Recipe Ideas

Christmas Turtle Bars

Okay, friends, gather ’round! What is the most decadent, ridiculously easy, and absolutely addictive treat I have to share with you? Christmas Turtle Bars. These babies are like a brownie who had an affair with turtle candy. They decided to wear an elaborate costume. Christmas sweater. If you’re looking for something that will make your holiday baking the talk of the town, then you should definitely buy it. Look no further. Is it easier to make brownies from scratch?

Christmas Turtle Bars final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What are Christmas Turtle Bars?

What are some of the best Christmas Turtle Bars? What are some good brownies with a fudgy base? Then, we load it up with gooey caramel, crunchy pecans (or walnuts, if you’re feeling adventurous) and some raisins. Christmas sprinkles. (I’m a girl) and festive Is this a turtle candy bar? What is honest, not sharing? The name comes from the classic turtle candies that combine chocolate, caramel, and nuts. Christmas version is just dressed up for the holidays with those adorable sprinkles.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? What I love most about these Christmas Turtle Bars is that they deliver maximum flavor with minimal ingredients. What is the hardest part? Waiting for them to cool before you dive in! Why are they a winner?

  • Flavor Explosion:What a perfect combination of chocolate, caramel and crunchy nuts. What are some of the best Christmas sprinkles?
  • Crazy Easy:I’m not kidding – this recipe is practically foolproof. If you stir, you can make these bars. This one’s a lifesaver on busy nights, especially during the holidays.
  • Budget Friendly You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. The only thing you might need to grab is the caramel, and even that is relatively inexpensive.
  • Super Versatile:Can you customize these Christmas Turtle Bars to your heart’s content? What are some substitutions for pecans in this recipe? What are the possibilities? They remind me a bit of those millionaire bars, but these are way less finicky and have sexier faces.

How do you make Christmas Turtle Bars?

Quick Overview

How do you make these Christmas Turtle Bars? Then, you’ll layer on the caramel and nuts and sprinkles. I like to bake it until golden brown, let it cool, and drizzle with chocolate if you like. What is your review of “Se What is the beauty of this recipe? What is the perfect last minute dessert for a holiday gathering?

Ingredients

For the Main Batter: What are some examples?

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar per cup.
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I always use Dutch-processed for the richest flavor)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  • What is vanilla extract? 1 teaspoon.
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour. 1 cup dry flour

For the Filling:

  • 1 (14 ounce) package caramels, unwrapped (I use Werther’s Original Soft Caramels)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk.
  • 1 cup pecan halves (or walnuts), roughly chopped.
  • Festive Christmas sprinkles, for topping.

For the Glaze (Optional):

  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. 1/4 cup Semi-Swe
  • 1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil.

Christmas Turtle Bars ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. What is the best way to prevent sticking? If you have a pan with parchment paper, you can line it with more than one layer. I always do this because it makes cleanup so much easier.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Set aside. What are lumps of cocoa powder? How do you sift cocoa powder?

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and Vanilla Extract. Set aside. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. How do I avoid overmixing the batter?

Step 5: Prepare Filling

In a saucepan, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream (or milk). Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the caramels are melted and the mixture is smooth. What is the best way to do this? If you’re using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

How do I spread the batter in a baking pan? What is the best way to pour the caramel over the batter? Sprinkle the chopped pecans (or walnuts) and Christmas sprinkles over the caramel. To get a nice marbled effect, you can use an electric knife to gently swirl the caramel into the batter.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven. The edges should be set, but the center should still be slightly soft.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. This is crucial for clean slices! If you want to add a chocolate glaze, melt the chocolate chips and butter (or coconut oil) in the oven. In a microwave, microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Once the glaze is set, cut the Christmas Turtle Bars into squares and serve. What are some of the best ways to serve these at room temperature?

What should I serve it with?

Christmas Turtle Bars: What are some ideas for serving them?

For Breakfast: A small square with a strong cup of coffee is a surprisingly delightful morning treat! The sweetness gives you a nice energy boost.

For Brunch: Arrange slices on a pretty platter alongside fresh fruit and a mimosa bar for an elegant holiday brunch.

As Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream for a decadent after-dinner treat. My family loves them with a dollop of whipped cream too.

For Cozy Snacks: These are amazing with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly winter evening. They’re the Ultimate Comfort Food! My grandma always made something like this after sledding.

We also love to pack these in little gift boxes for neighbors and friends during the holidays. They’re always a hit!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Christmas Turtle Bars

Here are some of my top tips for making the best Christmas Turtle Bars ever:

Cocoa Powder Choice: Using Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give you a richer, more chocolatey flavor. It’s worth the splurge!

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter will result in tough bars. Mix until just combined.

Caramel Consistency: Make sure the caramel is completely melted and smooth before pouring it over the batter. If it’s too thick, it will be difficult to spread.

Nutty Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts! Walnuts, almonds, or even peanuts would be delicious in these bars.

Baking Time: Keep an eye on the bars while they’re baking. Baking times may vary depending on your oven. You want them to be set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.

Cooling is Key: Let the bars cool completely before cutting. This will prevent them from crumbling and give you clean slices.

I even tested this with almond milk once because I was out of heavy cream, and honestly, it was just as good! My family didn’t even notice the difference.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to store your Christmas Turtle Bars to keep them fresh and delicious:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The bars will be softer at room temperature.

Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The bars will be firmer when chilled.

Freezer Instructions: Wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to freeze the bars, it’s best to add the glaze after thawing. This will prevent the glaze from cracking or becoming dull.

I usually make a double batch and freeze half for later. It’s such a lifesaver during the busy holiday season!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. I recommend using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious!
Do I need to unwrap all those caramels?
Yes, unfortunately, you do! I know it’s a bit tedious, but it’s necessary for the caramel to melt properly. Put on some music or a podcast to make the time go by faster!
Can I make this as cookies instead?
You could try, but the texture will be different. I would suggest dropping spoonfuls of the batter onto a baking sheet and baking for a shorter amount of time (around 10-12 minutes). Keep a close eye on them!
How can I make the caramel layer extra gooey?
Adding an extra tablespoon or two of heavy cream (or milk) to the caramel mixture will make it even gooier. Just be careful not to add too much, or the caramel will be too runny.
What can I use instead of the sprinkles?
You can use chopped-up candy canes, crushed peppermint candies, or even just a dusting of powdered sugar. Get creative and use whatever you have on hand!

Final Thoughts

Christmas Turtle Bars slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

These Christmas Turtle Bars are truly one of my favorite holiday treats. They’re so easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of fudgy brownie, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and festive sprinkles is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re perfect for gifting, sharing at parties, or just enjoying on a cozy night in. If you love these, you should definitely check out my recipe for Salted Caramel brownies – it has a similar flavor profile but with a slightly different twist. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Please leave a comment below and let me know if you tried this recipe and what you thought. Happy baking!

I’m Maria, a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, personal trainer, author, and podcaster. I love helping people improve their physical and mental health through easy-to-understand wellness advice and delicious recipes made with nourishing ingredients. Pull up a seat—you’re welcome at this table!

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