Turtle Bark Recipe

Introduction

Turtle Bark is a deliciously rich and decadent treat combining smooth chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans. This simple no-bake dessert offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that’s great for sharing or gifting.

Ingredients

• 1 package chocolate almond bark (20-24 oz)
• 25 caramel squares (about 1 & 1/4 cup caramel bits)
• 1-2 Tbsp water or heavy cream
• Whole pecans (as many as you desire, some chopped)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat, parchment paper, or wax paper.
2. Step 2: Roughly chop the almond bark into smaller pieces and place them in a glass bowl for quicker melting.
3. Step 3: Microwave the almond bark at 50% power for 3 minutes, then stir. Continue microwaving at 50% power in 1-2 minute increments, stirring in between and adding 30-second intervals as needed, until fully melted. Stir frequently to maintain smooth consistency.
4. Step 4: Place the caramel squares in a microwave-safe bowl with 1-2 tablespoons of water or heavy cream. Microwave at 50% power for 1 minute, stir, then microwave another minute at 50%. Continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring until the caramel is melted and smooth.
5. Step 5: Reserve about 1/4 cup of the melted chocolate for drizzling later.
6. Step 6: Pour the remaining melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it smooth with a spatula. Drop dollops of melted caramel over the chocolate using a spoon or small cookie scoop. Swirl the chocolate and caramel together gently with a butter knife or spatula. Scatter chopped and whole pecans evenly over the bark. Drizzle the reserved chocolate over the top.
7. Step 7: Allow the bark to harden at room temperature for 2-3 hours. Once completely set, cut into pieces using a sharp knife. Store in an airtight container.

Tips & Variations

• Use heavy cream instead of water for a creamier caramel texture.
• Try adding sea salt flakes on top for a sweet and salty contrast.
• Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for different nutty flavors.
• For extra flair, drizzle white chocolate along with the reserved dark chocolate.

Storage

Store the turtle bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate to prevent melting. To re-soften slightly before serving, let the bark sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use milk or dark chocolate instead of almond bark?

Almond bark is preferred because it melts smoothly without tempering, but you can use chocolate chips or bars. Keep in mind you may need to add a bit of oil or shortening to achieve the right consistency.

How can I make sure the caramel doesn’t harden too much?

Add a little heavy cream when melting the caramel to keep it soft and gooey. Also, avoid overheating by microwaving in short intervals and stirring frequently.

Turtle Bark Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 139 reviews

Turtle Bark is a delightful homemade treat combining rich melted chocolate almond bark swirled with gooey caramel and studded with crunchy whole and chopped pecans. This sweet and salty bark is easy to prepare by melting ingredients in the microwave, layering, and swirling them together before allowing the bark to harden. A perfect no-bake dessert for holidays or anytime a quick chocolatey snack is desired.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (microwaving times combined)
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including setting time)
• Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chocolate

• 1 package chocolate almond bark (20–24 oz)

Caramel

• 25 caramel squares (equal to about 1 & 1/4 cup caramel bits)
• 1–2 Tbsp water or heavy cream

Nuts

• Whole pecans (as many as you desire, some chopped)

Instructions

1. Prepare baking surface: Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat, parchment paper, or wax paper to ensure easy removal and cleanup.
2. Melt the chocolate: Roughly chop the almond bark into smaller pieces for quicker melting and place them in a microwave-safe glass bowl. Microwave at 50% power for 3 minutes, stir, then continue microwaving for 1-2 more minutes at 50% power. Stir frequently and add 30-second intervals if necessary until fully melted and smooth.
3. Melt the caramel: Place caramel squares in a microwave-safe bowl, add 1-2 tablespoons of water or heavy cream to help with melting. Microwave at 50% power for 1 minute, stir, then microwave an additional minute at 50% power. Continue with 30-second intervals, stirring until caramel is melted and smooth.
4. Reserve chocolate for drizzle: Set aside about 1/4 cup of the melted chocolate for drizzling over the finished bark.
5. Assemble the bark: Pour the melted chocolate over the prepared baking mat and spread smooth using a spatula. Drop dollops of melted caramel over the chocolate using a spoon or cookie scoop. Swirl the caramel and chocolate together gently with a butter knife or spatula to create a marbled effect.
6. Add pecans and drizzle: Sprinkle both chopped and whole pecans over the swirled bark then drizzle reserved melted chocolate on top for extra decoration and flavor.
7. Set the bark: Allow the bark to harden at room temperature on the counter for 2-3 hours until fully set and firm.
8. Cut and store: Once completely hardened, use a sharp knife to cut the bark into pieces of desired size. Store finished turtle bark in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Use either water or heavy cream to melt caramel; heavy cream will give a richer flavor.
• Chopping the almond bark before melting speeds up the melting process and ensures even heat distribution.
• You can customize the pecans by adding as many or as few as you like and choose to chop all or just some.
• Make sure to swirl the caramel and chocolate gently to avoid fully blending the two so that the marbled appearance remains.
• Store turtle bark at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week or refrigerate for extended freshness.
• If chocolate hardens while swirling, briefly microwave on low power to soften again.

Keywords: Turtle bark, chocolate bark, caramel bark, pecan bark, no-bake dessert, easy chocolate recipe