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You are here: Home / Healthy Desserts & Sweets / Chocolate Turtle Recipe

Chocolate Turtle Recipe

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This chocolate turtle recipe is vegan, gluten-free, no-bake, and has a delicious gourmet-like flavor.

Chocolate Turtle Recipe on cutting board

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. 

dates in food processor
dates & coconut flour mash in food processor

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.

date patties on sheet pan

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.

pouring dark chocolate on top of pecans and date patty.
Vegan Chocolate Turtle Recipe on a sheet pan

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

What are chocolate turtles made of?

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.

Are there dark chocolate turtles?

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.

How long do chocolate turtles last?

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!
Chocolate Turtle Recipe on the cutting board

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.

vegan dark chocolate turtles

Easy Chocolate Turtle Recipe

Shana Thomas
The best vegan chocolate turtle recipe is made with only 5 ingredients and comes together in only 20 minutes. Enjoy this no-bake, gluten-free, and dairy-free dessert for any occasion.
5 from 4 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 0 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Dessert, Snacks
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 130 kcal

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. 
Keyword Caramel Turtles, chocolate turtle recipe, Dark Chocolate Turtles, Pecan Turtles, Turtle Clusters, Vegan Chocolate turtles

Snap a photo, post it, and tag #ImWorthyRecipes and @IMWORTHYKITCHEN on Instagram


This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you. Please read my affiliate notice for details. 


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Filed Under: Easy Vegan & Plant-Based Recipes, Healthy Desserts & Sweets, Vegan Snack Recipes

About

Hey there, I’m Shana Thomas, food photographer, home cook, and writer behind, Im-Worthy.com. Since 2019, my goal has been to inspire you to live energetic and healthy lives with my easy vegan recipes & wellness tips.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mary

    February 15, 2023 at 10:48 pm

    5 stars
    These chocolate turtles are delicious. I’ve made this recipe twice. Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Shana Thomas

      February 15, 2023 at 10:48 pm

      Thank you, Mary!!

      Reply
  2. Pralinenin Freud

    April 25, 2023 at 4:37 am

    5 stars
    Thanks for the recipe!
    My friends like them a lot.

    Reply
    • Shana Thomas

      April 25, 2023 at 8:23 am

      Hi there, I’m so happy your friends enjoyed this recipe.

      Reply
  3. Lauren

    May 10, 2023 at 2:34 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe is so easy and good. Thank you Shana.

    Reply
    • Shana Thomas

      May 11, 2023 at 3:12 pm

      Thank you, Lauren!!

      Reply
      • Camille

        May 14, 2023 at 9:51 am

        5 stars
        These chocolate turtles are amazing. I can’t believe how simple it is to make them. Thank you!!

        Reply

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Hey there, I’m Shana Thomas, food photographer & writer behind, Im-Worthy.com. Inspiring busy women to live energetic healthy lives with my easy plant-based & vegan recipes, and wellness tips.

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