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Vegan Chocolate Turtles

Just 7 ingredients and less than 30 minutes for these healthy vegan Chocolate Turtles that are vegan, gluten free and paleo friendly. With a Medjool date "caramel" center, pecans and melted chocolate. Your friends and family will love this healthier take on holiday classic.

Prep Time
15 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 12 -14 Turtles
Calories: 196 kcal
Course: Dessert

Ingredients

  • 18 large Medjool dates pitted (soaked for 5 minutes if dry)
  • 3 tablespoons cashew butter or almond, tahini or sunbutter
  • 1-2 tablespoons creamer or coconut milk or water
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 70 pecan halves
  • 6 ounces quality dark chocolate about 3/4 cup chips
  • flaked sea salt for sprinkling tops

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Make the date "caramel": In the food processor bowl, add medjool dates (soak them for 5 minutes in warm water if they're dry) and the nut or seed butter. As the dates begin to form a paste, add vanilla and creamer. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary. The date caramel will be sticky and thick – transfer to parchment paper (I kind of rolled it into a ball) and place on plate or in bowl and stick in fridge for about 15 minutes.
  2. Create the Turtle Shapes: Place parchment paper on medium size baking sheet. Use a round tablespoon to shape the date caramel into round discs, about 1/2" thick, 1.5" in diameter. Then stick the pecan halves into the date caramel to create the head and (4) legs. So you'll need 5 pecan halves per turtle. Then transfer pan to freezer to chill for about 10 minutes while you melt the chocolate.
  3. Melt the Chocolate: Chop chocolate (or use chips) and melt the chocolate on 1/2 power (50%) in microwave safe bowl in 30 second increments – stirring in between. Alternatively, melt the chocolate in saucepan on stovetop over low heat, stirring continuously until melted. Remove from heat. Whichever method you choose, watch carefully and be sure not to let the chocolate burn.
  4. Cover the Turtles in Chocolate: Now it's time to cover the caramel turtle "bodies" with chocolate. Start by covering the caramel (top of the bodies) with about 1-2 teaspoons of chocolate. The chocolate will set pretty fast with the chilled dates. So if using flaked sea salt, be sure to sprinkle fairly quickly. Then once the chocolate top completely set (about 5 minutes) I flipped the turtles over and covered with about 1 teaspoon of chocolate on the back, placing them back on the parchment paper to set. 6 ounces of chocolate should be enough to cover all of the turtles fronts, with a little on the back as well. 
  5. Allow the turtles to completely set at room temperature, or place back in fridge. Store covered in container in fridge until ready to serve. They can be set out at room temperature for your guests enjoyment!

Nutrition Information

Serving 1turtle Calories 196kcal (10%) Carbohydrates 32g (11%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 8g (12%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Cholesterol 4mg (1%) Sodium 173mg (7%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 28g (56%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12-14 Turtles

Amount Per Serving

Calories 196

% Daily Value*

Serving 1turtle
Calories 196kcal 10%
Carbohydrates 32g 11%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 8g 12%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 4mg 1%
Sodium 173mg 7%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 28g 56%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.