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
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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… 
I think it’s kind of dangerous for me to add this recipe to my collection. Ummmm….nom!
You always have the cutest photos! May I ask?… do you use scrapbook paper for the “back drop”? Love it!
I did! So many cute patterns to choose from!
No you didn’t. NO YOU DIDN’T. I want to live in your brain.
Aw man, those look amaze! I totally wanted to make them, until I saw the first and second ingredient in the caramel was “corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup.”
Sad face, maybe there’s a better substitute.
I make something similar with a ganache style filling:
Microwave 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream 1-2 minutes until hot. Whisk in 1 cup chocolate chips until smooth. Freeze for 10-12 minutes until it’s cool and starts to thicken, stirring every 5 minutes.
You could always make homemade caramel sauce too!
Wow, you have some wonderful recipes! Homemade caramel is the best and the only possible suggestion could be toasted pecan halves! So yummy!
I love the shot glass idea! Looks like the perfect size
Stop it!! These are too good to be true, especially for us armatures in the baking field.
You could make these truly a 3 ingredient recipe by using the mini brownies you can buy at Costco. They come in a tub and are absolutely delish alone. Add the caramel and pecan and you are over the moon.
Thanks for this wonderful idea!
That’s what I was thinking of when I made these. Those Costco brownies are AMAZING!
I’ve been obsessed with caramel lately. I’ finding every excuse to bake caramelly type things. These just went on the list. With homemade caramel sauce because I just love to torture myself with wondering “is THAT amber in color?!”
Anything with chocolate and caramel = amazing!! These look awesome!
What a great idea! These would be perfect for a baby shower. So mini & adorable:)
You. Are. Awesome!
Yum! Will be making this weekend!
the boyfriend loves Turtles – I see these in our future for sure!
How do you manage blogging and a full time job? I’m jealous!!
Your staging for your pictures is beyond adorable! I’d love to see a behind the scenes look at how you set up your shoots for what you photograph! All your various backdrops are adorable!
I love the trick with the shot glass. It is like a swimming pool of yummy caramel.
I’ll just be calling you the diet killer. And, I will be making these ASAP! Love the shot glass trick!
So tiny! So cute! I want them now! Maybe I will make these for our next work potluck so they won’t be calling my name in my kitchen…lol!
Oh. My. YUM.
omg I just want to take a bite out of those! lol!
ha – I had to chuckle when I got to the “low fat” directions part of the recipe. Does that make it diet friendly?
No, still probably not very diet friendly!
Somehow I can only think… is this even legal?! LOL!
Do those look delicious or what and so stinking easy! Would be a great dessert to serve at Thanksgiving…..yes I’m already thinking that far in advance.
Looks ahhhhmazing! Where did you find that polka dot platter/table cloth? I love it!
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Made these tonight, opted a new brownie recipe for the box recipe (suggest all natural chocolate in your brownies it made ALL the difference) and added almonds instead of pecans, LOVELY. Thanks for such an easy fix!!:)
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