Name: Turtles Brownies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 3/4 cup chopped pecans; 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade); Additional melted chocolate or chocolate sauce, for drizzling

Decadent, fudgy, and overflowing with indulgence, these turtles brownies are everything I crave in a dessert. Rich chocolate layers meet gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and a luscious chocolate drizzle—all baked into a brownie that tastes just like the beloved turtles candy. Whether I’m satisfying a sweet craving or impressing guests, this treat never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these turtles brownies blend the deep flavor of chocolate with the buttery crunch of pecans and the sticky sweetness of caramel. They’re easy to whip up in one bowl, don’t require fancy ingredients, and have the wow factor of a bakery-style dessert. Whether I’m baking for a holiday, potluck, or just a cozy night in, these brownies check all the boxes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

3/4 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Additional melted chocolate or chocolate sauce, for drizzling

Directions

I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or a light coating of grease.

In a large mixing bowl, I whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well blended.

Then I add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thick.

I sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, stirring gently until just combined—being careful not to overmix.

Next, I fold in the chocolate chips and half of the chopped pecans.

I pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.

The brownies bake for 20–25 minutes, just until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.

Right out of the oven, I drizzle the warm brownies with caramel sauce and gently spread it to cover the top.

I sprinkle the rest of the pecans over the caramel, followed by a generous drizzle of melted chocolate.

I let them cool completely in the pan, and for the cleanest slices, I chill them in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 9 rich, indulgent servings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: Approximately 310 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if I’m out of pecans.

For extra richness, I swirl some caramel directly into the batter before baking.

If I want a salted caramel twist, I sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel layer.

For a gluten-free version, I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

When I’m craving even more chocolate, I add extra chocolate chunks on top before baking.

Storage/Reheating

I store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If I want that fresh-baked gooeyness again, I reheat a square in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. They also freeze well—just wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months.

Related Recipes:

Spiced Apple Cinnamon Muffins

FAQs

What kind of caramel sauce works best?

I like using a thick, high-quality store-bought caramel, but homemade caramel also works beautifully. Just make sure it’s not too runny so it stays on top of the brownies.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I often make them a day in advance. The flavors actually deepen overnight, and chilling them helps with clean slicing.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

I check with a toothpick around 20 minutes. If it comes out with moist crumbs (not raw batter), they’re perfect. Overbaking will make them dry, so I watch closely.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. I double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. I usually add about 5 extra minutes to the baking time, but still keep a close eye on them.

Do I need to toast the pecans?

I don’t have to, but I love the extra nutty flavor that comes from lightly toasting them first. It adds depth and crunch.

Conclusion

These turtles brownies are my go-to dessert when I want something indulgent and crowd-pleasing. The combination of fudgy brownie, caramel, chocolate, and pecans feels like a bakery treat, but they’re simple enough for any home baker to master. Whether I’m baking for the holidays, sharing with friends, or treating myself, this recipe never lets me down.

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