Poke Turtle Brownies Recipe

Sweet Surprise: Poke Turtle Brownies Recipe That Wows Everyone

Decadent chocolate lovers find pure bliss in these delectable poke turtle brownies that promise an unforgettable dessert experience.

Gooey caramel rivers weave through rich chocolate landscapes, creating a sensory adventure.

Nuts add delightful crunch against silky brownie textures.

Unexpected swirls of sweetness dance across each magnificent slice.

Indulgent layers reveal multiple flavor dimensions beyond traditional brownie expectations.

Deep chocolate notes intermingle with buttery caramel, crafting an irresistible treat.

Prepare to savor every single bite of this extraordinary dessert that will make you the ultimate sweet champion.

Turtle Brownie Layers in Poke Version

Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Cinnamon: Provides structure and subtle warmth to the brownie base, with flour as the primary dry ingredient.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the brownies.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter, Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla Extract: Creates a smooth, rich foundation for the brownies, with butter adding moisture and eggs binding the ingredients.
  • Caramel Sauce: Adds sweet, sticky complexity and creates signature poke brownie texture.
Mix-Ins and Toppings:
  • Chocolate Chips, Pecans: Provides delightful crunch and extra chocolate intensity, with pecans offering nutty depth.
  • Mini Chocolate Chips, Powdered Sugar, Corn Syrup: Enhances topping texture and adds decorative sweetness.

Poke Turtle Brownies – Step-by-Step Baking Directions

Poke Turtle Brownies - Step-by-Step Baking Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan

Warm up the oven to 350°F and get your baking pan ready by lining it with parchment paper.

Spray the paper lightly with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.

Whisk them together until well blended.

Step 3: Create Chocolate Base

In a separate large bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, and cocoa powder until the mixture looks smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavor

Crack eggs into the chocolate mixture one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition.

Stir in vanilla extract to enhance the rich flavor.

Step 5: Combine Batter

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Don’t overmix!

Carefully stir in chocolate chips and chopped pecans.

Step 6: Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

The brownies are done when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Create Poke Holes

Allow brownies to cool for 5 minutes.

Use a chopstick or wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface.

Step 8: Add Caramel Layer

Drizzle caramel sauce over the warm brownies, making sure it seeps into the holes.

Use a spatula to spread evenly.

Step 9: Chill the Brownies

Refrigerate for 1 hour (or freeze for 30 minutes) to let the caramel set completely.

Step 10: Prepare Chocolate Frosting

In a bowl, beat butter, cocoa powder, corn syrup, and vanilla extract until well blended.

Gradually add powdered sugar and milk, mixing until smooth and spreadable.

Step 11: Decorate and Finish

Spread the chocolate frosting over the chilled brownies.

Sprinkle chopped pecans and mini chocolate chips on top.

Finish by drizzling additional caramel sauce for extra decadence.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Cut into squares and serve.

These turtle brownies are best enjoyed fresh and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Brownie Tips With Turtle Topping

Brownie Tips With Turtle Topping
  • Avoid overmixing the batter and check brownies early to ensure moist texture, removing them from the oven when a few moist crumbs remain on the toothpick.
  • Poke holes while brownies are still warm to help caramel sauce penetrate deeply, creating more intense flavor and gooey texture throughout the dessert.
  • Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for different flavor profiles, or toast nuts beforehand to enhance their nutty richness and add extra depth to the brownies.
  • Adjust milk quantity gradually when making chocolate frosting to achieve perfect spreadable texture, ensuring smooth and even coverage over the brownies.
  • Prepare brownies a day in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature to allow flavors to meld and develop more complex taste.

Poke Turtle Brownies Stay Fudgy and Sweet

  • Store cooled brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual brownies or the entire pan in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm individual brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a gooey, fresh-from-the-oven texture. Alternatively, warm in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore softness.
  • Let refrigerated or frozen brownies sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and texture.

What To Serve With Turtle Brownies

  • Pair with Creamy Companions: Vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream balances the rich chocolate and adds a cool, silky contrast to the warm, gooey brownie texture.
  • Sip Perfectly Matched Beverages: Dark roast coffee or espresso cuts through the sweetness and enhances the deep chocolate notes, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
  • Complement with Nutty Sidekicks: Roasted almond milk or a hazelnut liqueur brings out the pecan undertones and provides a complementary nutty warmth to the dessert.
  • Elevate with Sweet Wine: Port wine or a sweet dessert wine like Moscato offers a delightful accompaniment, matching the caramel and chocolate intensity while providing a luxurious finish.

