Turtle Brownie Bars – Recipe! Image 1
Desserts, Food

Turtle Brownie Bars – Recipe!

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Today is the last day of school for many kids here in Los Angeles and during summer, it’s all about fun.  Summer camps, vacations and fun filled food is in order, and I have just the thing that will kick this season off right – Turtle Brownie Bars!

Brownies are a huge hit in most households, I haven’t met a kid or adult who doesn’t love a good brownie, however this recipe is not your average brownie – it’s more like a chocolate turtle candy bar.  Turtles are nuts and caramel with chocolate drizzled over the top, usually in a circle shape, but shape is not the point, it’s definitely the ooey gooey, caramelized sugar, chocolaty taste.

When I was a kid during the summer, my mom used to take us to Newport Beach almost every weekend, and there was a small candy shop named “Tom Foolery,” which had the most amazing chocolate turtles.  On occasion, we would get to choose one of those decadent candies loaded with either pecans, almonds or hazelnuts, after a day at the beach. Yes, those were the days.

My recipe has an added bonus that I think will step up the candy turtles even more (even though it’s hard to imagine) – a shortbread crust for starters, followed by a dark chocolate brownie layer, then a layer freshly made caramel topped with toasted nuts.  How does that sound?  Amazing or what?  So, start your summer off right and make a batch of these bars – they do store nicely in the refrigerator. Happy Summer!!

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Ingredients

Crust

2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup butter, diced

1/2 cup confectioners sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

Brownie Layer

2 cups granulated sugar

1 1/3 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup dark cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup butter, melted

4 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup dark chocolate chunks

Caramel

2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup water

3 tablespoons butter, diced

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup toasted hazelnuts or pecans, toasted

(Makes 16 Squares)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a 13 x 9 pan with heavy duty foil, overlapping the sides of pan.  In a food processor add all Crust ingredients.  Pulse mixture 5 times and add 1/4 cup cold water.  Pulse again 8 times, just until crumbs slightly begin to come together.  Dump crumbs into pan and press to flatten over entire bottom.  Bake in oven for 14 minutes, remove and let cool for 15 minutes.

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2. While crust is baking prepare the Brownie Layer.  In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt, whisk to remove any lumps.  Pour in melted butter and stir, to cool slightly.  Add eggs and vanilla and stir until smooth.  Pour mixture over cooled crust and top with chocolate chunks.  Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until firm on top.  Cool while you prepare the Caramel.

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3.  In a large saucepan or copper pot, add sugar and water.  Place pan over medium-high heat.  Cook sugar until bubbles begin to slow, and mixture looks a light amber color, about 10 minutes.  Turn off heat and add butter, whisk.  *Be careful sugar will spit, but continue to whisk.  Add cream and whisk until combined. *Sugar will stiffen before it starts to smooth out.  Set aside and let cool for 20 minutes.

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4.  Pour caramel over brownie layer, evenly.  Sprinkle hazelnuts over top of caramel layer.  Let rest at room temperature 1 hour before serving, or placing in the refrigerator.  Remove from refrigerator 1 hour before serving.  Lift brownies out of pan using foil overhang.  Slice and Enjoy!

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