What are some of the best Christmas Turtle Bars? What are some of the best Turtle Candy bars? What is sharing (or, you know, not sharing)? They’re gooey, salty-sweet perfection. What is pecan shortbread with chocolate ganache? If you’re a fan of Millionaire’s Shortbread, prepare to have your mind blown. My family practically inhales them every Christmas, and I can’t wait to share my recipe with you.
What are Christmas Turtle Bars?
What is the best way to break it down.? Christmas Turtle Bars are essentially a layered dessert bar inspired by turtle candies. Think of it as a decadent pecan shortbread base, topped with luscious homemade caramel. What is the best Dark Chocolate ganache? The “turtle” element comes from the pecans nestled in the shortbread and the caramel. What’s the “Christmas” part? Is it a tradition in my family?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons to adore these Christmas Turtle Bars, but let me tell you about the biggest ones. What I love most about this is how incredibly flavorful they are. The combination of the buttery pecan shortbread, the chewy caramel, and the Dark Chocolate ganache is just out of this world. It’s a symphony of sweet, salty, and nutty!
And the best part? Despite how fancy they look, they’re actually quite simple to make. Seriously! Don’t let the layers intimidate you. It’s a lot easier than you think. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. I always have the ingredients on hand during the Christmas season so I can whip these up on a moment’s notice.
I also love that these bars are so versatile. They are perfect alongside a mug of hot cocoa or a glass of milk, or they can be cut into smaller squares for a holiday dessert platter. Plus, they are way more cost-effective than buying a box of fancy chocolates. I dare you to try these and not fall completely in love!
How do I make Christmas Turtle Bars?
Quick Overview
Making these Christmas Turtle Bars is easier than you might think! It starts with a buttery pecan shortbread crust. We’ll bake that until golden, then top it with a simple homemade caramel (don’t worry, it’s foolproof!), and finish it all off with a luscious dark chocolate ganache. A little bit of chilling time is key for the perfect slice. I love how the layers come together into one cohesive, delicious treat!
Ingredients
For the Pecan Shortbread Crust:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened. Make sure it’s *really* soft for easy mixing. * 12 cup granulated sugar *14 cup packed light Brown Sugar* 2 cups all-purpose flour* 1 cup finely ground almonds* How do I eat What are some ways to toast them beforehand?
What is Caramel Layer?
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter * 2 cups packed light Brown Sugar * 3 cups heavy cream * 4 cups corn* This helps prevent crystallization for a smooth caramel. * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ½ teaspoon salt
For the Dark Chocolate Ganache:
* 8 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped. I like using chocolate with 60-70% cacao. * 12 cup heavy cream + 1 tablespoon unsalted butter.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Is it necessary to line a 9×13 inch Baking Pan with parchment paper? Why is it so easy to lift the bars out later? Grease the parchment paper lightly with cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and finely chopped pecans. What is the best way to distribute pecans evenly in shortbread?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and Brown Sugar until smooth. Set aside. Light and fluffy. I use an electric mixer for this, but you can also do it by hand. Just make sure the butter is soft enough!
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. How do I avoid overmixing shortbread? The dough should be crumbly but hold together when pressed.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
Is shortbread a good size to bake in the oven? I use the bottom of a measuring cup to get smooth, even surface. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Let the crust cool completely before adding the caramel.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
While the crust is baking, make the caramel: 1. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, Brown Sugar, heavy cream, and corn syrup. Set aside. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the caramel reaches 245°F (118°C) on a candy. Temperature thermometer, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. How do you pour caramel over shortbread?
Step 7: Bake
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before adding the ganache.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
While the bars are cooling, make the ganache: Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just comes to the boil. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 1 minute. Then, whisk until smooth and glossy. Stir in the flour. Pour the ganache over the caramel layer and spread evenly.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Let the bars chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the ganache is firm. Use parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve. I always use a warm knife for clean cuts!
What should I serve it with?
What are some good ways to serve these Christmas Turtle Bars? How can I elevate my experience?
For Breakfast:Can you serve a small square with coffee? What is the perfect way to start your day with a little sweetness?
For Brunch:Cut the bars into elegant triangles and arrange them on a platter with Fresh Berries and top with whipped cream. Serve with mimosas or sparkling cider.
As Dessert:Serve warm with vanilla Ice Cream and a drizzle of extra caramel sauce. How do I enjoy Christmas dinner with my family?
For Cozy Snacks:What’s better, a bar with hot chocolate or cold milk? I’m craving something sweet at 9pm but don’t want to bake a whole cake. This is my go-to recipe.
What are some of the best holiday gifts for girls?
How do you make a perfect Christmas Turtle Bar?
What are some tricks to make these Christmas Turtle Bars even better?
Pecan Prep:What are the best ways to toast pecans before chopping them? What is a short Spread them on a baking sheet and toast in 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
Mixing Advice:Do not overmix the shortbread dough. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough crust. Mix until just combined.
Caramel ConsistUse a candy thermometer to ensure the caramel reaches the correct temperature. If it doesn’t get hot enough, it will be too hard. If the temperature gets too high, the surface will get too hot. 245°F (118°C) is the sweet spot! Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel.
Ingredient Swaps:If you don’t have pecans, you can use almonds instead. Just make sure to chop them finely. For a dairy-free option, you can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream in the caramel. I’ve tested this with almond milk, and it actually made the caramel and ganache even creamier!
Baking Tips: Keep an eye on the shortbread crust while it’s baking. It should be golden brown around the edges and set in the center. If it starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
Ganache Variations: For a richer ganache, use a higher percentage of cacao in the dark chocolate. You can also add a teaspoon of espresso powder for a mocha flavor.
Experimenting with different types of nuts is also fun. Hazelnuts or macadamia nuts would be fantastic!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep your Christmas Turtle Bars fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I like to layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep the bars in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure they’re well-covered to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the bars, it’s best to add the ganache after they’ve been thawed. This will prevent the ganache from cracking or becoming discolored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my family’s beloved Christmas Turtle Bars! I hope you’ll give them a try this holiday season (or any time of year, really!). They’re the perfect combination of flavors and textures, and they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Trust me, the salty-sweetness is irresistible, and the layers of flavor will have everyone begging for more. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other holiday desserts. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Leave a comment below to let me know if you have any questions or if you’ve made any fun variations. And don’t forget to rate the recipe! Happy holidays!
Christmas Turtle Bars
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 0.5 cups Powdered sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Cold unsalted butter Cut into cubes
Caramel Ingredients
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup Light corn syrup
- 0.5 cup Heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Chocolate Topping Ingredients
- 2 cups Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup Pecans, chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Prepare the crust: Combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into a baking pan.
- Bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Make the caramel: Combine sugar and corn syrup in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until golden brown. Stir in heavy cream and butter. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- Spread caramel over the cooled crust.
- Melt chocolate chips. Spread over caramel. Sprinkle with chopped pecans.
- Refrigerate until set. Cut into bars.
