If you’re a chocolate lover with a soft spot for caramel and pecans, get ready for a dessert that’s pure indulgence. Poke Turtle Brownies take fudgy, rich brownies and fill them with gooey caramel sauce, crunchy pecans, and a drizzle of chocolate that melts in your mouth.
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Imagine slicing into a soft, chocolatey brownie, only to have sweet caramel ooze from the inside. Every bite is a perfect balance of chewy, crunchy, and buttery goodness. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or just because you deserve a treat, trust me—this recipe is an absolute game-changer!
Why You’ll Love Poke Turtle Brownies
These brownies aren’t just delicious—they’re an experience! Here’s why they’ll become your new favorite dessert:
Ultra-Fudgy Texture
Soft, rich, and perfectly gooey in the center.
Easy Yet Impressive
Looks fancy but is surprisingly simple to make!
Perfect for Any Occasion
Great for holidays, parties, or satisfying a chocolate craving.
Customizable
Make them even more indulgent with extra toppings like sea salt or ice cream.
Make-Ahead Friendly
They taste even better the next day when the caramel sets!
Ingredients in Poke Turtle Brownies
Each ingredient plays a key role in making these brownies the ultimate chocolate-caramel treat:
Brownie Mix or Homemade Brownie Batter: The rich, chocolatey base of this dessert.
Caramel Sauce: Creates that gooey, irresistible filling.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Enhances the caramel’s creaminess and helps it soak into the brownies.
Pecans: Adds a perfect crunch to balance the softness.
Chocolate Chips or Melted Chocolate: A drizzle on top for extra decadence.
Sea Salt (Optional): A pinch of salt intensifies the sweetness.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Bake the Brownies
Prepare your brownie mix or homemade batter according to the package or recipe instructions. Pour into a greased baking dish and bake as directed.
Poke the Holes
Once baked, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the warm brownies. This will allow the caramel to seep in.
Make the Caramel Mixture
In a small saucepan, warm caramel sauce and sweetened condensed milk over low heat until smooth.
Pour & Soak
Slowly pour the caramel mixture over the brownies, ensuring it fills the holes for maximum gooeyness.
Add the Toppings
Sprinkle chopped pecans over the caramel layer, then drizzle with melted chocolate.
Chill & Set
Let the brownies cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 1 hour to allow the caramel to set.
Slice & Serve
Cut into squares and serve as is, or top with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra treat!
How to Serve Poke Turtle Brownies
Warm & Gooey
Microwave for a few seconds to make them extra melty.
With Ice Cream
Pair with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar
A light dusting adds a bakery-style touch.
Drizzled with Extra Caramel
Because there’s no such thing as too much caramel!
Topped with Whipped Cream
Adds a light, creamy contrast to the rich brownies.
Additional Tips
- Use Good-Quality Caramel: For the best flavor, go for high-quality caramel sauce or make your own.
- Let Them Set: Refrigerating helps the caramel soak in and makes slicing easier.
- Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
- Make Ahead: These brownies taste even better the next day, so they’re perfect for prepping in advance!
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free brownie mix or recipe.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?
A1: Absolutely! A homemade caramel sauce will make these even more delicious.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Q3: Can I freeze these brownies?
A3: Yes! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Q4: Can I use a different type of nut?
A4: Yes! Walnuts or almonds work well if you’re not a fan of pecans.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat them?
A5: Microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them warm and gooey again.
Q6: Can I make these without nuts?
A6: Of course! Just leave them out or replace them with toffee bits for crunch.
Q7: How can I make these brownies extra fudgy?
A7: Use a mix with extra eggs or melted chocolate for a richer texture.
Q8: Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
A8: Yes! Dark chocolate adds a deeper, slightly bitter contrast to the caramel.
Q9: Do I have to refrigerate them before serving?
A9: It’s recommended, as it helps the caramel set, but you can serve them right away if you prefer them warm.
Q10: What’s the best brownie mix to use?
A10: A fudgy-style brownie mix works best for a rich, chewy texture.
Final Thoughts
Poke Turtle Brownies are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves a gooey, chocolate-caramel combination. Whether you’re making them for a party, a holiday, or just because you’re craving something sweet, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Try them once, and they’ll quickly become a favorite in your dessert lineup!
Print
Poke Turtle Brownies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24–36 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Poke Turtle Brownies are ultra-moist, rich, and indulgent, filled with pockets of gooey caramel, studded with pecans and chocolate chips, and topped with a silky chocolate frosting. A final drizzle of caramel and extra toppings makes them absolutely irresistible! Perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime you need a decadent chocolate fix.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 1 cup butter, melted (2 sticks)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/4 cups pecans, roughly chopped, divided
- 3/4 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (or sub regular)
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 6 tbsp butter, softened
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp light corn syrup (or sub honey)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tbsp milk
Instructions
1. Prepare the Brownies:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, and cocoa powder until smooth.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition until just combined. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in the flour mixture until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips and ¾ cup chopped pecans.
- Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan.
2. Bake & Poke the Brownies:
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
- Use the back of a chopstick or small wooden spoon to poke holes all over the brownies.
- Pour ½ cup caramel sauce over the brownies and spread into the holes with a spatula.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour (or freeze for 30 minutes) to allow the caramel to set.
3. Prepare the Chocolate Frosting:
- In a small bowl, beat butter, cocoa powder, corn syrup, and vanilla extract until blended.
- Add powdered sugar and 2 tbsp milk, beating until smooth.
- Add additional milk if needed for a spreadable consistency.
4. Frost & Garnish:
- Once caramel has set, spread chocolate frosting over the brownies. (You don’t have to use all of it, but it’s highly recommended!)
- Sprinkle with ½ cup chopped pecans and ¼ cup mini chocolate chips.
- Drizzle with ¼ cup caramel sauce.
5. Serve & Store:
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate to allow the frosting to set for easier cutting.
- For an extra indulgent treat, microwave a brownie for 15 seconds before eating!
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Brownies (without toppings) can be frozen for up to 3 months. Add frosting and toppings after thawing.
- Caramel Substitute: Use store-bought caramel sauce or homemade caramel for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg