April 17, 2026

Studio Cookin’ – Magic Turtle Bars with Judge Tim Lapham

Today, we’re Studio Cookin’ with Judge Tim Lapham! This time around, we’re making Magic Turtle Bars; a rich, layered dessert with shortbread crust, chocolate, pecans, caramel, and sweetened condensed milk baked to perfection.

So buckle up, because this one’s packed with laughs, stories, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. You’ve been warned… and yes, it’s totally worth it.

 

 

🎙️ Host:

Shelley Stuessel-Brian

Director of Operations, Austin County News Online & Co-Creator, Hello Austin County

Greg Stuessel

Publisher, Executive Producer, Technical Director
Austin County News Online & Austin County Media

🎙️ Guests:

Tim Lapham, County Judge

Austin County, Texas

🎧 Episode Recipe:

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter (softened)
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt (optional)
12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1 1/2 cups caramel bits or chopped turtles
12 oz sweetened condensed milk

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking dish with parchment paper.

In a bowl, mix butter, brown sugar, and flour
until a soft dough forms. Press evenly into the pan
to create a shortbread crust.

Bake for 15–20 minutes until lightly golden.

Remove from oven and layer chocolate chips, pecans,
and caramel evenly over the crust.
Pour sweetened condensed milk over the top,
covering as much as possible.

Return to oven and bake for 30–35 minutes
until golden and bubbly.

Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Serve and enjoy!