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Turtle Bark 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.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate

  • 1 package chocolate almond bark (2024 oz)

Caramel

  • 25 caramel squares (equal to about 1 & 1/4 cup caramel bits)
  • 12 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