Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box (14.3 oz) graham crackers
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- Step 2: Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Step 4: In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Step 5: Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust. Sprinkle the chocolate chips and chopped pecans/walnuts over the caramel layer.
- Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and the nuts are lightly toasted. Let cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper overhang and cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store leftover turtle bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- A quick zap in the microwave (5-10 seconds) will soften the caramel and chocolate for a gooey treat.
- Serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of extra caramel sauce for an extra-indulgent dessert.
- For easier cutting, chill the cooled bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before slicing – this will prevent the caramel from sticking to your knife.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American