The EASIEST Turtle Brownies Recipe | Cake Mix Caramel Pecan Brownies (2024)

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The EASIEST Turtle Brownies Recipe!

Made with a cake mix, this super chocolaty Turtle Brownies recipe is just as easy as they are delicious! Loaded with lots of chocolate, caramel, and pecans, these Caramel Pecan Brownies are amazing anytime you’re in the mood for a sweet treat!

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Caramel Pecan Brownies made from a Cake Mix!

Did you know you can make brownies from a chocolate cake mix? Yes! These Caramel Pecan brownies need just six ingredients and are the perfect quick treat when you’re craving chocolate and caramel with a bit of crunch.

I’ll show you the quick and easy steps to making these decadent, delicious Turtle Brownies recipe.

Can I make brownies from a chocolate cake mix?

Yes! A chocolate cake mix and a brownie mix are similar (not identical) and can be adapted to be made into brownies.

What is the difference between cake mix and brownie mix?

The primary differences are the leavening agents, like baking soda or baking powder, which is generally not used brownie mixes. This is why brownies tend to be more dense and fudgy and cakes tend to be fluffier. Brownie mixes will also contain more chocolate than a cake mix.

Can I use a brownie mix instead of a cake mix for this recipe?

Yes. The mixes tend to contain the same ingredients. The consistency of the turtle brownies will be fudgy and dense.

What ingredients do I need to make turtle brownies?

For this recipe you will need the following:

  • Chocolate Cake Mix
  • Butter
  • Milk (preferably dairy milk, not plant based)
  • Caramels
  • Pecans
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips

Can I use caramel bits instead of caramel squares?

Yes. These are the same product and sold by the same brand. Be sure to follow the package directions when melting.

As you can see, these bars are loaded with chocolate, caramel and pecans! They are super-gooey, fudgy and really hit the spot when chocolate is what you’re craving. Perfect with a scoop of ice cream, they make one heck of a fantastic dessert at the end of the day!!

How long should I wait before cutting the brownies?

Once the brownies are done baking, remove from the oven and let cool. I would recommend waiting 1 hour. I do NOT recommend cutting the brownies right away. The caramel will be piping hot can burn if you try to handle. Let the brownies cool to room temperature before cutting. They will still be slightly warm on the inside.

If you loved these Caramel Pecan Brownies, check out some of my other similar treats:

  • German Chocolate Brownies
  • Lunch Lady Brownies
  • Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies
  • Triple Chocolate Fudge Brownies
  • Mint Chocolate Brownies
  • Black Bean Brownies
  • Black Forest Brownie Bites
  • German Chocolate Cookie Bars at Real Housemoms

Do you enjoy the convenience of baking with cake mixes? Check out these other cake mix recipes:

  • Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies
  • Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookies
  • Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
  • Blueberry Cobbler Dump Cake
  • Cake Mix Peach Cobbler
  • Pumpkin Dump Cake
  • Strawberry Dump Cake

Here are how these Easy Turtle Brownies come together:

The EASIEST Turtle Brownies Recipe | Cake Mix Caramel Pecan Brownies (6)

Double Chocolate Turtle Bars

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Chocolate, caramel and pecans have never tasted so good! These Double Chocolate Turtle Bars are the perfect dessert when you're craving something gooey and delicious!

Ingredients

  • 1 pkg chocolate cake mix
  • 3/4 c. butter, melted
  • 1 c. milk (divided)
  • 1 pkg. Kraft caramels
  • 1 c. chopped pecans
  • 2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13" plan with non-stick spray.
  2. In a mixing bowl pour the melted butter and 1/2 c. milk into the cake mix. Stir. The batter will be sticky. Using a rubber scraper, spread 1/2 the batter into the 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
  3. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the chopped pecans and chocolate chips over the thin cake layer. Melt the caramels with 1/2 c. milk in the microwave. (Melt in 1 minute increments, stirring each time. It took me 2 1/2 minutes to get to a smooth fully melted consistency.) Pour the caramel evenly over the nuts and chocolate chips. Drop the remaining cake batter (I used my fingers to drop small chunks) on the caramel. Bake 15 minutes more at 350 degrees.
  4. Cool completely before cutting.
  5. Store at room temperature in a air tight container.

Notes

1 brownie is one serving

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 20 squares
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 200Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 71mgCarbohydrates: 15gSugar: 12gProtein: 2g

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  • Chocolate Covered Banana Bites
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The EASIEST Turtle Brownies Recipe | Cake Mix Caramel Pecan Brownies (2024)

FAQs

What does adding an extra egg to brownie mix do? ›

If you opt to add more eggs, say double the amount, something interesting happens. Even though you are adding more moisture, the air bubbles that you catch in the extra eggs add volume, which decreases the density of your final product. This makes your brownies rise and gives them a much more cake-like texture.

