Buckeye turtle brownies are an easy recipe that takes gooey caramel pecan turtle brownies and raises it with a fluffy layer of peanut butter and melted chocolate. Your sweet tooth will rejoice with the ultimate decadent brownie experience.

a Buckeye Turtle Brownie held up in the air with a bite taken out

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Creating Buckeye Turtle Brownies – Great Mistake!

In the world of recipe creating there are plenty of fails. Inspirational ideas often play out perfectly in my head, but then in real life…not so much.

These Buckeye Turtle Brownies were created from trying to simplify a turtle candy recipe. In theory it was foolproof, but then, I hit some strike outs. (Full disclosure: A LOT🤨)

I couldn’t bear to thrown away another batch of caramels and pecans, so I whipped up my favorite homemade gluten-free brownie recipe, spread a fluffy peanut butter topping on, and drizzled a turtle topping on top.

HUGE success. In fact, this buckeye turtle brownie recipe even caught the eye of Better Homes and Gardens on Instagram.  That’s what I like to call Entering-the-Big-Leagues.

I was pretty smitten myself with epic combo of peanut butter, pecans, and caramel. So much so the easy candy version of Buckeye Turtles was it’s brain child. I mean, how does it get any better than a peanut butter and chocolate combo? Take a look at this peanut butter Oreo pie eye candy and tell me I’m wrong…

Yet another incredible recipe! Made these brownies for a Super Bowl gathering and they were devoured. Loved the sweet-salty combo with the richness of the brownie – a keeper!

—Juliann
Buckeye Turtle Brownies recipe are layered with fudgy brownies, creamy peanut butter topping, sweet salty caramel pecans, and drizzled with salted chocolate. https://www.mamagourmand.com

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Let’s Make This Together!

Start with the brownie layer

You have options here. Go with a homemade brownie, box mix, or use a gluten-free brownie recipe. Just make sure the batter is enough for a 9X13-inch baking pan. Bake and cool completely before starting on the other layers.

flour being stirred into the brownie batter.

Gooey caramel layer

Melt together the caramels and milk. To make sure the mixture is not overheated, I like to melt them until they are almost melted, like the pic below, so you don’t risk them becoming hard or chewy when cooled. Stir until completely smooth and then add pecans. Pour caramel mixture over cooled brownies.

caramels almost melted all the way.

Now let’s make the peanut butter

Mix together the powdered sugar, peanut butter, butter, and milk. The mixture will be thick, but you can always add a little more milk to make it thinner, if preferred. I dot the mixture over the caramel and press it on with my fingers.

peanut butter mixture on a beater.

Drizzle on chocolate

Melt the chocolate chips with a touch of oil for smooth spreading. Drizzle it over the peanut butter and use an offset spatula to spread. If you want to add a salty finish, sprinkle on a little fleur de sel. So yummy!

melted chocolate spread over peanut butter.
a Buckeye Turtle brownie sitting on a plate with a bite taken out

Bonus Tips and Tricks

  • Sprinkle fleur de sel or Maldon salt on top. These special finishing salts are great on baked goods because they don’t dissolve and hold their integrity. 
  • The key to melting caramels and chocolate is to NOT heat them until completely smooth. Microwave until just about melted and then stir until completely smooth. The residual heat will finish the melting and you will ensure it not being overheated.
  • The peanut butter layer can be a little tricky to spread. Just get all in and press it down with your fingers (see video). Then, lick fingers clean.🤙
  • I usually melt chocolate chips for toppings because I always have them on hand. However, sometimes the chocolate “blooms,” or gets little white spots after it cools. It doesn’t affect the taste, but doesn’t look as pretty. For the best tips on melting chocolate perfectly check out this how to make chocolate bark article. Another option: eat the entire pan the same day made. What bloomed chocolate? 🤫

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Did you make this recipe? I love hearing from you! Leave a star rating and comment below the recipe card. It helps others when searching for recipes and I appreciate feedback from our community. You will always hear back from me! -Melissa

4.22 stars (114 ratings)

Buckeye Turtle Brownies (Seriously GOOD)

Melissa Erdelac of MamaGourmand headshot in patterned dress.Melissa Erdelac
Yield: 24
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Check out how to make easy Buckeye Turtle Brownies! This turtle brownie recipe, featured in Better Homes and Gardens, has a layer of fudgy brownies, creamy peanut butter topping, a gooey caramel pecan topping, and is all drizzled with chocolate.
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Ingredients
 

Turtle Topping:

Peanut Butter Topping:

Chocolate Topping:

Instructions
 

  • Bake your 9X13 brownie mix or recipe according to directions. If you are using my favorite homemade gluten-free brownie recipe, do not mix in the last cup of chocolate chips before baking. Cool brownies completely.
  • In a microwave safe bowl place caramels and milk and heat on high for about 1 1/2 – 2 minutes**, stopping to stir intermittently. Remove immediately just after caramels are almost smooth. Pour in chopped pecans, mix, and scoop in spoonfuls over brownies immediately.
    TIP: Use a piece of waxed paper greased with cooking spray to press down and spread. Don't worry if it doesn't cover brownies completely, you'll be covering it with other layers. 
    11 ounce bag of caramels, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
  • For the peanut butter topping*, beat all ingredients together in a medium bowl until well mixed (will be very thick). Scoop spoonfuls of peanut butter topping all over turtle topping. Press and spread the peanut butter topping gently using fingers.
    6 tablespoon butter, ¾ cup creamy peanut butter, 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk
  • In another microwave safe bowl place chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Melt on high for about 1 minute**, stirring occasionally until chocolate is about melted and smooth. Pour over peanut butter layer and smooth with offset spatula. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt or fleur de sel, if desired.
    1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 ½ teaspoons oil

Notes

*If you want a more caramel tasting topping, halve peanut butter topping ingredients and keep caramel ingredients the same. 
**The best ways to melt caramels and chocolate is to heat them until they are ALMOST melted. Remove from microwave and stir until mixture is smooth and all solid pieces are gone. 
UPDATE: 6/18 I switched the order of the layers around because placing the turtle topping directly on brownies makes the layers stay put when slicing and eating. 
 
Calories: 247kcal, Carbohydrates: 24g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 9mg, Sodium: 97mg, Potassium: 155mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 20g, Vitamin A: 110IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 34mg, Iron: 1mg
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