Soft and Chewy Caramel Pecan Chocolate Oat Cookie Bars: Your New Favorite Turtle Bars

If you’re searching for that perfect dessert that combines rich, buttery caramel with decadent chocolate and the satisfying crunch of pecans, all nestled in a wholesome oatmeal cookie bar, then look no further! These Caramel Pecan Chocolate Oat Cookie Bars, affectionately known as Turtle Bars, are destined to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy bar that melts in your mouth, revealing layers of flavor and texture that are simply irresistible. They’re easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from casual family treats to special gatherings.

The Genesis of a Delicious Idea: Discovering Caramel Baking Chips

Every great recipe often starts with a spark of inspiration, and for these Turtle Bars, that spark ignited in the baking aisle. I remember the exact moment – my eyes landed on a bag of Ghirardelli Caramel Baking Chips. It was an instant connection, a culinary destiny. While I’m no stranger to the classic chocolate, butterscotch, and peanut butter chips, caramel chips were a revelation. I had to know what magic they held. The thought immediately jumped to creating something truly special, something inspired by the beloved turtle candy combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecans. The challenge was set: how to incorporate these velvety caramel gems into a dessert that would truly shine?

My mind raced with possibilities. A traditional turtle candy is delightful, but what if I could capture those same beloved flavors and textures in a more substantial, comforting format? That’s when the idea of a cookie bar emerged. Cookie bars offer the perfect canvas for layering flavors and provide a wonderfully chewy texture that a standard cookie might not always achieve. And to make them even more satisfying and add a wholesome touch, oatmeal seemed like the natural choice. The oats would lend a delightful chewiness and hearty base to balance the richness of the caramel and chocolate.

Why These Caramel Pecan Chocolate Oat Cookie Bars Are a Must-Try

What makes these Caramel Pecan Chocolate Oat Cookie Bars so exceptional? It’s the harmonious blend of premium ingredients and thoughtful preparation. The Ghirardelli Caramel Baking Chips lived up to their promise, offering a buttery, smooth caramel flavor that truly elevates the bars. When baked, they melt into luscious pockets of gooeyness, much like high-quality chocolate chips would. But even on their own, straight from the bag, these chips are a testament to pure caramel bliss – velvety, sweet, and utterly delicious. Incorporating them into this recipe was a game-changer, providing an authentic caramel experience without the fuss of making homemade caramel from scratch. This convenience, combined with their incredible taste, makes them a secret weapon in your baking arsenal.

A Symphony of Flavors and Textures

• Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Base: The foundation of these bars is a wonderfully soft and chewy oatmeal cookie dough. Old-fashioned oats provide a hearty texture that holds up beautifully to the rich additions.
• Gooey Caramel Pockets: The star, caramel chips, melt into sweet, tender pockets throughout the bar, creating an irresistible gooeyness with every bite.
• Rich Chocolate: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips add that classic, comforting chocolatey goodness that perfectly complements the caramel and pecans. Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips were used here, adding a luxurious creaminess.
• Crunchy Pecans: Chopped pecans are folded into the dough, providing a delightful textural contrast and a nutty depth that completes the “turtle” profile. A sprinkle of whole pecans on top adds an elegant finish and extra crunch.

This dessert isn’t just about taste; it’s an experience. The aroma that fills your kitchen while these bars are baking is enough to draw everyone in. And the first bite? Pure bliss. The interplay of sweet, nutty, and rich flavors, combined with soft, chewy, and crunchy textures, makes these bars truly unforgettable. They are a delightful twist on classic cookie bars, offering a sophisticated flavor profile that appeals to all ages.

Crafting Your Own Caramel Pecan Chocolate Oat Cookie Bars

Making these Turtle Bars is a straightforward process, even for novice bakers. The key to their soft and chewy texture lies in not overbaking them. The steps are simple and designed for success, ensuring you get perfect bars every time. Here’s a brief overview of what you’ll be doing:

How to Make Caramel Pecan Chocolate Oat Bars

You’ll start by combining your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, you’ll whisk together melted butter with brown sugar, granulated sugar, honey, and vanilla, then beat in an egg. This combination of sugars and honey is crucial for that signature chewy texture and rich flavor. Once these wet and dry mixtures are combined, the star ingredients – old-fashioned oats, chocolate chips, caramel chips, and chopped pecans – are folded in. The dough is then spread evenly into a prepared baking pan and baked until just set. The magic doesn’t stop there; a generous sprinkle of additional chocolate and caramel chips on top of the warm bars creates a beautiful, melted frosting-like layer that adds even more indulgence. A final touch of whole pecans once cooled makes for an appealing presentation.

