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- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) - 2 cups granulated sugar - 4 large eggs - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup chopped pecans - 1 cup soft caramel candies, cut into small pieces - 1/4 cup heavy cream These ingredients bring rich flavors and textures to the brownies. The unsalted butter is key for a smooth batter. It creates a soft, chewy base. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps the brownies rise. Eggs bind everything together and give moisture. Vanilla extract adds a warm, comforting note. All-purpose flour gives structure, while cocoa powder brings deep chocolate taste. Baking powder helps the brownies rise, making them light. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances flavor. Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt into gooey pockets of chocolate. Chopped pecans add crunch and nutty flavor. Soft caramel candies create a luscious layer of sweetness. Heavy cream thins the caramel, making it easy to drizzle. Each ingredient plays a role in making these chocolate caramel turtle brownies truly special. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This warms up the oven for even baking. Next, grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. Make sure to cover all sides well. In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Stir it gently until it melts completely. Once melted, take it off the heat. Add 2 cups of granulated sugar and mix well. Next, add 4 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Finally, stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix these dry ingredients until they are well combined. This helps the brownies rise and have the right texture. Now, it’s time to bring the wet and dry mixtures together. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir until just combined, but don’t overmix. Fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of chopped pecans, saving some for topping. Pour half of this brownie batter into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly. For the caramel layer, melt 1 cup of soft caramel candies with 1/4 cup of heavy cream in a small saucepan. Use low heat and stir until smooth. Once melted, drizzle this caramel over the first layer of brownie batter. Be generous, as this adds a great flavor. Spoon the rest of the brownie batter over the caramel layer. Spread it gently to cover. Sprinkle any reserved pecans and more chocolate chips on top for extra crunch. Bake in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before cutting into squares. Enjoy your delicious chocolate caramel turtle brownies! Testing for Doneness To know if your brownies are done, stick a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with moist crumbs, they are ready. If it has wet batter, bake a few more minutes. Every oven is different, so check often. Avoiding Overmixing Mix your batter until just combined. If you mix too long, your brownies can turn out tough. It’s okay to have a few lumps in the batter. This keeps them soft and chewy. Storing Leftovers Properly Cool the brownies completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for about three days. If you want them longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week. Having the right tools makes baking easier. Use a good quality 9x13 inch baking pan. A spatula helps spread the batter evenly. A mixing bowl and whisk are also key for mixing wet and dry ingredients. To boost flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder. You can also add a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate taste. For extra texture, try mixing in more chopped pecans or even some sea salt on top before baking. These small changes can make a big difference! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and butter to come to room temperature before starting. This ensures a smoother batter and better incorporation of ingredients. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to keep the brownies fudgy and prevent them from becoming tough. Chill the Caramel: After melting the caramel, let it cool slightly before drizzling. This helps it maintain its shape when layering. Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. This ensures the brownies are perfectly baked. {{image_2}} You can switch out the pecans for any nuts you like. Walnuts add a nice crunch. Almonds bring a sweet flavor. If you prefer no nuts, just leave them out. The brownies will still taste amazing without them. Feel free to experiment with different chocolates. Dark chocolate gives a richer taste. Milk chocolate creates a sweeter treat. You can even mix chocolates for fun flavors. Just remember to keep the same amount for the right texture. To make these brownies gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for blends that don’t have added gums. They work great in brownies! Also, check that your chocolate chips and caramel are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this sweet delight! To keep your Chocolate Caramel Turtle Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep the brownies soft and chewy. Place a layer of parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This prevents sticking. Keep them at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. To freeze your brownies, let them cool completely first. Cut them into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps avoid freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. If you want warm brownies, reheat them in the microwave. Place a square on a plate and heat it for 10-15 seconds. This warms them up without drying them out. You can also warm them in the oven. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-10 minutes. This gives you that fresh-baked taste again. Yes, you can use different types of caramel for these brownies. Soft caramels work best as they melt easily. You can try caramel sauce or homemade caramel too. Just ensure that it stays gooey after melting. This helps create a rich layer in your brownies. You can swap pecans for other nuts. Walnuts or almonds are great choices. If you want a nut-free option, use chocolate chips or crushed cookies. The key is to add a crunch that balances the chewy brownies. To check if your brownies are done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the brownies. If the toothpick comes out with moist crumbs, they are ready. If it has wet batter, bake them a bit longer. Keep an eye on the edges; they should look firm. Absolutely! You can make these brownies in advance. Once they cool, store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for three to four days at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw them before serving for the best taste. You now know how to make delicious caramel brownies with ease. We've covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for baking. Remember to experiment with variations and storage methods. Each choice adds your special touch. Enjoy the rich flavors and textures that come from this recipe. Share your own tips and tricks, and invite friends to join you in baking. The best brownie is one made with love and fun. Happy baking!

Chocolate Caramel Turtle Brownies

Deliciously rich brownies layered with chocolate, caramel, and pecans.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1 cup soft caramel candies
  • 0.25 cup heavy cream

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Remove from heat and stir in granulated sugar until well combined.
  • Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
  • Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans, reserving some for topping.
  • Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
  • In a small saucepan, melt the soft caramel candies with the heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth.
  • Drizzle the melted caramel over the first layer of brownie batter.
  • Spoon the remaining brownie batter over the caramel layer, spreading it gently to cover.
  • Sprinkle any reserved pecans and more chocolate chips over the top for added texture.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
  • Allow to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before cutting into squares.

Notes

Allow brownies to cool before cutting for cleaner squares.
Keyword brownies, caramel, chocolate, pecans