Who’s craving dessert?

I’m talkin’ a dessert, dessert. A chocolate-packed, pecan-studded mini brownie dripping with caramel sauce to satisfy your craving – nay, your need – for something sweet in just 2 bites.

Sometimes when a simple scoop of ice cream or a handful of tootsie rolls just isn’t going to cut it, you need something over the top, without having to go over the top, and Mini Turtle Brownies are just the ticket.

Rich and decadent, just one of these babies completely satisfies when a craving hits.

Did I mention you only need THREE ingredients* to make ‘em? It’s true!

The first ingredient is 1 box brownie mix. Any brownie mix’ll do, and you’re more than welcome to make your own from scratch (I HIGHLY recommend these!)

Prepare the brownie mix according to package directions. I followed the low-fat directions on the box I bought (see my note below) and added 2 Tablespoons water, 1/3 cup applesauce, and 1 egg.
*Technically these are part of the recipe, so I suppose Mini Turtle Brownies aren’t TRULY 3 ingredients!

Whisk until smooth and lump free.

Spoon the brownie batter into mini muffin tins, filling each cup about 3/4 of the way full, then bake according to package directions. BTW, I scraped my brownie batter into a piping bag to make this step super easy!

Immediately after the brownies come out of the oven, grab a shot glass, spray the bottom with non-stick spray, then press down in the center of each brownie to create a little divot to hold the caramel topping.

Re-spray the shot glass every two or three cups to make sure the brownie doesn’t stick to it.

Like this… Also, NOTE: If you follow the “low-fat” directions on the brownie box, your brownies will be more a little more springy than normal, so you’ll have to press down with a bit of force. It’s ok. You won’t hurt them!

Once the brownie cups are cool (or at least cooled off - I couldn’t wait very long!) use a sharp knife to pop them out of the tin. Drizzle the second ingredient in Mini Turtle Brownies on top, caramel topping (NOT syrup like you see below,) then add the final ingredient, a whole pecan.

YOU’RE WELCOME!

If you can wait to devour these decadent bites for a bit, refrigerate for an hour to let the caramel stiffen up (caramel syrup doesn’t stiffen, btw, which is why I’m recommending caramel topping!) or follow your heart and pop one of those bad boys immediately!

Mini Turtle Brownies

Print this recipe!

Makes 24 mini turtle brownies

Ingredients:
1 box brownie mix (plus egg, oil/applesauce, water – whatever the mix tells you to add)
1 jar caramel topping (not syrup)
24 whole pecans

Directions:

1. Spray mini muffin tin cups very well with non-stick spray, then stir together brownie mix and spoon into cups about 3/4 of the way full.
2. Bake according to package directions then immediately after removing from the oven, spray the bottom of a shot glass and press down in the center of each brownie to create a small divot. Re-spray shot glass every 2 or 3 brownies to prevent sticking. Let brownies cool completely in the tins then run a small, sharp knife around the outside and pop them out.
3. Fill the divots with caramel topping then top with a pecan half. Refrigerate for at least an hour to let caramel topping stiffen up. Store in the refrigerator.

Mini Turtle Brownies are insanely rich, which means you only need one or two to satisfy even the craziest of cravings for something sweet. These would be a hit at a tailgate or Labor Day BBQ!

Take what ya’ need then share the wealth and send the remainders off to school, work, neighbors, friends, and family. Or do the wise thing and freeze ‘em for the next time a craving hits…