Turtle Brownies with Caramel Pecan

$- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) - 1 ½ cups granulated sugar - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour - ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt To make Turtle Brownies with Caramel Pecan, you need rich, flavorful ingredients. The butter gives the brownies a soft texture. Both granulated and brown sugars add sweetness and depth. Eggs are vital for binding everything together. Vanilla extract brings a lovely aroma. The dry ingredients include flour for structure, cocoa powder for chocolate flavor, baking powder for lift, and salt to enhance taste. - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup pecans, chopped (plus extra for topping) - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) These toppings make your brownies shine. Semi-sweet chocolate chips add gooeyness. Chopped pecans give a nice crunch and nutty flavor. Caramel sauce is the star, providing that sweet, sticky goodness. You can use store-bought caramel or try making your own. Both options work great! - Extra chopped pecans for topping - Additional caramel drizzle For an extra touch, you can add more chopped pecans on top. A drizzle of caramel makes them look fancy and taste even better. These garnishes turn a simple dessert into a showstopper. Everyone will love how they look and taste! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch pan with butter. Line it with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the sides. This makes it easy to lift the brownies out later. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir the granulated sugar and brown sugar into the melted butter until smooth. This mixture should feel creamy and rich. Let the butter-sugar mix cool for a bit. Now, whisk in four eggs, one at a time. Make sure each egg mixes in well before adding the next. Then, mix in one teaspoon of vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine 1 ¼ cups of flour, ½ cup of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Sift these dry ingredients together to remove lumps. Gradually fold the dry mix into the wet mixture using a spatula. Stop mixing when you see no more dry flour. Gently fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of chopped pecans. Save a few pecans for later to sprinkle on top. Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over this batter layer. Now, add the rest of the brownie batter on top of the caramel. Spread it out evenly. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top and sprinkle with the reserved pecans. Bake your brownies in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. To check if they're done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Once baked, take the brownies out of the oven. Let them cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift them out. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. After cooling, cut the brownies into squares. You can drizzle more caramel on top if you like. Enjoy your Turtle Brownies with Caramel Pecan! - Measure your ingredients carefully. This step ensures the best brownie texture. - Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements. Even slight changes can affect outcomes. - Mix your batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. - Check your oven temperature. An oven thermometer helps ensure accurate baking. - Store-bought caramel is quick and easy. Homemade caramel offers richer flavor but takes time. - To drizzle caramel, use a squeeze bottle for control. This helps you create pretty patterns. - Warm the caramel slightly for easier drizzling. It flows better when slightly heated. - Toasting pecans boosts their flavor. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake until fragrant. - Use fresh pecans for the best taste. Look for pecans that are plump and have no dark spots. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your turtle brownies to fit your taste. Try using different types of chocolate. Milk chocolate adds a sweet touch, while dark chocolate gives a rich flavor. White chocolate can add a creamy twist. Adding other nuts is also fun. Walnuts or almonds work great in place of pecans. You can even mix in some shredded coconut for a tropical vibe. Get creative with toppings, like mini marshmallows or a sprinkle of sea salt. Each choice brings a new twist to this classic treat. If you want a gluten-free version, switch out the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. Many brands work well and keep the brownie texture nice. Just be sure to check the package for the best results. You can also make other small changes for different diets. For a dairy-free version, try using coconut oil instead of butter. You can also use flax eggs instead of regular eggs for a vegan option. These swaps help everyone enjoy this treat. To make mini brownie bites, use a mini muffin tin instead of a large pan. Spoon the brownie batter into each cup, filling them about two-thirds full. This size is perfect for parties or snacks. Adjust the baking time to about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as they bake faster. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready! These mini bites make sharing easy and fun. To keep your turtle brownies fresh, store them at room temperature. Use an airtight container to keep air out. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking. This helps avoid sticking. Best practices for maintaining freshness: - Make sure the brownies are completely cool before storing. - Keep them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. - If you want extra moisture, place a slice of bread in the container. The brownies will absorb the moisture from the bread. Freezing brownies is a great way to keep them for longer. Cut the cooled brownies into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. Thawing and reheating instructions: - To thaw, take the brownies out of the freezer and place them in the fridge overnight. - For a quick warm-up, microwave a square for about 10-15 seconds. This makes them soft and gooey again. Turtle brownies can last up to one week at room temperature. In the fridge, they can last for two weeks. If frozen, they can stay fresh for up to three months. Signs that brownies have gone bad: - Look for any mold or strange smells. - If the brownies feel hard and dry, they may not taste good anymore. - A change in color can also be a sign that they are past their prime. Can I substitute butter with oil? Yes, you can use oil instead of butter. Use a light oil like canola or vegetable oil. Use about ¾ cup of oil for each cup of butter. This will keep the brownies moist. What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan option? For a vegan option, try using flax eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. You can also use unsweetened applesauce—¼ cup per egg. How do I make homemade caramel sauce? To make homemade caramel sauce, start with 1 cup of sugar. Heat it in a pan over medium heat. Stir until it melts and turns golden brown. Remove from heat, then slowly whisk in ½ cup of heavy cream. Add a pinch of salt for extra flavor. Can I use salted caramel for this recipe? Yes, salted caramel works well in these brownies. It adds a nice contrast to the sweet chocolate and pecans. Just be careful not to add too much salt elsewhere in the recipe. What can I use instead of pecans? If you need a substitute for pecans, walnuts are a great choice. You can also use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option. They add crunch without the nuts. Are there nut-free variations available? Yes, you can make nut-free turtle brownies. Simply leave out the pecans and use seeds instead. You can also add extra chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles for fun. We covered all you need to make delicious turtle brownies. You start with unsalted butter, sugar, and eggs, then mix in dry ingredients and chocolate. Don't forget to layer in caramel and pecans! Use my tips for baking, caramel, and nut options to perfect your brownies. Experiment with flavors, and remember, the right storage keeps them fresh. Enjoy your delicious treats, and share them with friends and family!$

Turtle Brownies with Caramel Pecan

Indulge in these Turtle Brownies with Caramel Pecan Delight that will satisfy any sweet tooth! With layers of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans, these brownies are a decadent treat for all occasions. Perfect for sharing or enjoying yourself, this easy recipe is bound to impress. Click through to discover how to make these delicious brownies and elevate your dessert game! #TurtleBrownies #DessertRecipe #ChocolateLovers #BakingJoy

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup pecans, chopped (plus extra for topping)

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once fully melted, remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth.

Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then whisk in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a spatula until just combined.

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans, reserving a few for topping.

Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the batter.

Add the remaining brownie batter on top of the caramel layer and spread it out evenly. Drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with the reserved pecans.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the brownies out of the pan and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce, if desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 24