Poke Turtle Brownies Takes

  • Gluten-Free Turtle Brownies: Swap regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring a celiac-friendly dessert without compromising rich chocolate flavor.
  • Vegan Chocolate Pecan Brownies: Replace eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, use dairy-free butter alternative, and choose vegan chocolate chips for a plant-based version that's equally decadent.
  • Low-Sugar Caramel Brownies: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, use sugar-free caramel sauce, and reduce chocolate chips to create a diabetic-friendly treat with fewer calories.
  • Nut-Free Turtle-Style Brownies: Eliminate pecans completely, replacing them with sunflower seeds or omitting nuts altogether while maintaining the classic caramel and chocolate combination.

FAQs

  • How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Look for a toothpick with a few moist crumbs when inserted into the center. The edges should be slightly pulling away from the pan sides, and the top should look set but not completely dry.

  • Can I substitute pecans with another nut?

Absolutely! Walnuts work great as a replacement. You can also use almonds or leave out nuts entirely if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free version.

  • Why do I need to poke holes in the brownies?

Poking holes allows the caramel sauce to seep deeper into the brownie, creating pockets of gooey, sweet goodness throughout the entire dessert. This technique ensures every bite is deliciously moist and caramel-infused.

  • What if my caramel sauce is too thick to spread?

Warm the caramel sauce briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will make it more fluid and easier to pour and spread into the poked holes. Just be careful not to overheat it.

Turtle Brownies That Are Gooey And Loaded

Turtle Brownies That Are Gooey And Loaded
  • Indulgent Chocolate Delight: Rich, decadent brownies that satisfy every chocolate lover's cravings.
  • Quick Weekend Baking: Easy recipe that takes just over an hour from start to finish, perfect for spontaneous dessert making.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Layers of caramel, chocolate, and pecans create a show-stopping treat that impresses family and friends.
  • Customizable Comfort: Flexible recipe allows adjustments like extra nuts or chocolate chips to match personal taste preferences.
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Poke Turtle Brownies Recipe

Poke Turtle Brownies Recipe


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4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Indulgent Poke Turtle Brownies melt chocolate and caramel into a sinful dessert that promises pure bliss. Rich layers of fudgy goodness and smooth pecans create a heavenly experience you won’t forget.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup butter, melted (2 sticks, 226 grams)
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 1/4 cups pecans, roughly chopped, divided

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (or sub regular)

Sauce and Flavor Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup caramel sauce
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 6 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup (or sub honey)
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 23 tablespoons milk (or 1.4 cups)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring easy brownie removal.
  2. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a mixing vessel, setting the dry mixture aside.
  3. Whisk melted butter, sugar, and cocoa powder in a large bowl until achieving a silky smooth texture.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract.
  5. Gently fold flour mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
  6. Fold chocolate chips and chopped pecans into the batter, distributing evenly.
  7. Transfer brownie batter to the prepared pan, spreading uniformly.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick reveals moist crumbs when inserted.
  9. Allow brownies to rest on a cooling rack for approximately 5 minutes.
  10. Create multiple perforations across the brownie surface using a chopstick or wooden utensil.
  11. Cascade caramel sauce over the punctured brownies, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
  12. Chill the brownies in the refrigerator for one hour to solidify the caramel layer.
  13. Prepare chocolate frosting by blending butter, cocoa powder, corn syrup, and vanilla until smooth.
  14. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and milk, adjusting liquid for optimal spreading consistency.
  15. Once caramel has set, generously apply chocolate frosting across the brownie surface.
  16. Embellish with additional chopped pecans and mini chocolate chips.
  17. Finish by drizzling remaining caramel sauce over the decorated brownies.

Notes

  • Select high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips for richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to ensure soft, fudgy brownies with a tender crumb.
  • Toast pecans briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty depth and bring out more complex flavors.
  • Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter integration and more consistent brownie texture.
  • Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
  • Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred, maintaining similar nutty crunch.
  • Reduce sugar by 2-3 tablespoons for less sweetness without compromising brownie structure.
  • Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for extended freshness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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