchment between layers so they don't stick together.
→ Why should I wipe my knife while cutting?
Wiping your knife keeps the cuts neat and stops the layers from getting mixed up. This makes your bars look really nice when you serve them.
→ Can I swap out the chocolate type?
Sure! Try dark or semi-sweet chips if that's what you like better. Any kind will melt fine from the warmth of the other layers.
→ Why shouldn't I butter the baking dish?
The crust has plenty of butter already so it won't stick. Plus, not greasing helps the bottom stay firm and not fall apart.
→ Will these treats freeze okay?
They freeze great for up to 3 months if you wrap them well. Just let them thaw in your fridge before you want to eat them.

Chocolate Caramel Pecan Bars

Delicious triple-layer treats with crumbly shortbread bottom, sticky caramel and nuts, finished with smooth melted milk chocolate.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 48 Servings (48 bars)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1.5 cups plain flour.
02 1 cup dark sugar (for base).
03 0.5 cup butter, room temperature (for base).
04 0.67 cup butter (for caramel mix).
05 0.5 cup dark sugar (for caramel mix).
06 1 cup pecan pieces.
07 1 cup milk chocolate chunks.

Instructions

Step 01

Get your oven going at 350°F (175°C).

Step 02

Combine flour, dark sugar, and room temp butter till it's crumbly. Push mixture into your 13x9 inch pan without greasing.

Step 03

Heat up butter with dark sugar until it starts bubbling, then keep stirring another half minute to minute for thickness.

Step 04

Put pecans on the base, then pour your hot caramel mixture over them.

Step 05

Pop in oven for about 18-20 mins until it's bubbling and the edges turn golden.

Step 06

Scatter chocolate chunks on top while it's hot, wait 2-3 mins for melting, then swirl around.

Step 07

Let it cool for half an hour, then slice into 48 pieces, wiping your knife clean between cuts.

Notes

  1. Skip greasing your pan altogether.
  2. Wait till totally cool before slicing.
  3. Wipe your knife between slices for tidy squares.

Tools You'll Need

  • 13x9 inch baking tray.
  • Hand mixer.
  • Small pot.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Milk products (butter, chocolate).
  • Tree nuts (pecans).
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 1 g