This post is sponsored by Betty Crocker™ all opinions are 100% my own.
Turtle Brownies
Rich, chocolatey, fudgy brownies, studded with caramel and pecans, and topped with even more caramel, and chocolate frosting. These sinfully delicious brownies are ridiculously easy to make too, as they start with a box of Betty Crocker Supreme Fudge Brownie Mix, and use Betty Crocker Chocolate Frosting as well.
Next time you want a bakery worthy dessert, without the hassle, these turtle brownies are a must!
The world around us is looking very different than it did just a few weeks ago, and one of the ways I am finding connection and comfort during this time is baking with my family.
Baking has been such a great way to relax my mind, while keeping my kids and hands busy. And no one is complaining about the delicious end results! So if you are looking for the perfect way to spend an hour with your family, with a sweet treat at the end, this is it!
Why We Love Easy Turtle Brownies
There is just so much to love about these brownies beyond the obvious decadence.
- Low Mess: For one thing, this easy, one bowl brownie recipe does not leave your kitchen destroyed. It starts with a Betty Crocker mix, for Supreme Fudge brownies, so you know they are going to be good. And you really only need a bowl to mix everything in, and a baking pan!
- Gooey Decadence: You have moist, tender, fudge brownies; sweet, salty, caramel; crunchy chunks of pecans; a rich chocolate frosting; and little flakes of salt in every bite. This makes for one gooey, rich, delicious brownie. To put it simply, these are: Rich, decadent, and over the top fudge brownies.
- Plenty to Share: Makes a lot of brownies, and because they are so rich and decadent, they go far. They are the perfect treat for sharing.
- Keeps Things Simple: This is the perfect recipe to make with kids at home during this interesting time. These brownies are impressive but simple enough the kids can jump in and help! I love having my youngest open the Betty Crocker brownie mix. And she also loves to stir. My older kids are great with spreading the frosting, and layering on the garnish. And we all enjoy eating this delicious treat!
Turtle Brownies Ingredients
- Betty Crocker Supreme Fudge Brownie Mix: Along with what you need to make them!
- Egg
- Water
- Oil
- Betty Crocker Rich and Creamy Chocolate Frosting
- Caramel Sauce: Choose your favorite, but don’t pick an ice cream topper, it is usually too runny, you want something that will hold shape.
- Pecan Pieces: I use a combo of halves and pieces. I put the pieces in the brownies, and some of the halves and pieces on top for garnish.
- Caramel Bits: Little bite sized chunks of caramel. You can make your own, buy them, or cut up individually wrapped caramels to get the same effect.
- Flake Salt: Just a little goes a long way, and helps elevate these turtle brownies!
How to Make Turtle Brownies
Have I mentioned how seriously easy these are to make. Just one bowl??? Well these semi-homemade brownies are the perfect combo of delicious and simple. Here is how you whip these bad boys up!
- Preheat Oven.
- Mix together Betty Crocker Supreme Fudge Brownie Mix according to the package directions. Betty Crocker is the perfect way to bring comfort and joy during this time.
- Add the Extras! This is where you stir in the pecan pieces and the caramel bits.
- Add the Fudge and Swirl. This is my favorite part!
- Bake and Cool: You want it to cool completely.
- Top with Caramel Sauce and Chocolate Frosting
- Garnish with More Caramel, Flake Salt, and Pecan Pieces:
- Chill if Needed, Slice, and Serve: Remember, these are pretty decadent and rich, so you will want small bites of brownies, not huge pieces.
For complete instructions see recipe card below.
Tips for Great Turtle Brownies
The good news is these start with a box mix, so consistency is easy to achieve. Especially since Betty Crocker is an American, cultural icon, and has been a trusted source for great mixes and recipes for 99 years. You know these brownies are going to be good. And easy. But here are a few simple tips to get the best results:
- For Thicker Brownies: I used a 9 x 13 pan to bake these brownies, but if you want a thicker brownie base, use an 8 x 8 pan size. Adjust baking time according to the instructions on the box.
