Want a Turtle Bark recipe that makes your dessert table extra special? You’re in the right place! This indulgent treat brings together rich chocolate, crunchy pecans, and gooey caramel in a delightful homemade candy that’s both easy and irresistible.
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet-style dessert with just a little effort. Perfect for holiday gifting, party platters, or an everyday sweet tooth craving, turtle bark delivers the ultimate balance of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors. With only a few steps, you’ll have a decadent chocolate bark that looks impressive but is incredibly simple to make!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowls or double boiler
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Ingredients Overview
- Chocolate: A mix of dark and milk chocolate creates a rich, smooth base.
- Pecans: Toasted for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Caramel: Adds a gooey, buttery sweetness.
Ingredients
- 12 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
- 6 oz milk chocolate, chopped (optional, for layering)
- 1 cup pecan halves, toasted and roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce or melted caramel candies
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or coconut oil (for smoother chocolate)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet (or dark) chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth.
- If using milk chocolate for layering, melt separately using the same method. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil for a glossy finish.
Step 3: Assemble the Bark
- Pour the melted chocolate onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle toasted pecans over the chocolate while it’s still warm.
- Drizzle warm caramel sauce in zigzag patterns over the bark.
- If layering milk chocolate, drizzle it over the top and lightly swirl with a toothpick.
Step 4: Chill & Set
- Lightly sprinkle with sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes, or until firm.
Step 5: Break & Serve
- Once fully set, break the bark into uneven pieces.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Chill Time
30-45 minutes
Total Time
40-55 minutes
Nutrition (per piece, ~12 servings)
- Calories: ~210
- Fat: ~14g
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Protein: ~2g
Expert Tips
- For Extra Crunch: Add crushed pretzels or chopped almonds.
- Drizzle Variation: Use white chocolate for a contrast in color and flavor.
- Easier Caramel Sauce: Microwave caramel candies with 1 tablespoon of cream for a smooth drizzle.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes! Just ensure it’s thick enough to set properly on the bark.
How do I store turtle bark?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for 2 weeks.
Can I freeze this bark?
Yes! Freeze in layers separated by parchment paper for up to 2 months.
Storing & Freezing
- Storing: Keep at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Substitutions & Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Swap pecans for sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the chocolate.
- Extra Sweetness: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup before chilling.
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Turtle Bark recipe
Equipment
- - Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- - Microwave-safe bowls or double boiler
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Ingredients
- - 12 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate chopped
- - 6 oz milk chocolate chopped (optional, for layering)
- - 1 cup pecan halves toasted and roughly chopped
- - 1/2 cup caramel sauce or melted caramel candies
- - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- - 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or coconut oil for smoother chocolate
Instructions
- #### **Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet**
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- #### **Step 2: Melt the Chocolate**
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet (or dark) chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth.
- If using milk chocolate for layering, melt separately using the same method. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil for a glossy finish.
- #### **Step 3: Assemble the Bark**
- Pour the melted chocolate onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle toasted pecans over the chocolate while it’s still warm.
- Drizzle warm caramel sauce in zigzag patterns over the bark.
- If layering milk chocolate, drizzle it over the top and lightly swirl with a toothpick.
- #### **Step 4: Chill & Set**
- Lightly sprinkle with sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes, or until firm.
- #### **Step 5: Break & Serve**
- Once fully set, break the bark into uneven pieces.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
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