Chocolate Caramel Bars (Turtles)
Rich chocolate caramel bars with a nutty crunch, featuring a moist cake crust, gooey caramel, and melted chocolate, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing with friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the caramels with 1/3 cup evaporated milk over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Combine the remaining evaporated milk (1/4 cup), cake mix, and melted margarine; mix well.
- Divide the dough in half.
- Press half of the dough into the bottom of an ungreased 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 6 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle semi-sweet morsels and half of the chopped pecans over the crust.
- Drizzle with the caramel mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate morsels instead of semi-sweet. If you’re short on time, you can substitute homemade caramel with store-bought caramel sauce. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing, and feel free to replace pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nut. If you love chocolate desserts, explore similar recipes like Memories Of Grandma'S Chocolate Cake.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the bars into squares and serve them as a delightful dessert at gatherings or parties. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce for added indulgence. These bars also make a perfect treat alongside a cup of coffee or hot cocoa, especially during the colder months.
Storage & Reheating
Store the chocolate caramel bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them, where they can last for up to two weeks. When ready to enjoy, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Caramel Bars (Turtles) contains roughly 629 calories, with 6g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can experiment with other flavors of cake mix, such as chocolate or vanilla. However, keep in mind that this may alter the overall flavor profile of the bars. A chocolate cake mix would enhance the chocolate flavor, while vanilla would provide a nice contrast to the caramel.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The base of the bars should be set and slightly golden after baking for 6 minutes. You can gently press on the crust; it should feel firm but not hard. Keep a close eye on them to avoid over-baking, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I freeze these chocolate caramel bars?
Absolutely! These bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).