This chocolate turtle recipe is vegan, gluten-free, no-bake, and has a delicious gourmet-like flavor.
Chocolate turtles are also known as pecan turtles, pecan turtles, caramel turtles, & many more names. Whatever your preference is – this decadent sweet treat is a classic enjoyed by many for any occasion.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Few ingredients: these healthy chocolate caramel-like turtles come together with only 5 ingredients.
- Ready in under 20 minutes: This no-bake dessert is a healthy alternative to traditional store-bought turtles. With little effort, they’ll be prepared for you to enjoy in no time!
What’s in this healthy chocolate turtle recipe
- Medjool dates – dates are the foundation of this recipe. They hold everything together and taste delicious.
- Coconut flour – a gluten-free flour that helps provide structure to keep the dates together.
- Pecans – an essential ingredient.
- Dark chocolate chips – Chocolate makes everything taste better and is the main star of the show (in my opinion).
- Sea salt – brings out the flavor.
How to make this vegan chocolate turtle recipe
Start by pulsing the dates & coconut flour. Add the Medjool dates to a food processor and pulse until they form a loose ball. Next, add the coconut flour (1 tbsp at a time) and continue to pulse until you have a dough that is not too sticky, but still sticks together.
Make the date patties. Use your hands to roll them into even-sized balls, then press between your palms to form into patties, and then place 3 pecans onto each date patty.
Top with melted chocolate. Use a spoon and drizzle the melted vegan chocolate on top, then place it in the fridge to set, for about 5 minutes, and sprinkle with sea salt.
Pecan Benefits
Pecans are a great source of magnesium, calcium, and potassium.
Interested in more chocolate recipes? Try my vegan chocolate fondue or my no-bake chocolate tart.
How to melt chocolate
- Double-Broiler: Add a bit of water to a saucepan. Place a heat-resistant bowl on top so it is resting on the edges of the pan, but not touching the water. Heat water on low. Place the chocolate chips in the bowl, stirring often, and watch it melt. Remove the bowl from the heat once the chocolate is melted to prevent burning.
- Microwave: In a bowl, add the chocolate chips and microwave in 30-second increments until completely melted.
Chocolate Turtle FAQ
This classic dessert is made with pecans and caramel dipped in milk chocolate. However, my homemade recipe is made with Medjool dates, coconut flour, pecans, melted dark chocolate, and sea salt.
Yes, this recipe uses dark chocolate. However, you can customize the recipe to your preference. Feel free to use semi, dark chocolate, white chocolate, etc.
Store these chocolate turtles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Also, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months and take them out to eat when you want!
Tips for making these pecan turtles
- Use a cookie scoop to measure even date dough balls.
- Use Medjool dates for this recipe.
- Drizzle the chocolate in small amounts. The more melted the chocolate is the more it will spread. It’s best to melt the chocolate, then wait 3-5 minutes for it to cool slightly and thicken so it doesn’t spread as much.
- Depending on the freshness, your dates may be sticky or less sticky. If they’re sticky, you may want to add a bit more coconut flour. If your dates are dry, add less coconut flour. If your dough is too sticky to work with, place it in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up.
Storage Tips
- Store the chocolate turtles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freeze them for up to 2-3 months, thaw, and enjoy!
More Dairy-Free Chocolate Recipes
- Chocolate Tart
- Hot Chocolate
- Chocolate Fondue
- Chocolate Raspberry Chia Seed Pudding
- No-Bake Cookie Dough Bars
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Leave a comment below and tag me on Instagram and let me know if you make this easy chocolate turtle recipe.
Easy Chocolate Turtle Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups Medjool dates pitted
- 2-4 tbsp Coconut flour
- Pecans (about 36-40 pieces)
- 1 cup Dark chocolate chips atleast 70%
- Sea Salt to top
Instructions
- Pulse the dates & coconut flour. Add the Medjool dates to a food processor and pulse until they form a loose ball. Next, add the coconut flour (1 tbsp at a time) and continue to pulse until you have a dough that is not too sticky, but still sticks together. (You may only need 2 tbsp of coconut flour if you’re dates are slightly dryer, or 4 tbsp, if your dates are very sticky.)
- Make the date patties. Use your hands to roll them into even-sized balls, then press between your palms to form into patties, and place them on a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the pecans. Place 3 pecans onto each date patty.
- Top with melted chocolate. Use a spoon and drizzle the melted vegan chocolate on top, then place it in the fridge to set, for about 5 minutes.
- Remove from the fridge and sprinkle with sea salt.
Video
Notes
- Use a cookie scoop to measure even date dough balls.
- Use Medjool dates for this recipe.
- Drizzle the chocolate in small amounts.The more melted the chocolate is the more it will spread. It’s best to melt the chocolate, then wait 3-5 minutes for it to slightly cool and thicken so it doesn’t spread as much.
- Depending on the freshness, your dates may be sticky or less sticky. If they’re sticky, you may want to add a bit more coconut flour. If your dates are dry, add less coconut flour. If your dough is too sticky to work with, place it in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up.
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These chocolate turtles are delicious. I’ve made this recipe twice. Thanks!!
Thank you, Mary!!