Turtle Magic Bars Recipe

Introduction

Turtle Magic Bars combine a buttery crust with layers of chocolate, pecans, caramel, and sweetened condensed milk for a rich, indulgent treat. These bars are perfect for dessert lovers who enjoy a mix of textures and classic flavors.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Pinch of fine sea salt (optional)
• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 1/2 cups caramel bits
• 12 ounces sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 7×11-inch baking dish with foil and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the brown sugar using an electric hand mixer until smooth. Slowly stir in the flour and the optional sea salt until just combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
3. Step 3: Remove the crust from the oven. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the crust, followed by the chopped pecans and then the caramel bits. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top, covering as much as possible. Return to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
4. Step 4: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift the foil out of the pan and cut into bars. Serve and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and substitute with extra chocolate chips or toasted coconut flakes.
• Use a mix of milk and dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
• Press the crust firmly and evenly in the pan to help it hold together better after baking.

Storage

Store the Turtle Magic Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, warm briefly in the microwave or enjoy chilled for a fudgier texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to omit the additional sea salt to avoid oversalting the bars.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance and stored at room temperature or refrigerated. They often taste even better after the flavors have melded overnight.

Turtle Magic Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 76 reviews

Turtle Magic Bars are a decadent layered dessert featuring a buttery crust, melted chocolate chips, crunchy pecans, gooey caramel, and sweetened condensed milk baked to a golden finish. These rich and indulgent bars combine classic turtle flavors in a simple, no-fuss recipe perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a sweet treat any time.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• Pinch of fine sea salt (optional)

Toppings

• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
• 1 1/2 cups caramel bits
• 12 ounces sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

1. Prepare the pan and crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 7×11 inch baking dish with foil. Spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar using an electric hand mixer until smooth. Gradually add the flour and optional sea salt, stirring until combined to form a dough. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Bake the crust: Bake the pressed crust for 15 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden brown. This forms the sturdy base for your magic bars.
3. Add toppings: Remove the crust from the oven and evenly sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over it. Follow by spreading the chopped pecans and then the caramel bits on top of the chocolate layer.
4. Pour condensed milk: Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the layered toppings, trying to cover as much of the surface as possible to create a gooey binding layer during baking.
5. Bake the assembled bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes. The top should turn a rich golden brown when done.
6. Cool and serve: Let the bars cool completely in the pan to allow them to set firm. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the foil, cut into squares, and serve.

Notes

• Using foil in the pan helps to easily lift out the bars for cutting and serving.
• Ensure the butter is softened to achieve a smooth crust mixture.
• You can substitute pecans with walnuts if preferred.
• Make sure the bars are fully cooled before slicing to keep their shape.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Keywords: Turtle Magic Bars, caramel bars, chocolate pecan bars, layered dessert, easy baking recipe, caramel chocolate bars