Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Bars

Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Bars are a decadent dessert bar layered with rich chocolate, crunchy pecans, and melted caramel. Made with a simple cake mix base, these indulgent bars are gooey, chewy, and packed with classic turtle candy flavor. Whether you’re baking for a potluck, special occasion, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these bars are guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These turtle cake bars are incredibly easy to prepare and require just a handful of pantry staples. The combination of chocolate cake, melted caramel, and crunchy pecans offers a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. The gooey center and crisp edges make them irresistible straight from the pan or served à la mode with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chocolate cake mix

• Unsalted butter, melted

• Evaporated milk

• Chopped pecans

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips

• Caramel bits

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

2. Prepare Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and evaporated milk. Stir until a thick dough forms.

3. Form Bottom Layer: Press half of the dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

4. Add Fillings: Sprinkle chopped pecans, chocolate chips, and caramel bits evenly over the bottom layer.

5. Top Layer: Spoon or drizzle the remaining dough mixture over the filling. It won’t fully cover the top—this is fine, as the dough will spread during baking.

6. Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are set and golden brown. The center should still be slightly soft and gooey.

7. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This helps the caramel set and makes slicing easier.

8. Serve: Enjoy on their own or with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 12 bars

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Baking Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

• Calories: Approximately 360 kcal per bar

Variations

• Add Sea Salt: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.

• Nut-Free Option: Omit the pecans or replace with sunflower seeds or shredded coconut.

• Different Chips: Use white chocolate or dark chocolate chips for variety.

• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with caramel sauce after baking for an extra gooey finish.

• Brownie Base: Substitute brownie mix for the cake mix for a denser texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: Wrap individual bars and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

• Reheating: Microwave a bar for 10–15 seconds to enjoy a warm, gooey texture.

FAQs

Can I use homemade caramel instead of caramel bits?

Yes, but make sure it’s a thick, chewy caramel to maintain structure.

Do I need to prepare the cake mix as directed on the box?

No, use only the dry mix combined with butter and evaporated milk as directed in this recipe.

Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, walnuts or almonds can be used instead of pecans.

Will the bars be firm enough to hold?

Yes, once fully cooled, they set nicely and are easy to slice and hold.

Can I use a different pan size?

An 8×8-inch pan will result in thicker bars; you may need to adjust the baking time.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Only if you use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

How do I keep the bars from sticking to the pan?

Grease the pan well or line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

What’s the best way to cut them cleanly?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat edges.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger baking sheet or two pans, and bake in batches if needed.

Conclusion

Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Bars are a rich, chocolatey treat with layers of crunch and sweetness in every bite. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, these bars bring all the flavors of classic turtle candy into an irresistible dessert format. Whether you’re sharing them or saving them all for yourself, they’re bound to become a new favorite.