Turtle Bark Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Mix Chocolate and Pecans: Stir ¾ cup of the chopped pecans gently into the melted chocolate to evenly distribute them without breaking the nuts.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Chill to Harden: Place the baking sheet into the refrigerator or freezer for 10 to 15 minutes until the bark hardens completely.
- 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