Last updated on
Turtle Brownies
Table of Contents
Indulge in the ultimate treat with turtle brownies. These decadent brownies feature rich chocolate, smooth caramel topping, and crunchy pecans, making them a dessert enthusiast's perfect delight.
More Recipes ⭐ Candy Bar Brownies | Baileys Brownies | Cherry Cheesecake Brownies
This turtle brownies recipe blends delightful ingredients to create the perfect combination of flavors. The sweet caramel sauce stars in these treats, adding a layer of decadence. Crunchy pecans bring a nutty flavor to the fudgy brownies, enhancing their taste and texture.
Turtle Brownies Ingredients
What you'll need to make this recipe for turtle brownies:
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 cup of unsalted butter
- 2½ cups of granulated sugar
- 1¼ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided into 1 cup and ½ cup
- 1½ cups of chopped pecans, divided into 1 cup and ½ cup
- 1 cup of caramel sauce
Pro Tip
For turtle brownies from scratch, opt for a thick caramel sauce that remains thick at room temperature and hardens when chilled. To make a homemade caramel sauce thicker, simply cook it for a longer duration. This will enhance its consistency, perfect for layering on brownies.
Substitutions and Additions
These easy substitutions and additions can easily be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of this turtle brownie recipe!
Nuts: Feel free to replace pecans with walnuts if you prefer a different nutty taste in your caramel turtle brownies.
Caramel Sauce: Although caramel sauce adds a luxurious element to these brownies, you can customize them by opting for chocolate sauce or butterscotch sauce instead.
Chocolate Chips: Tailor your brownies by selecting your favorite type of chocolate chips. Whether it's dark chocolate, white chocolate, or peanut butter chips, any can replace semi-sweet chocolate chips to suit your taste preferences.
Vanilla Extract: While vanilla extract enhances flavor, try experimenting with other extracts like almond, hazelnut, or even a hint of mint for a distinctive twist.
Butter: Unsalted butter is usually preferred to control the salt content, but salted butter can be used if that’s all you have. Simply adjust the amount of added salt in the recipe to balance the taste.
How to make Turtle Brownies
Making a batch of delicious, fudgy homemade brownies is simpler than it seems. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
SECOND STEP: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine eggs and vanilla extract. Using the whisk attachment on the mixer, whisk the egg mixture for one to two minutes.
Pro Tip
Ensure your eggs are at room temperature, as this will help them blend more smoothly with the other ingredients.
THIRD STEP: Add the cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder to the mixture and whisk for an additional minute, scraping the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
FOURTH STEP: Meanwhile, in a large bowl, melt the butter in the microwave. Once melted, whisk the sugar into the hot butter.
FIFTH STEP: Add the hot butter/sugar mixture to the stand mixer bowl and mix until combined.
SIXTH STEP: Add the flour to the batter, mixing just until fully combined.
SEVENTH STEP: Fold in one cup of chocolate chips and one cup of roughly chopped pecans.
EIGHTH STEP: Spread the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish.
NINTH STEP: Bake brownies for 30 to 35 minutes, until just a few crumbs cling to a toothpick or knife when stuck in the center of the brownies.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool most of the way.
Pro Tip
Oven temperatures can differ and might need recalibration occasionally to ensure accuracy. Keep a close watch on your brownies as they near the suggested baking time.
TENTH STEP: Spread the caramel sauce over the top of the brownies. Sprinkle with the remaining chocolate chips and chopped pecans.
Pro Tip
If your caramel sauce is too thin or doesn't thicken as expected, you can slice the brownies and drizzle them with caramel sauce, then sprinkle chocolate chips and pecans on top when serving.
ELEVENTH STEP: Place the pan of brownies in the refrigerator or freezer until the caramel drizzle has hardened across the top.
TWELVTH STEP: Lift the brownies from the pan and slice them into squares on a cutting board.
These heavenly turtle brownies epitomize chocolatey indulgence. Featuring rich cocoa flavor, gooey caramel topping, and crunchy pecans, they present a delectable mix of tastes and textures that are simply irresistible.
How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Brownies
When serving the best turtle brownies, there are several delightful options to consider:
For peak indulgence, serve the brownies warm. Simply place a brownie on a plate and heat it in the microwave for a few seconds until the caramel and chocolate chips begin to melt.
Enhance the experience by pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly irresistible dessert.
For a lavish dessert platter, offer turtle brownies alongside other sweet treats like chocolate cheesecake bites, coconut macaroons, and fresh berries.
Enjoy a slice of turtle brownie with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee. The rich flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pecan in the brownie perfectly complement the warm, comforting notes of the coffee, making for an excellent pairing.
Also, explore our turtle cupcakes and turtle pie for more delectable caramel and chocolate delights.
Why You'll Love These Caramel Brownies
We absolutely adore this turtle brownie recipe for several reasons. Here are the key factors that make it a standout favorite:
Decadent Flavor Combination: The rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans come together to create a harmony of flavors that's irresistible. Each bite offers a delightful mix of sweet, nutty, and a hint of saltiness, making it a truly indulgent treat.
Fudgy and Moist Texture: These brownies boast a fudgy and moist texture that simply melts in your mouth. The use of cocoa powder and the precise balance of ingredients ensure that the brownies are tender, moist, and utterly satisfying with every bite.
