Ready in: 1 hour 30 minutes · Serves: 12 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Refrigerate for up to a week.Quick Answer
These Frosted Turtle Brownies combine fudgy chocolate brownies with caramel and pecans, all topped with silky frosting for a delicious holiday treat.Ah, the joy of baking in the heart of New York City during the cozy fall and winter months! As the leaves flutter and the holiday lights start twinkling on the streets, I find this is the perfect time to indulge in the comforts of home baking. Today, I'm thrilled to share a recipe that wraps warmth and sweetness into every bite-Frosted Turtle Brownies. These decadent treats marry rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with layered caramel and crunchy pecans, all topped with a silky frosting. They're perfect for impressing guests at Thanksgiving or sweetening up your Christmas events!
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Decadent layers of fudgy brownies, rich caramel, and silky frosting create a heavenly dessert experience.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, these treats will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
- Simple and straightforward instructions make this recipe great for bakers of all skill levels.
- Can be made ahead of time and stored, allowing for easy prep during busy holiday seasons.
- Customizable with your choice of nuts or drizzles, making it a versatile dessert option.
Ingredients
To make these brownies, you'll need the following beautifully simple yet flavorful ingredients:
For the brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
For the caramel layer:
- 14 oz caramel candies, unwrapped
- ½ cup heavy cream
For the frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the garnish:
- Additional chopped pecans (for sprinkling)
- Drizzle of chocolate syrup (optional)
How to Make Frosted Turtle Brownies (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps to create your delicious Frosted Turtle Brownies:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). The aroma of baking brownies is truly one of my favorites, and setting that temperature heats the anticipation right from the start.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the 1 cup of unsalted butter. As it melts, stir it gently until it forms a glossy pool, and don't rush this step-watching the butter dance in the pan is a small pleasure in itself.
Step 3: Mix the Brownie Batter
Once the butter is melted, remove it from heat and whisk in 2 cups of granulated sugar until smooth. Next, add in 4 large eggs one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The mixture should look glossy and rich.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of cocoa powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This is where the magic of the brownie comes together-watch how the dry ingredients create a cloud of rich chocolatey goodness.
Step 5: Fold in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. It's okay if there are a few tiny streaks of flour; they will incorporate during baking.
Step 6: Add Pecans (Optional)
If you're using pecans, fold them into the batter gently, providing that perfect crunch contrast to the brownies' fudginess.
Step 7: Bake
Transfer the brownie batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the brownies have set yet still have a slight jiggle in the center. The edges should start pulling away from the sides of the pan, and you'll catch that heavenly smell wafting through your kitchen.
Step 8: Prepare the Caramel Layer
While the brownies bake, melt the 14 oz of caramel candies with ½ cup of heavy cream over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. The decadent scent of caramel makes it impossible to resist tasting!
Step 9: Layer the Caramel
Once the brownies are baked and cooled slightly, pour the warm caramel over the top, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle more chopped pecans on top for a little extra crunch and flavor.
Step 10: Make the Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat ½ cup of softened butter until creamy. Gradually add in 2 cups of powdered sugar and ¼ cup of cocoa powder, alternating with ¼ cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Step 11: Frost the Brownies
Once the caramel layer has cooled, spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top. For an added touch, you can drizzle some chocolate syrup over the frosting and sprinkle with a few more pecans.
Step 12: Chill and Serve
Chill the brownies in the fridge for at least an hour to let the layers set before slicing into squares. This step is crucial for beautiful presentation and rich flavors!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the brownie batter can result in tough brownies-just fold until combined.
- Not letting the brownies cool before adding the caramel layer can lead to a gooey mess.
- Skipping the chilling step can make cutting the brownies messy-allow the flavors to meld for the best experience!
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- If possible, let the brownies sit overnight; they get even better as the flavors settle.
- Warm a square in the microwave for about 10 seconds for a melty treat!
Variations
- Substitute walnuts for pecans if you prefer.
- Use sea salt on top of the caramel layer for an added flavor contrast.
- Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
How to Serve
- Serve chilled for a firmer texture or at room temperature for a fudgier bite.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delicious contrast.
- Drizzle extra chocolate syrup over the top before serving for a decorative touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Prepare the brownie batter ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Store any leftover Frosted Turtle Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- To reheat, microwave a square for about 10 seconds or enjoy cold straight from the fridge.
- Frosted Turtle Brownies can be frozen for longer storage; wrap well in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Through testing this recipe, I discovered that balancing the sweetness of the caramel with the rich cocoa creates an indulgent experience that feels just right for holiday gatherings. I'm always amazed at how a simple brownie can transform into something truly special with just a few thoughtful layers!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 24 brownies · Serving Size: 1 brownie
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~250 calories · 3g protein · 35g carbs · 12g fat
Recipe by:
Decadent Frosted Turtle Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
- Remove from heat and whisk in sugar, then add eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- If using, fold in the chopped pecans gently.
- Transfer the batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Melt caramel candies with heavy cream over low heat until smooth.
- Pour the warm caramel over the cooled brownies, spreading evenly.
- In a medium bowl, beat softened butter, then gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder alternately with milk and vanilla until fluffy.
- Spread the frosting over the caramel layer, drizzle with chocolate syrup and sprinkle with additional pecans.
- Chill in the fridge for at least an hour before slicing into squares.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! You can substitute pecans with walnuts or even almonds if you prefer a different nutty flavor. Just make sure to chop them up to maintain the texture of the brownies.
2. How can I make these brownies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Frosted Turtle Brownies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your other ingredients, like baking powder and vanilla extract, are also gluten-free.
3. Can I make the brownies in advance?
Yes! These brownies can be made a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They often taste even better after the flavors have had time to meld together.
4. How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
The brownies are done when they have set around the edges but still have a slight jiggle in the center. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
5. Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?
Yes, you can use homemade caramel for these brownies! Just ensure it's a pourable consistency so it spreads easily over the brownie layer.
