Welcome! I am so happy you chose to gather around my table. My name is Mia Swinehart and I am a registered dietitian with a passion for simple healthy recipes, women's hormonal health, and overall wellness!
A new favorite vegan treat! The best mini turtle truffles made with easy date caramel, crunchy pecans, and a sea salt chocolate coating. Yum!!
I hope everyone had the best holidays!! I had the best time relaxing at my parent’s house, soaking up all the family time and delicious food. And lots of couch time- the best!
Lately I’ve had a huge craving for for the classic chocolate turtles, so I wanted to make a healthier/vegan version. And trust me, these ones are easily just as delicious. You would never even believe how simple/healthy the ingredients are!
All you need:
Dates
Almond Butter
Maple Syrup
Pecans
Chocolate
Sea Salt
So simple!
I’m a huge fan of having a homemade healthier treat in the freezer to satisfy those sweet cravings. I’m so happy we have a batch of these ready to grab! I also always have some of my peppermint mocha balls in the freezer!
These are the perfect combo of sweet and salty. Little bites of heaven!
You could easily double or triple these to have more on hand, or if you’re making these for a crowd! These would be perfect for a sweet bite for a New Years Eve party! We’re keeping it super low key for New Years this year because of the wedding, but I am definitely making some of these for us to enjoy 🙂
1/2 cup dairy free chocolate chips (or any dark chocolate)
Sea salt
Instructions
Lightly grease a baking sheet.
After soaking the dates, drain and remove pits and add to a food processor with almond butter, maple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt. Process until smooth and well combined.
Form the caramel into mini patties, about 1 tsp in size. It helps to wet your hands so the caramel doesn’t stick to you.
Dip one side of the caramel patties into the chopped pecans, then place on the lightly greased baking dish. Freeze for 20 minutes.
Line another small baking sheet with parchment paper. On the stovetop on low heat, melt the chocolate until very smooth. Dip each side of the turtles in the chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt and set on the parchment paper. Allow chocolate to harden and store in the freezer.
Did you make this recipe? Be sure to tag @gatherednutrition on INstagram so I can see what you made! Leaving a rating and review on the site is a huge help too!
These are delicious!
They took longer to freeze so people should keep that in mind. And I had to chop more than 1/3 pecans…probably about 3/4 cup. But could hardly wait for them to set, they are so good!
Also didn’t have almond butter and used peanut butter (crunchy) instead.
This recipe was phenomenal! I’ve been making them nonstop and keeping them in the freezer for later. Such a good cure for a sweet tooth! I’m obsessed with every recipe I have tried from this girl and she just seems like a neat human 🙂
I don’t have a food processor (used a blender instead) so the caramel was a little on the chunky side but I’m not complaining, they will still delicious!
I make these once a month and freeze them to make them last! So easy to make and so delicious for a sweet snack. I always use walnuts instead of pecans and they’re amazing!!
Delicious — love storing them in the freezer!
★★★★★
The BEST frozen!! Thanks Tor 😉
Flawless recipe!! I always have enough chocolate to cover each turtle perfectly. These are definitely treats that impress but are so easy to make!
★★★★★
These are UNREAL. Can’t believe they’re vegan and perfect for a nighttime sweet without the guilt.
These are delicious!
They took longer to freeze so people should keep that in mind. And I had to chop more than 1/3 pecans…probably about 3/4 cup. But could hardly wait for them to set, they are so good!
Also didn’t have almond butter and used peanut butter (crunchy) instead.
★★★★★
Thanks for the note Phaidra! Glad you loved them :)!
So easy and so good to have on hand for a sweet treat!!
★★★★★
So good and perfect to satisfy your sweet tooth!
★★★★★
So easy and so tasty! The perfect treat.
★★★★★
This recipe was phenomenal! I’ve been making them nonstop and keeping them in the freezer for later. Such a good cure for a sweet tooth! I’m obsessed with every recipe I have tried from this girl and she just seems like a neat human 🙂
★★★★★
These are AMAZING!! My new favorite treat! decided to add crushed walnuts on top of the chocolate for an extra topping.
I love this recipe!
★★★★★
I don’t have a food processor (used a blender instead) so the caramel was a little on the chunky side but I’m not complaining, they will still delicious!
★★★★★
I make these once a month and freeze them to make them last! So easy to make and so delicious for a sweet snack. I always use walnuts instead of pecans and they’re amazing!!
★★★★★