Is it better to use milk or water in brownie mix? ›

One change is to use milk or heavy cream instead of water. This change will make brownies more moist and gooey since milk is more fatty and flavorful than water. A second change is to use butter instead of oil. For similar reasons to using milk, butter adds a rich and more decadent quality to the batter.

How do you add flavor to brownie mix? ›

Try swirling in half of a cup of strawberry jam or caramel sauce into the batter. To do this, once you have your batter into your pan, add two to three spoonfuls of jam or sauce in separate corners. Then, swirl your spoon all around to mix that delicious flavor into each bite.

Should you beat eggs before adding to brownie mix? ›

Cookbook author and food stylist Jerrelle Guy might have given away the secret: In an article for The Kitchn, Guy suggests the secret to a "glossy" and lifted brownie — like the ones you see in bakeries and restaurants — is to beat the eggs and the sugar together for 10 minutes before adding additional ingredients.

How to jazz up boxed brownies? ›

Add nuts – Add a handful of finely chopped pecans or walnuts if you love brownies with nuts. Add mix ins – Jazz up a basic brownie mix with chopped mini peanut butter cups, white chocolate chunks, or your favorite chopped up candy bar. Add a swirl – Swirl in spoonfuls of peanut butter or Nutella before baking.

Can I use butter instead of oil in brownie mix? ›

You can absolutely substitute butter for the vegetable oil. Use the same quantity specified in the directions (for example, if it calls for 1/3 cup of oil, use 5 1/3 tablespoons of butter). Melt it down, then let it cool a bit. You might not ever go back to oil!

Can you use butter instead of water in brownie mix? ›

With coffee instead of water, the brownies will taste even more chocolatey as the coffee enhances the flavors of chocolate, while the butter will make the brownies much richer and fudgier than the oil will.

How to doctor up Duncan Hines brownie mix? ›

Fruits and Nuts

“When I make brownies or blondies, I like to add toasted nuts for extra crunch and flavor,” says culinary editor Genevieve Yam. “Any nut will do, but my favorites are pecans and walnuts.” Feel free to chop them up and mix them into the batter, or add them on top for even more visual appeal.

Should brownie batter sit before baking? ›

Though making brownie batter in advance is possible, it has to be done in a specific way to prevent spoiling. Because most brownie recipes call for eggs, the batter shouldn't sit out for longer than two hours before baking.

Should you chill brownie mix before baking? ›

Recently, as I was reading through the comments on all our brownie recipes, one suggestion in particular stood out: Refrigerate the batter overnight for a richer, chewier brownie.

What can I add to my Betty Crocker brownie mix? ›

Betty Crocker™ Supreme original brownie mix, plus water, vegetable oil and egg called for on box. Stir-in options: Semisweet chocolate chips, white vanilla chips, butterscotch chips, peanut butter chips, toffee bits, chopped maraschino cherries, chopped cookies, chopped chocolate candy, chopped nuts and more.

Can I use milk instead of water in boxed brownie mix? ›

Instead of adding in the recommended amount of water, substitute it for milk to give the batter a slightly different consistency. Milk is richer than water, so the brownies will be richer, and they'll be denser, like fudge.

Is Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker better for brownie mix? ›

If you like chewy, sticky brownies, I recommend: Betty Crocker Dark Chocolate Brownie Mix. If you like light, less dense brownies with a picture-perfect sugar top that flakes when sliced, I recommend: Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownie Mix.

How many eggs does Betty Crocker brownies need? ›

Prep Instructions. *For cakelike brownies, use 2 tablespoons water, 1/2 cup vegetable oil and 3 eggs.

How does an extra egg affect baking? ›

Eggs also contain a variety of proteins that create the structure of a cake, and when beaten, they can act as a leavening agent by adding air to the cake batter. However, if you add too many eggs to your cake batter, then your end result could be spongy, rubbery, or dense.

What happens if you add an extra egg to a baking recipe? ›

Eggs are responsible for giving baked goods structure, which means the amount you use directly affects the resulting texture. Using too few eggs will make your desserts dense, but using too many will make them rubbery. The explanation for this lies in the fact that eggs are made up of protein.

Is it good to add an extra egg to a cake mix? ›

Use an extra egg: Most boxed mixes will call for three eggs. Use four for a cake that's richer-tasting and moister. This tip is one I use practically every time I make a boxed cake mix. Substitute dairy: Replace the water called for on the package with dairy.

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