Print

Turtle Brownies Recipe

4.4 from 81 reviews

Deliciously fudgy Turtle Brownies topped with a rich homemade caramel sauce, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and crunchy pecans. These brownies feature a deep chocolate flavor balanced with the nutty caramel topping for an indulgent dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownies

  • 10 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp instant coffee granules
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 2 large eggs, cold
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus more for topping
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans, plus more for topping

Caramel Sauce

  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pan and Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the brownies.
  2. Brown the Butter: Melt the 10 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the butter turns a light caramel brown color. Be vigilant to prevent burning; using a light-colored pan helps monitor the change.
  3. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Pour the browned butter into a large mixing bowl. Add granulated sugar, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, cocoa powder, salt, instant coffee granules, and baking powder. Stir well to combine, then let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Stir in the cold eggs and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and glossy.
  5. Incorporate Flour: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
  6. Add Chocolate Chips and Pecans: Fold in 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/2 cup chopped pecans evenly throughout the batter.
  7. Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool the Brownies: Remove from oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan to firm up before removing.
  9. Make Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup light brown sugar, 6 tablespoons butter, and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Cook over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens, about 8 minutes. If thickening is slow, increase the heat slightly and whisk constantly to prevent burning. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
  10. Add Vanilla to Caramel: Remove the caramel sauce from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Transfer to a container and let cool slightly.
  11. Assemble the Turtle Brownies: Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the cooled brownies. Sprinkle extra semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans on top for added texture and flavor.
  12. Set the Topping: Place the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the caramel topping to set.
  13. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the brownies from the pan using the foil edges. Slice into 9 equal pieces, serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy this decadent treat!

Notes

  • Use a light-colored saucepan for browning butter to better monitor its color and prevent burning.
  • Instant coffee granules enhance the depth of the chocolate flavor but can be omitted if desired.
  • Do not overmix the batter once flour is added to ensure fudgy brownies.
  • Make sure brownies are completely cool before adding caramel topping to prevent it from melting.
  • The caramel sauce thickens as it cools; if it becomes too thick, warm it gently before drizzling.
  • Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keywords: Turtle Brownies, caramel brownies, chocolate brownies, homemade caramel sauce, pecan brownies, fudgy brownies, dessert recipe