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–+ servings

Turtle Shortbread Bars

thetimelessbaker
Turtle shortbread bars have a homemade caramel, pecan and chocolate layer baked over a buttery, shortbread crust.
4.50 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 24 minutes
cooling time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 34 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 bars
Calories 194 kcal

Equipment

  • 8" standard square baking pan
  • foil
  • small saucepan
  • mixing bowls of various sizes

Ingredients
  

For the crust

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar

For the turtle layer

  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 2/3 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips, plus additional for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Line a standard 8" square baking pan with foil.
  • For the crust, combine the 11/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup all-purpose flour, and 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar until sand-like in texture. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  • Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and make the turtle layer.
  • For the turtle layer, combine the 1/3 cup unsalted butter and 1/3 cup light brown sugar, in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and boil 1 minute, whisking to prevent burning.
  • Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; pour mixture over partially baked crust.
  • Sprinkle c1/3 cup pecans, chopped evenly over the caramel layer; return to oven and bake an additional 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown (caramel mixture will continue to bubble up while baking).
  • Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with the 2/3 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips,. Cool pan on wire rack.
  • Once cooled, melt additional chocolate chips to drizzle the top of bars with (optional). Once hardened, cut into squares.

Notes

  • You can substitute walnuts or almonds for the pecans 
  • Store baked bars in an airtight container up to 72 hours
  • The recipe can easily be doubled and baked in a standard 9"x13" baking pan

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 194kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 2gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 4mgPotassium: 68mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 301IUVitamin C: 0.02mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 1mg
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