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- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 cups granulated sugar - 4 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - ½ teaspoon fine sea salt - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup chopped pecans - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Sea salt for topping (optional) For these caramel pecan turtle brownies, I use simple ingredients. Each one adds to the rich flavor. The unsalted butter gives a creamy base. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while eggs help bind everything. Pure vanilla extract brings a lovely aroma. I use all-purpose flour and cocoa powder for texture and depth. Sea salt balances the sweetness. The semi-sweet chocolate chips give a chocolatey bite. Chopped pecans add crunch and flavor. Finally, the caramel sauce makes it a turtle treat! You can choose store-bought caramel or make your own. I often go for store-bought for ease. The optional sea salt on top enhances the flavors. Each ingredient plays a role in creating this rich and decadent treat. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9x13-inch baking pan. You can grease it with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will help you take the brownies out easily later. In a big bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar. Use a whisk to combine them well. This should be smooth and creamy. Next, add the eggs one by one. Make sure to mix well after each egg. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract. In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and sea salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Now, 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 layer. Use a knife to swirl the caramel into the batter. This creates a nice marbled look. Pour the rest of the brownie batter on top and spread it evenly. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce and swirl it in again. Sprinkle the reserved pecans on top for extra texture. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check if they are ready, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Once the brownies are done, take the pan out of the oven. Let them cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. After cooling, cut them into generous squares. Enjoy your delicious caramel pecan turtle brownies! To get that perfect brownie texture, focus on mixing. Start with melted butter and sugar. Whisk them well until the mixture is smooth. This helps create a rich base. When adding eggs, do it one at a time. Mix until fully blended before adding the next. This ensures the brownies rise well. When adding dry ingredients, mix just enough. Overmixing can make them tough. Aim for a slightly gooey center; this gives a nice contrast to the crunchy pecans. Adding a sprinkle of sea salt at the end is a game changer. It enhances the sweetness of the caramel. The salt adds depth to each bite. It balances the rich chocolate flavor. Just a pinch on top makes a big difference. It’s an easy way to elevate your brownies to gourmet status. One common mistake is not preparing your pan. Grease it well or use parchment paper for easy removal. Another mistake is overbaking. Keep an eye on the time. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not dry. Lastly, don’t rush the cooling process. Allow the brownies to cool before cutting. This helps them set and makes cutting easier. Avoid these mistakes, and you will enjoy perfect caramel pecan turtle brownies every time! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Eggs: Starting with eggs at room temperature helps them blend more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture in your brownies. Choosing the Right Chocolate: For a richer flavor, opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips. They melt beautifully and enhance the overall taste of the brownies. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time. The brownies should be taken out when a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs to maintain a fudgy texture. Caramel Swirls: For an artistic touch, use a toothpick to create a marbled effect with the caramel. This not only looks appealing but also adds pockets of flavor throughout the brownies. {{image_4}} You can make these brownies gluten-free with simple swaps. Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Look for a blend that works well for baking. This way, you still get that rich taste. Feel free to get creative with nuts and toppings. You can try walnuts or almonds for a different crunch. Add some shredded coconut for a tropical twist. Chocolate chips can also enhance the flavor. If you want to switch up the caramel, you can use dulce de leche. This adds a unique flavor and creamy texture. You can also make your own caramel sauce at home. Just melt sugar and cream together for a fresh taste. To keep your caramel pecan turtle brownies fresh, store them properly. Place the brownies in an airtight container. This helps maintain their moisture and flavor. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. If you stack the brownies, add parchment paper between layers. This prevents sticking and keeps them nice. You can freeze these brownies for later enjoyment. Cut them into squares and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. You can also warm them in the microwave for a few seconds. This makes the caramel gooey again! Properly stored brownies last about a week at room temperature. If you notice any mold or an off smell, it’s time to toss them. The top may dry out, but the inside should stay moist. If they feel hard or crumbly, they may have spoiled. Always check before enjoying your sweet treat! To cut brownies, use a sharp knife. First, let them cool for at least 30 minutes. Then, dip the knife in hot water before each cut. Wipe the knife clean after each slice. This helps to make clean cuts and keeps the edges neat. Yes, you can use homemade caramel sauce. It adds a personal touch to your brownies. Just make sure it's thick enough to swirl into the batter. A thinner sauce may make the brownies too gooey. Brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. They should not have wet batter on the toothpick. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes for the best results. You can serve these brownies with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A drizzle of extra caramel sauce on top also enhances the flavor. Fresh berries can add a nice touch, too! This blog post gives you a clear guide on making caramel pecan turtle brownies. We covered the essential ingredients, easy steps to bake, and expert tips to perfect your brownies. You also learned about variations and smart storage methods. These simple ideas ensure your brownies are delicious and last longer. Remember, you can customize these treats to suit your taste. Enjoy your baking journey, and create your sweet masterpieces!

Caramel Pecan Turtle Brownies

Decadent brownies layered with caramel and topped with pecans for a rich dessert experience.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1 cup caramel sauce
  • to taste sea salt for topping (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan by greasing it with butter or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk the mixture vigorously until it becomes smooth and well blended.
  • Incorporate the eggs into the butter-sugar mixture, adding them one at a time. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and fine sea salt. Gradually add this dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  • Carefully fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans, setting aside a small handful of the pecans for decorative topping later.
  • Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it out evenly.
  • Next, drizzle half of the caramel sauce over this layer of brownie batter. Use a knife or toothpick to lightly swirl the caramel into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
  • Pour the remainder of the brownie batter over the caramel layer and spread it evenly. Drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce on top and again use a knife to create subtle swirls.
  • Evenly sprinkle the reserved pecans over the top of the brownies. If you wish, add a sprinkle of sea salt for an enhanced flavor profile.
  • Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (but no wet batter).
  • Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. When cool, cut them into generous squares.

Notes

For an indulgent serving suggestion, present the brownies warm with an extra drizzle of caramel sauce on top and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Keyword brownies, caramel, dessert, pecans