Caramel Turtle Brownies

Christmas is a time for indulgence, and what better way to treat yourself and your loved ones than with a scrumptious homemade dessert! These Caramel Turtle Brownies are a perfect blend of gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and rich chocolate, making them a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, these decadent brownies are sure to impress. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible treats!

**Caramel Turtle Brownies**

**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 8 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped
– 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– ½ tsp salt
– 1 cup caramel sauce
– 1 cup chopped pecans

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat and Prepare:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

2. **Melt Butter and Chocolate:**
– In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chopped chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and well combined.

3. **Combine Wet Ingredients:**
– In a separate large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and eggs until well combined. Pour in the melted chocolate mixture and mix until smooth.

4. **Add Dry Ingredients:**
– Gradually sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt into the wet ingredients. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

5. **Layer the Batter:**
– Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the batter and sprinkle half of the chopped pecans on top.

6. **Repeat Layer:**
– Add the remaining batter on top of the caramel and pecan layer, spreading it out evenly. Drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce over the batter and sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans on top.

7. **Swirl and Bake:**
– Use a knife to create a decorative swirling pattern in the batter, combining the layers slightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

8. **Cool and Slice:**
– Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and transfer them to a cutting board. Slice into squares and serve.

Enjoy these Caramel Turtle Brownies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee for the ultimate holiday treat. Their fudgy texture, sweet caramel swirls, and nutty crunch will certainly be a hit with your family and friends. You can also package them up in a festive tin or box to give as a delightful edible gift to spread some Christmas cheer. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!