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These Chocolate Turtles with Dates are an easy, delicious treat that you are going to love. They are made with dairy free chocolate, fresh dates, crunchy pecans and a sprinkle of sea salt. These chocolate treats are so good and an excellent choice if you are looking for a healthier alternative to traditional chocolate turtles!

This dairy free chocolate turtle recipe is perfect to make as a dessert, a sweet healthy treat to have on hand or as a fulfilling snack to grab anytime of the day. Using dairy free chocolate allows those with dietary restrictions to indulge in their sweet cravings without worrying about negative side effects.

If you are looking for more dessert recipes, try my: Chocolate Cashew Butter Cups with Strawberry Chia Jam, Gluten Free and Vegan Pumpkin Apple Oatmeal Bake, or Gluten Free Sweet Potato Cake with Dairy Free Cream Cheese Frosting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

The dates. Not only is the chewy texture and caramel-like flavor of the dates amazing, but the many health benefits are too! Dates are a great source of natural sugar and fiber and are packed with vitamins and minerals like potassium, magnesium and iron.
Only four ingredients. Can it get any better than only needing four ingredients? Simple to make and simple ingredients make this recipe a great one!
It is kid friendly. Kids will love eating this chocolate treat and will also enjoy helping to make it. It’s a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen!

Ingredients

Here are notes about the ingredients needed to make these homemade turtles. All of these ingredients can be found at your local grocery store or an online retailer.

Dates: Use whole fresh dates.
Pecans: You will need pecan halves.
Chocolate: Dairy free melted chocolate.
Sea salt: Coarse sea salt is optional for sprinkling on top.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Here is how to make these homemade chocolate turtles.

Step 1: Cut the dates in half lengthwise and remove the pit.

Step 2: Lay the dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 3: Using the bottom of a glass, smash each date to flatten it.

Step 4: Lay two pecan halves on each side of the dates.

Step 5: Drizzle liberally with melted chocolate.

Step 6: Sprinkle with the coarse flaky sea salt.

Step 7: Place in the freezer for 30 minutes and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Buy whole pitted dates to eliminate one step and make this an even easier recipe!

For an even tastier flavor, toast pecans before drizzling with chocolate.

Variations

Try swapping out the pecans for your favorite nut variety.
Use your favorite strength of chocolate. These would be delicious with both a rich dark chocolate or a creamy milk chocolate!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this sweet treat as a dessert, on a holiday treat tray or wrap them up with a pretty bow and give them as a gift!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chocolate that isn’t dairy free?

Yes. If a dairy dietary restriction is not a concern, use any melted chocolate you would like.

Can I skip the sea salt?

Absolutely. These chocolate turtles are delicious without the sea salt, so feel free to skip that ingredient!

What can I do with leftovers?

Store leftovers in the freezer or the refrigerator in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

More Easy Chocolate Recipes

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cranberry Cookies: You’ll love these cookies because of the decadent vegan white chocolate chips and the sweet and nutty combo.

Stuffed Dates with Dairy Free Cream Cheese and Honey: Slice a date down the middle, remove the tiny pit, drop a spoonful of my yummy dairy free cream cheese mixture inside, place a pecan on top and then drizzle some melty chocolate (dairy free of course) over them.

Tahini Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches: These tahini cookies are gluten free, dairy free, nut free, slightly caramel tasting and perfectly chewy for making ice cream sandwiches with.

If you make this recipe, don't forget to come back and leave a 5-star rating and a comment below.

Many Hugs,

Cathleen

chocolate, dessert, dates, snacks

dessert

Yield: 9

Author: Cathleen Crobons