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Turtle Brownies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 68 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 9 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delight in rich, fudgy Turtle Brownies topped with a luscious homemade caramel sauce, chocolate chips, and crunchy pecans. These brownies feature a perfectly balanced combination of cocoa, coffee granules for depth, and a signature caramel topping, making them an indulgent treat for any dessert lover.


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 whole 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 the Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 or 8×8 inch baking pan with aluminum foil, then lightly grease with butter or spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cook, stirring often, until it turns a light brown caramel color and gives off a nutty aroma, about 5-10 minutes. Be cautious to prevent burning. Using a light-colored pan helps monitor the color.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: Pour the browned butter into a large bowl. Add granulated sugar, light brown sugar, cocoa powder, salt, instant coffee granules, and baking powder. Stir to combine, then let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to cool slightly.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Stir in the cold eggs and vanilla extract until the batter develops a glossy sheen.
  5. Incorporate Flour: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep brownies tender.
  6. Add Chocolate Chips and Pecans: Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans evenly into the batter.
  7. Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool Brownies: Remove from oven and allow brownies to cool completely in the pan before removing them.
  9. Prepare Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan, combine light brown sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream. Cook over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens, about 8 minutes. If thickening slows, increase heat slightly and whisk continuously to prevent burning. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
  10. Finish Caramel Sauce: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Transfer to a container and refrigerate to firm up and cool.
  11. Assemble Topped Brownies: Drizzle the cooled caramel sauce evenly over the cooled brownies. Sprinkle additional pecans and chocolate chips on top.
  12. Set and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled brownies for at least 30 minutes to allow the caramel to set. Slice into 9 squares, serve, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use a light-colored saucepan for browning butter to better monitor color and avoid burning.
  • Instant coffee granules enhance the chocolate flavor but do not create a strong coffee taste; omit if sensitive to caffeine.
  • Allow brownies to cool completely before adding caramel to prevent melting and soaking.
  • Refrigerate brownies after assembly to set the caramel layer firmly.
  • Brownies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • For a nut-free version, omit pecans and increase chocolate chips.