Ease of Preparation: Despite their luxurious taste and appearance, these brownies with nuts are surprisingly easy to prepare. The recipe calls for basic ingredients and straightforward techniques, making it approachable for bakers of all skill levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I double the recipe to make a larger batch?
Absolutely! You can double the ingredients to make a larger batch of turtle brownies. Just be sure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time as needed. Keep an eye on the brownies while they bake to ensure they cook thoroughly.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making it from scratch?
Yes, using store-bought caramel sauce is a convenient option if you’re short on time or prefer ease. Opt for a thick caramel sauce that will maintain its shape on the brownies.
Can I freeze these homemade brownies with the caramel sauce and toppings?
It's advisable to freeze the brownies without the caramel sauce and toppings. Freezing the caramel sauce may cause it to harden excessively and lose its gooey texture. Instead, add the caramel sauce and toppings after thawing the brownies for the best results.
Can I make this turtle brownie recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make gluten-free turtle brownies by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure that all the other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Storing brownies with caramel sauce
When storing your turtle dessert, here are some effective tips to ensure they remain delicious:
Make Ahead: Turtle brownies are perfect for preparing in advance. After baking and cooling, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
If you're adding caramel sauce and toppings, it's best to add these just before serving to keep the toppings fresh.
In the Fridge: For refrigeration, place the brownies in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They can be kept in the fridge for up to five days. Remember, the caramel sauce may harden, so allow the brownies to return to room temperature before serving to enjoy their gooey texture.
In the Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the brownies. Make sure they are completely cool before wrapping individual squares in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to a month.
Reheating: To enjoy the brownies warm, reheat them briefly. Microwave a single brownie square for a few seconds until warm, or reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes to soften the caramel for a melty, delightful texture.
Brownie Recipes
Turtle Brownies
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided into 1 cup and ½ cup)
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans (divided into 1 cup and ½ cup)
- 1 cup caramel sauce
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine eggs and vanilla extract. Using the whisk attachment on the mixer, whisk the egg mixture for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add the cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder to the mixture and whisk for an additional minute, scraping the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, melt the butter in the microwave. Once melted, whisk the sugar into the hot butter.
- Add the hot butter/sugar mixture to the stand mixer bowl and mix until combined.
- Add the flour to the batter, mixing just until fully combined.
- Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1 cup of roughly chopped pecans.
- Spread the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until just a few crumbs cling to a toothpick/knife when stuck in the center of the brownies. Remove from the oven and allow to cool most of the way.
- Spread the caramel sauce over the top of the brownies. Sprinkle with the remaining chocolate chips and chopped pecans.
- Place the pan of brownies in the refrigerator or freezer until the caramel has hardened across the top.
- Lift the brownies from the pan and slice them into squares.
Notes
- Use a thick caramel sauce, specifically one that is thick at room temperature and hardens when refrigerated. Make a homemade caramel sauce thicker by cooking it for longer.
- Make sure your eggs are at room temperature, which will help them mix better with the other ingredients.
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your brownies as the suggested baking time approaches.
- If your caramel sauce is thinner or won’t thicken enough, you can slice the brownies and then drizzle caramel sauce and sprinkle with chocolate chips and pecans when serving.
Nutrition
Turtle Dessert Recipes
Chocolate Cookie Recipes
More Chocolate Dessert Recipes
- Chocolate Easter Eggs (Peanut Butter)
- Chocolate Delight
- Bailey's Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle
- No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Lush
- Blueberry Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Chocolate Cherry Pie
- Chocolate Banana Bread
- Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars
- Wendy's Frosty
- Cookie Dough Cheesecakes
- Oreo Fudge
- Cream Puff Dessert
- Baileys Brownies
- Peanut Butter Dream Bars
- Cookie Dough Cupcakes
- Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
- Peanut Butter Balls
- Ritz Cracker Toffee
- Blondies
- Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Bites
- Chocolate Mint Lasagna
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna
- Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Cake
- Hot Chocolate Mix
- Christmas Hot Chocolate
- Mint Chocolate Chip Fudge
- Chocolate Fudge
- Frozen Hot Chocolate
- No Bake Black Forest Cheesecake
- Coconut Macaroons
- Fudgesicles
- Buckeye Fudge
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Fudge
- Bailey's Fudge
- Peppermint Brownies
- Christmas Brownies
- Cherry Cheesecake Brownies
- Oreo Milkshake
- Mini Cherry Cheesecake
- Layered Peppermint Fudge
- Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Hearts
- Homemade Chocolate Turtles
- Chocolate Peanut Toffee
- Mint Chocolate Cheesecake
- Spiked Hot Chocolate
- Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
- Turtle Brownies
- Coconut Cream Easter Eggs
- No Bake Oreo Cheesecake
- Oreo Delight
- Rolo Cheesecake
- Candy Bar Brownies
- Almond Joy Bars
- Mini Mint Cheesecake
- Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Mini Cheesecakes
- Hot Fudge Sauce
- Lunch Lady Brownies
- Cosmic Brownies
- Reese's Pieces Fudge Recipe
Comments
Melanie says
My boys absolutely loved these turtle brownies. They were easy enough to make and my hubby has already asked for another batch!