Tips for Perfection

• Don’t Overbake: This is the golden rule for soft and chewy cookie bars. Bake until the edges are set and lightly golden, but the center still looks a bit soft. They will continue to set as they cool.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your egg is at room temperature for better emulsification with the wet ingredients.
• Melted Butter: Use melted and cooled butter as specified, as this contributes to the chewy texture.
• Quality Chips: While Ghirardelli is highly recommended, use your favorite brand of high-quality caramel and chocolate chips for the best flavor.
• Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This prevents them from falling apart and ensures clean, neat slices. Cooling time is essential for the structure and final texture of the bars.
• Pan Size Matters: Using the specified 9×13 inch pan (or two 8×8 inch pans) is important for achieving the correct thickness and bake time.

These bars are not just a dessert; they are a celebration of classic flavors brought together in a convenient and utterly delicious format. They capture the essence of a turtle candy in a comforting, bakeable treat that’s perfect for sharing (or not!). The soft, chewy texture combined with the crunch of pecans and the gooeyness of melted caramel and chocolate creates an extraordinary bite every time. They are perfect for holiday platters, potlucks, lunchboxes, or simply as a special treat with your afternoon coffee or tea.

More Delicious Yums!

If you’re a fan of these delightful Caramel Pecan Chocolate Oat Cookie Bars, you’ll surely love exploring other sweet treats that offer similar comforting flavors and textures. Here are some more irresistible recipes to tempt your taste buds and expand your baking adventures:

• Yummy Chocolate Granola Oat Bar Bites – Healthy & No Bake too!
• Caramel Glazed Apple Crumble Coffee Cake
• Best Pumpkin Pecan Coffee Cake
• Best Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce
• Chocolate Pecan Pie Brownies
• Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Each of these recipes offers a unique indulgence, from healthy no-bake options to rich, decadent desserts, ensuring there’s always something delicious to bake and enjoy. Happy baking!

Caramel Pecan Chocolate Oat Cookie Bars

By Kim Lange

If you love the combination of buttery caramel, divine chocolate, crunchy pecans all in an oatmeal cookie bar, you’re gonna love these for sure!

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Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 25 mins

Cooling Time: 30 mins

Course: Dessert

Ingredients

Caramel Pecan Chocolate Oat Cookie Bars

• 1 and 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter melted and cooled room temperature
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup sugar (I used Zulka)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1 large egg
• 2 and 1/4 cups old-fashioned oats (I used Flahavan’s)
• 1 cup chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Chips)
• 1 cup caramel chips (I used Ghirardelli Caramel Chips)
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Topping

• 1 cup chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Chips)
• 1 cup caramel chips (I used Ghirardelli Caramel Chips)
• Whole pecans for top of bars

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Spray a 9×13 pan or 2 8×8 baking pans with non-stick spray and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda & salt and whisk together well.
3. In a separate bowl, using a mixer, beat together the melted butter and sugars, then add the egg and continue beating until combined.
4. Add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture and beat until just combined.
5. Add in the oats and beat on medium speed until combined.
6. Stir in 1 cup of the chocolate chips, 1 cup caramel chips and 1 cup chopped pecans.
7. Transfer the dough to the baking pan(s) and spread out.
8. Bake for 25-35 minutes and remove from oven. Do not overbake, you want soft and chewy.
9. Remove from oven.
10. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips and caramel chips on top of the bars and let sit for 5 minutes. Spread the chips around with a knife to create a soft layer and let cool.
11. Once cooled or room temperature, cut the bars and place pecans on top.

Keyword: bars, caramel, caramel chips, chocolate chip, cookie bars, oatmeal bars, pecan, turtle bars, dessert

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Recipe adapted from Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Cookies @ Just So Tasty.