Chewy Brownie Turtle Bars

By Joelene

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cup(s) pecan halves, broken in pieces
• 1/2 cup(s) (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 2 bar(s) (4-oz each) bittersweet chocolate, broken in small pieces
• 3/4 cup(s) sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup(s) all-purpose flour
• 2 can(s) (14-oz each) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 teaspoon(s) kosher salt
• 20 thin pretzels

Preparation

Step 1

Arrange the oven racks to divide the oven into thirds. Heat oven to 350°F. Line a 9 x 13-in. baking pan with nonstick foil, leaving a 3-in. overhang on two sides.
Spread the pecans in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and roast until toasted and fragrant, 8 to 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, place the butter and half the chocolate in a medium saucepan and cook, stirring, over medium-low heat until melted. Remove from heat and whisk in the sugar, then the eggs. Add the flour and stir until smooth.
Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, 12 to 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, place the sweetened condensed milk in a second medium saucepan. Whisking often, bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Gently simmer, whisking constantly, until very thick and light golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes.
Add the salt and 1 1/2 cups toasted pecans to the saucepan and stir to coat, then spread the mixture over the crust. Sprinkle with the remaining chocolate and pecans. Place the pretzels on top. Let set at room temperature until firm. Using the overhangs, transfer the bar to a cutting board and cut into pieces.