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Turtle Bark Recipe

4.5 from 110 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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