- Customize: These are turtle brownies, so I loaded them up with caramel bits and pecan pieces. But if you do not love nuts, you can leave those out. Or if you don’t want those chewy pockets of caramel in the brownie itself, you can always skip the bits, and just use the sauce on top. Have fun with this recipe, let your kids be creative.
- Cool Completely: These brownies are already gooey and delicious, if you do not let them cool completely they will melt the caramel sauce and the frosting, and it will be a mess. So cool completely before you top them!
- Garnish: Add as much or as little of the extras on top as you like. We love to load them up.
- Serving: Smaller slices are best since they are rich in flavor.
Storing Brownies
If you happen to make these ahead, or not eat all of them, the good news is they store really well. They can be stored 3 ways:
- Freeze them
- Refrigerate them
- Keep on Counter
Freezer: these brownies can be frozen for up to 3 months before the quality starts to diminish. You will want to cut them and package them in freezer safe containers. They do not stack well because they have a gooey top. So single layer is best. When ready to eat, let the brownies thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then set them out at room temperature before serving.
Refrigerator: My personal favorite way to store these brownies is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for 2-3 weeks, but chances are they won’t last that long. Eat them straight out of the fridge, or let them warm to room temp.
Room temperature: You can also leave the brownies in the pan on the counter at room temperature. Just be sure to cover the brownies with parchment paper or plastic wrap. Or transfer them to an air tight container. They will keep for up to a week at room temp.
Variations and Notes
- If at high altitude, add 1 Tablespoon of all-purpose flour to dry brownie mix.
- For thicker brownies use an 8×8 baking pan, and bake 35-38 minutes.
- For cake like brownies, add an additional egg.
Turtle brownies may just be the best dessert on the planet. And are definitely a great way to bring some joy during this time. So whether you make them and eat them yourself, or package them and deliver them to friends and family, you are sure to enjoy this delicious treat!
How Kids Can Help!
One of the best parts of my kids being home full time right now is being in the kitchen with them, and teaching them how to cook. Here are some ways kids of all ages can help with this recipe:
- Open the Betty Crocker Supreme Fudge Brownie Mix box.
- Squeezing the fudge pouch to warm it up.
- Measuring out the add-ins (pecans and caramels)
- Sneaking bites of caramel!
- Stirring.
- Spraying the baking pan with non-stick spray.
- Helping to spread the frosting.
- Garnishing!
Other Recipes:
Super Creamy Mint Chip Ice Cream
Cookie Dough Swirl Ice Cream Cake
Turtle Brownies
Ingredients
- 19.1 ounce box of Betty Crocker Supreme Fudge Brownie Mix
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup pecan pieces
- 1/2 cup caramel bits
Toppings
- 1 cup Caramel Sauce of choice
- 2 teaspoons flake salt
- 16 ounces Betty Crocker Chocolate Frosting
- Garnish: Pecan pieces caramel bits, and flake salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Prepare a 9 x 13 glass baking pan by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray, set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine Betty Crocker Supreme Fudge Brownie Mix (not fudge pouch), water, vegetable oil, and egg.
- Mix until combined.
- Fold in pecan pieces and caramel bits.
- Pour into prepared glass baking dish.
- Squeeze the fudge pouch for 10 seconds until softened, cut the corner of the pouch, and squeeze fudge in lines over the brownie batter.
- Use a skewer to swirl fudge mix into the brownie mix.
- Bake for 28-30 minutes, until brownies are done, and not giggly in the center.
- Let cool completely.
Topping
- Once brownies are completely cooled, spread caramel sauce over the top. And sprinkle with flake salt
- Spread Betty Crocker Chocolate Frosting over the top.
- Garnish with additional pecan pieces, caramel bits, and flake salt.
- Chill if needed to let frosting set.
- Slice and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
Our recipe card software calculates these nutrition facts based on averages for the above ingredients, different brands, and quality of produce/meats may have different nutritional information, always calculate your own based on the specific products you use in order to achieve accurate macros for this recipe.
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