TURTLE CARAMEL BARS: 12 Weeks of Christmas cookies

sweetened condensed milk

🥗Healthier: coconut milk

💰Cheaper: evaporated milk

Coconut milk provides a dairy-free option while evaporated milk is often less expensive.

chocolate chips

🥗Healthier: dark chocolate

💰Cheaper: chocolate bar

Dark chocolate can offer a richer flavor, while a chocolate bar can be less expensive.

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is a healthier fat alternative, while margarine is often cheaper.

caramel sauce

🥗Healthier: homemade caramel

💰Cheaper: store-brand caramel

Homemade caramel can be healthier with less processed sugar, while store-brand options are often more affordable.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and granulated sugar.

Add soft butter to the mixture and crumble it together with a fork until it becomes a soft crumb.

Transfer the crumb mixture into a baking pan lined with parchment paper and press it down to form a shortbread base.

Bake the shortbread base for 15 minutes.

In a medium pot, add 150 grams of butter and 110 grams of brown sugar, and bring to a boil over low to medium heat, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until it starts to bubble.

Pour the caramel mixture over the baked shortbread base.

Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top of the caramel layer.

Bake again for 13-15 minutes or until bubbling.

Immediately drop milk chocolate chips on top of the caramel and walnuts and let sit for 3 minutes to soften.

Use a knife to swirl the melted chocolate on top until smooth.

Let the bars cool down completely before removing them from the pan using the parchment paper.

Cut into bars and serve.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens