Description
Deliciously rich and gooey Turtle Brownies featuring a classic brownie base studded with crunchy pecans, topped with smooth caramel sauce, more pecans, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and an optional sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a perfect sweet-salty finish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Brownie Base
- 1 box brownie mix plus ingredients needed to prepare them (Ghirardelli is recommended)
- 1 cup chopped pecans, divided
Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup caramel bits
- 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Toppings
- 1/2 cup chopped semi-sweet chocolate bar or chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt for topping, optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350℉ and grease a 9×9 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Brownie Batter: Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions, then gently fold in 1/2 cup of the chopped pecans to add crunch.
- Bake Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake as the package directs. To avoid overbaking, set your timer for 5 minutes less than the recommended time, checking for doneness carefully.
- Make Caramel Sauce: While the brownies bake, combine the caramel bits, heavy whipping cream, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave Caramel: Microwave the caramel mixture for 1 minute, stir, then continue heating in 15 to 30 second increments, stirring after each until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Create Holes in Brownies: When brownies come out of the oven, use a fork or back of a wooden spoon to poke holes about two-thirds of the way through the brownies to help the caramel soak in.
- Add Caramel Filling: Slowly pour about 3/4 of the caramel sauce over the brownies, allowing the sauce to fill the holes and soak into the batter.
- Apply Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of chopped pecans evenly over the caramel, then scatter the chopped semi-sweet chocolate or chips on top.
- Finish with Caramel and Salt: Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top and optionally sprinkle flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty balance.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting them into squares for serving.
Notes
- Toast the pecans before adding for a richer, deeper flavor and added crunch.
- Using a metal baking pan is preferred for these brownies; if using glass or ceramic, expect a longer baking time.
- Do not overbake the brownies to maintain moistness and gooey texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (assuming 9 pieces per pan)
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
