Turtle Brownies

These turtle brownies are extra fudgy brownies full of chocolate chips and chopped pecans. The brownies are poked and filled with salted caramel and more pecans.

This is the best turtle brownies recipe because they are fudgy and full of gooey caramel. These brownies are the perfect combination of chocolate, pecans, and caramel. I promise you will love them.

For more caramel recipes, try No Bake Turtle Pie, Homemade Salted Caramel, and Caramel Cinnamon Rolls.

Why This Recipe Works

• Fudgy brownies- This homemade brownie recipe is based on my Better Than Boxed Brownies, but with Oreos. They are super fudgy and incredible.
• Homemade Caramel- The homemade salted caramel is a perfect complement to these brownies.
• Chopped Pecans- The combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecan is a classic for a reason!
• Ultimate turtle Brownies- These fudgy homemade brownies are the result of perfecting my brownie recipe. Fair warning, they are hard to stop eating!

Ingredient Notes

Here are some notes on the ingredients. For a full list of ingredients, check out the recipe card below.

• Egg yolk- The extra egg yolk helps to give the brownies an extra fudgy texture.
• Unsalted Butter- The butter needs to be melted and slightly cooled. Too warm and the butter will cook the eggs. Melt early enough to have cooling time before use.
• Oil- Canola oil, vegetable oil, or olive oil is perfect for this recipe.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder- For the best flavor I recommend you use unsweetened cocoa powder. Sweetened cocoa powder will make this recipe too sweet.
• Cornstarch- The cornstarch breaks down the gluten and provides a more fudgy texture and a more chewier brownie.
• Chocolate chips- I used semi-sweet chocolate chips. You can use dark chocolate chips, but I don’t recommend milk chocolate chips since they will make it sweeter.

Step By Step Instructions- Brownies

Here is how to make and bake these turtle brownies.

STEP 1: Spray a 9X9 inch square pan. Spray the pan with non-stick baking spray. For easy removal of the brownies, place parchment paper on the bottom and sides of the pan.

For alternatives to a 9×9 square baking pan see FAQ below.

STEP 2: Mix the dry ingredients. Use a sifter to make sure all the all-purpose flour and cocoa powder lumps are gone.

Mix the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt in a medium bowl.

STEP 3: Beat eggs and sugar. Next, use a mixer with a whisk attachment in. Whip the large eggs and granulated sugar for 5 straight minutes. Just the let the mixer run!

This adds air to the eggs and creates the crinkly top.

STEP 4: Add in wet ingredients. Then, add in the melted butter, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix on low to not deflate the air in the eggs.

STEP 5: Add in dry ingredients. Mix in the flour mixture on low speed. Make sure it is completely combined. Then, fold in chocolate chips and chopped pecans.

STEP 6: Bake the brownies. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 45-55 minutes. Bake until the edges are set and the middle is a little bit under baked.

If you stick a toothpick in and it comes out with batter on it give it another 5-10 minutes of baking time. If it comes out with crumbs it is ready.

STEP 7: Cool the brownies. The brownies will continue to cook as they cool down. Start the caramel while they cool.

Step by Step Instructions- Caramel

See this post for more tips and tricks for caramel.

STEP 1: Melt the sugar. First, pour in the white sugar and let it start to melt over medium heat. Don’t touch it until it melts.

Then, use the whisk to stir the sugar. It will be clumpy. Keep stirring until all the sugar crystals melt. It will be smooth and very light orange.

STEP 2: Cook the sugar. Let the sugar sit until it turns amber in color. Now, this process takes no time at all. It is really easy to burn the caramel at this stage. I let the caramel sit for 10-15 seconds. It turns amber quickly.

As soon as it turns amber, take it off the heat. Otherwise it will burn.

STEP 3: Add butter and cream. Both of these will be added in half batches. It also needs to be added very quickly, otherwise the sugar will seize up.

Start with the butter (make sure the butter is cubed) and half of it in. The caramel will bubble dramatically, but keep stirring until all melted. Then, add the rest of the butter.

Repeat this process with the heavy cream. It will also bubble a lot, but keep stirring!

STEP 4: Add the salt and vanilla. Add both of these in at the end of making the caramel. Once it is added, pour immediately into a glass jar and let it cool completely.

STEP 5: Poke the brownies. Take the brownies out of the pan. Using a wooden stick, chopstick or similar item poke the brownies. Leave 1 inch between each hole. Spread 1/2 cup of caramel sauce on top of the brownies and let it sit for 5 minutes.

STEP 6: Top the brownies: Add the extra caramel and chopped pecans on top of the brownies. They are now ready to eat!

Expert Baking Tips

When you are baking these chocolate turtle brownies, you need to be careful when adding in the rest of the ingredients after the eggs are beaten.

If they are added in too fast, the eggs’ air will deflate and you won’t get as much of a rise from the brownies.

Make sure to spray the pan with baking non-stick spray, so the brownies don’t stick to the pan. It is also a good idea to place parchment paper on the bottom of the tray as well.

These brownies are also best enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

FAQ

Storing and Freezing

Store these turtle brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last up to 3-4 days. They are best slightly warm.

Freezing

Store these brownies in the freezer in an airtight container. They will last up to 30 days in the freezer. Thaw for 1 hour before enjoying.

Other Brownie Recipes To Try

Make sure to leave a STAR REVIEW if you loved this recipe! Make sure to tag me on Instagram @stephaniesweettreats. To get more ideas follow me on Pinterest.