Turtle Bark Recipe

Introduction

Turtle Bark is a deliciously simple treat combining rich dark chocolate, creamy caramel, and crunchy pecans. This homemade snack offers sweet and nutty layers in every bite, perfect for sharing or indulging yourself.

Ingredients

• 10 ounces dark chocolate melting wafers
• 1 cup chopped pecans (divided)
• 15 soft caramels
• 2 teaspoons heavy cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Choose a baking sheet that fits in your refrigerator and line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Place the chocolate melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until fully melted. Alternatively, melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stovetop.
3. Step 3: Stir 3/4 cup of the chopped pecans into the melted chocolate until evenly combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the chocolate and pecan mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it into a 10 to 12 inch oval about ¼ inch thick.
5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, combine the soft caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until the caramel is soft and smooth and the cream is fully incorporated.
6. Step 6: Drizzle the warm caramel over the chocolate bark using a spoon. Sprinkle the remaining pecans evenly on top.
7. Step 7: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator or freezer and chill for 10 to 15 minutes until the bark is firm. Once hardened, break it into pieces.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the caramel before chilling to enhance the sweet and salty contrast.
• Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if preferred.
• If you don’t have soft caramels, you can use caramel sauce but reduce the heavy cream slightly for a thicker drizzle.

Storage

Store the broken turtle bark pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keep away from heat to prevent melting. If the bark softens, simply chill it again before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, milk chocolate works well but will make the bark sweeter and less intense in flavor. Adjust sweetness by reducing caramel if desired.

What if I don’t have a microwave?

You can melt both the chocolate and the caramel using a double boiler on the stove. Stir frequently to prevent burning and achieve a smooth consistency.

Turtle Bark Recipe

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Turtle Bark is a decadent no-bake treat that combines rich dark chocolate, buttery caramel, and crunchy pecans. This simple recipe layers melted chocolate with gooey caramel drizzle and chopped nuts, then chills to form a deliciously sweet and nutty bark perfect for snacking or gifting.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 pieces 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chocolate Base

• 10 ounces dark chocolate melting wafers
• ¾ cup chopped pecans
• ¼ cup chopped pecans (reserved for topping)

Caramel Drizzle

• 15 soft caramels
• 2 teaspoons heavy cream

Instructions

1. Prepare Baking Sheet: Choose a baking sheet that fits into your refrigerator and line it with parchment paper. Set this aside for easy transfer of the bark later.
2. Melt Chocolate: Place chocolate melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each until fully melted. Alternatively, melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stovetop for smooth, even melting.
3. Mix Chocolate and Pecans: Stir ¾ cup of the chopped pecans gently into the melted chocolate to evenly distribute them without breaking the nuts.
4. Spread Chocolate: Pour the chocolate-pecan mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and spread with a spatula to about ¼ inch thickness, forming an oval approximately 10 to 12 inches wide.
5. Melt Caramel: In a separate bowl, combine soft caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second increments until the caramel softens and is warm, then stir until the cream is fully incorporated, creating a smooth caramel drizzle.
6. Drizzle Caramel and Add Nuts: Spoon the warm caramel over the chocolate bark and then sprinkle the reserved chopped pecans on top to add texture and flavor contrast.
7. Chill to Harden: Place the baking sheet into the refrigerator or freezer for 10 to 15 minutes until the bark hardens completely.
8. Break and Store: Once set, break the bark into pieces and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, ready to enjoy as a delightful snack or dessert.

Notes

• Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor balance between sweetness and bitterness.
• If caramels are hard, unwrap and allow them to soften at room temperature before melting.
• Store the turtle bark in a cool, dry place to prevent melting or stickiness.
• You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
• For a festive touch, add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the caramel before chilling.

Keywords: Turtle Bark, Chocolate Bark, Caramel Bark, No-Bake Dessert, Pecans, Chocolate Treat