Turtle Brownies

Gina Whitley
By
Gina Whitley
Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Sabores de mi Cocina", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine,...
11 Min Read

Turtle Brownie Recipe: the perfect combination of sweet and crunchy

Turtle Brownies are a delicious flavor experience that brings together the best of the classic brownie with the irresistible combination of caramel and nuts. This dessert achieves an incredible balance between the crunchy texture and the gooey melted caramel, a treat that fits perfectly for any occasion. Get ready to enjoy a sweet shell that everyone at home will love.

Preparation time

Organizing your time is key for this recipe to turn out perfectly and for you to enjoy every step without rushing.

  • Preparation: 20 minutes
  • Cooking: 30 minutes
  • Total: 50 minutes
  • Servings: 16 brownies
  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the brownies

  • 1 package brownie mix (plus ingredients required according to package)
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/2 cup caramel chips

For the caramel sauce

  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce (you can use store-bought to save time)

For the chocolate ganache

  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 1/4 cup of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chocolate chips

For decorating

  • Walnut halves (amount to taste)
  • Caramel bits for sprinkling

If you can't find caramel chips, you can replace them with finely chopped soft caramels. And if you prefer to make a homemade brownie, there are excellent recipes to prepare from scratch, like this option of homemade brownie with walnut crumble.

Utensils we will use

  • 9-inch square pan (you can use a similar one and adjust the size)
  • Non-stick spray or parchment paper
  • Medium saucepan for the ganache
  • Wooden spoon
  • Bowl for mixing the dough
  • Spatula or spoon to combine ingredients

Preparation

1. Prepare the pan and the batter

  1. Grease the mold: Use non-stick spray so the brownies don't stick, or place parchment paper to facilitate removal from the mold.
  2. Mix the dough: Follow the package instructions to prepare the base dough. Add the chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and caramel chips at this stage and mix well.
  3. Pour and bake: Place the mixture in the mold, spreading it evenly, and bake according to the indicated time, watching to ensure the surface doesn't burn.

2. Make holes for the caramel

  1. Cool slightly: Let the brownies rest long enough to handle them but still be warm.
  2. Pierce the surface: Use the tip of a wooden spoon to make small holes approximately 1 to 2 inches apart.
  3. Pour caramel: Cover the surface by pouring caramel sauce over the holes, ensuring the caramel penetrates well into each one.

3. Prepare the chocolate ganache

  1. Heat liquid ingredients: In the saucepan, mix the milk, butter, and sugar over medium heat, stirring to combine well.
  2. Incorporate chocolate and vanilla: Add the vanilla extract and chocolate chips, mix until you get a smooth and shiny mixture without lumps.
  3. Remove and cover brownies: Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately pour the ganache over the brownies with caramel.

4. Decorate and complete

  1. Add nuts and caramel: While the ganache is still liquid, press walnut halves onto the surface and sprinkle with the remaining caramel pieces.
  2. Let it harden: Wait for the frosting to fully solidify so you can cut the brownies without them falling apart.

To finish and serve

Before serving, remove the paper liners if used and adjust any excess caramel with a spoon. You can accompany these incredible brownies with vanilla ice cream or your favorite flavor; the contrast between the sweet shell and the cold is wonderful. If you store them in the refrigerator, warm them slightly in the microwave so that the caramel melts again and its texture is perfect at the time of serving.

I want to share these tips with you

  • Do not overcook: Watch that the brownies don't dry out, the secret is to maintain a moist interior so that the caramel and ganache stand out.
  • Flavor balance: If you prefer a less sweet touch, slightly reduce the amount of sugar in the ganache.
  • Perfect texture: For the walnuts to maintain their crunch, always add them at the end and avoid baking them for too long with the batter.
  • Simple plating: Don't worry about perfection when making the holes; with a little practice, you'll manage to distribute the caramel well anyway.
  • Recommended pairings: Serve with strong coffee or a glass of cold milk to soften the sweetness and enhance the flavor of the brownie and flavor.

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 443 kcal
  • Proteins: 4 g
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 67 g
  • Fiber: 1 g

These values are approximate per serving and may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.


4 common mistakes and how to avoid them when making Turtle Brownies

  • Overbaking: Result: dry and hard brownies. Solution: follow the package or recipe time and do the toothpick test.
  • Not distributing the caramel well: The caramel stays only on the surface, not in the holes. Solution: pour the caramel slowly and make sure it penetrates each gap.
  • Granulated ganache: It can happen if the chocolate is not mixed well. Solution: use medium heat and mix constantly to achieve smooth ganache.
  • Excess nuts in the mixture: It can affect the texture and baking. Solution: respect the quantity to prevent the brownie from being heavy or cooking unevenly.

When is it ideal to enjoy Turtle Brownies?

This dessert is perfect for special moments or for a casual get-together at home. Its combination of chocolate turtle with that sticky touch makes it ideal for celebrations like birthdays or family gatherings. Also, enjoy some La Cueva Brownies with a cup of coffee in the afternoon for a sweet break that brightens any day. Its texture and flavor also make it special for cold seasons or simply for sharing among friends on a movie night.


Turtle Brownies compared to other similar recipes

RecipeKey ingredientsDifference/advantage
Turtle BrowniesCaramel, nuts, chocolate chipsUnique combination with a layer of caramel and ganache
Classic browniesChocolate, butter, sugarSimple and quick, pure chocolate flavor
Brownies with avocadoAvocado, cocoa, flourHealthier, creamy texture without butter
Brownie with molten heart and walnutChocolate, nuts, creamy centerIntense flavor and melted filling
Brownie with walnut crumbleWalnuts, chocolate, crunchy crumbleAdditional crunch and artisanal texture
Brownie cookies with caramel and walnutsCaramel, walnuts, chocolateCookie presentation, ideal for snacking
Crepe cakeCrepes, chocolate, creamMore elaborate dessert and elegant presentation

How to share your experience with Turtle Brownies

After preparing these artisanal brownies, it would be great if you shared how they turned out, what modifications you made, or what accompaniments you enjoyed them with. The kitchen is a space to experiment and create. Did you try a variant with another nut or plant-based milk? Tell us your opinion so that more people can enjoy this sweet shell full of flavor.

Culinary glossary for Turtle Brownies

  • Ganache: Mixture of chocolate and cream (or milk and butter) that, when cooled, becomes a smooth and creamy topping.
  • Chocolate chips: Small pieces of chocolate added to batters to give flavor and texture.
  • To pierce: To make holes in the surface of a food to fill or allow liquids or sauces to penetrate.
  • Brownie batter: Raw mixture containing chocolate, flour, sugar, and eggs, base for baking brownies.
  • Non-stick spray: Aerosol product used to prevent food from sticking to the mold or pan.
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Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Flavors of my Kitchen", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine, with international recognition.
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