turtle bars

These treats are very easy to put together. The smooth caramel sauce holds everything together and makes for a moist, delicious bar.

INGREDIENTS:

3/4 c (1 1/2 stick) butter, softened

3/4 c sugar

3/4 c brown sugar

1 large egg

1 3/4 cup flour

1/2 t baking soda

1/2 t salt

1 1/2 c quick oats

3/4 c semi-sweet chocolate chips

2/3 c sweetened condensed milk

2 T cocoa powder

1 t vanilla

12 oz. caramel ice cream topping

1/2 c chopped pecans

HOW I MAKE THESE:

Heat the oven to 350°. Spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and mix to combine. Mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Blend in the oats. Reserve 2 cups of the mixture and set aside. Press the remaining dough into the bottom of the 9×13 pan.

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, condensed milk, and cocoa powder. Heat in the microwave on high for 30 seconds. Stir. Continue heating the mixture for 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Once the mixture is smooth, add the vanilla and stir to combine.

Pour the chocolate mixture over the dough in the pan, spreading evenly.

Pour the caramel sauce over the chocolate layer. Spread lightly to even the layer as much as possible without pulling up the chocolate layer.

Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the caramel layer.

Crumble the remaining dough evenly over the layers in the pan.

Bake for 30 minutes. Cool the bars completely before cutting and serving.