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Bring a box mix to the next level with these incredible Turtle Brownies! They’re fudgy, loaded with pecans and topped with creamy salted caramel….SO GOOD!
There’s not much I love more than a rich, fudgy brownie… buckeye brownies, toffee brownies, rocky road brownies….I love ’em all!
These turtle brownies start with a brownie mix, but they get a huge upgrade with gooey caramel and crunchy pecans. Nobody will ever guess they’re as easy to make as they are!
Turtle Brownies Ingredients
- Brownie Mix + Ingredients Required to Prepare – Ghirardelli is my favorite brownie mix, but any that can be baked in a 9×9 inch pan will do.
- Caramel Bits – I use Kraft caramel bits.
- Heavy Whipping Cream
- Salt
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – You can also use chocolate chunks and/or a chopped chocolate bar.
- Pecans – I highly recommend toasting the pecans to enhance their flavor and texture!
How to Make Easy Turtle Brownies with a Box Mix
Start by greasing a 9×9 inch pan or lining it with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine a boxed brownie mix with the ingredients called for on the box, likely egg(s), vegetable oil and water. Once it’s well-combined, stir in half of the chopped pecans.
Spread the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake. While the brownies are baking, prepare the caramel sauce by melting together caramel bits, heavy cream and salt. You can do this in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stovetop.
When the brownies come out of the oven, use a straw or the back of a wooden spoon to poke holes into the brownies (press it about 2/3 the way down to the bottom of the pan).
Drizzle about 3/4 of the caramel sauce over the brownies the top with the chocolate and remaining pecans. Top with the remaining caramel (and sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if desired!) and let cool on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
As the brownies cool, they will firm up a bit along with the caramel sauce, making these a perfect handheld treat!
Pro Tip!
Use a plastic knife to cut the cooled brownies! Seems crazy, but it works great to cut the brownies in clean lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
I do not recommend it. Jarred caramel sauce is a bit too runny!
You can, as long as it can be made in a 9×9 inch pan.
Yes! Ghirardelli makes a great gluten free brownie mix that would be a perfect substitute for the box mix. Double-check that the other ingredients are free of wheat and you’re good to go!
I like to use metal when baking bars/brownies as the metal conducts heat more quickly and evenly. You can opt to use a glass or ceramic dish, but note that the cooking time may differ.
Storage Instructions
Keep the bars covered in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. They’ll stay good in the refrigerator for 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months if stored in a tightly-sealed freezer bag or container.
Other Turtle Desserts
- Turtle Poke Cake
- Turtle Shortbread Bars
- Chocolate Turtle Cookies
- No Bake Turtle Cheesecake
- Turtle Ice Cream Dessert
- Turtle Cake
- Chocolate Turtle Cobbler
Turtle Brownies
Equipment
- 1 9×9 inch baking pan
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix plus ingredients needed to prepare them (Ghirardelli is my favorite)
- 1 cup chopped pecans divided
- 1 cup caramel bits
- 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped semi-sweet chocolate bar or chocolate chips
- flaky sea salt for topping, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉ and grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions; stir in 1/2 cup of the pecans.1 box brownie mix, 1 cup chopped pecans
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake as instructions state. Do not overbake – I recommend setting your timer for 5 minutes less than the box says just to be safe!
- While the brownies are baking, combine the caramel bits, heavy whipping cream and salt in a microwave-safe bowl.1 cup caramel bits, 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Microwave the caramels for 1 minute and stir. Add 15-30 second increments, stirring after each until smooth.
- When the brownies come out of the oven, use a fork or the back of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the brownies. Try not to poke all the way through to the bottom of the pan; just go about 2/3 the way through.
- Pour about 3/4 of the caramel sauce over the brownies slowly, giving the sauce time to soak into the holes.
- Sprinkle with the pecans and then the chocolate chips.1/2 cup chopped semi-sweet chocolate bar or chocolate chips
- Drizzle the top with the remaining caramel and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.flaky sea salt
- Let cool then cut into squares.
