Chocolate Pecan Turtle Bites with Dates
Bite-sized vegan chocolate pecan turtle balls with a chewy date caramel base, a chocolate drizzle, and flaky sea salt. Nutty, rich, and just the right amount of sweet.
Servings: 15 balls
Equipment
- Baking sheet and parchment paper
- food processor + spatula
- measuring cups & spoons
- 1.6 inch cookie scoop
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted, soft medjool dates about 8-10 dates
- 1 heaping cup chopped raw pecans
- 3 tablespoons pourable, natural cashew butter
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon pink himalyan salt or salt of choice
Chocolate Drizzle
- ⅓ cup dairy-free semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- pinch flaky sea salt optional
Instructions
- If your dates aren't soft and sticky, pit and roughly chop them, then place them in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for 5-10 minutes. Drain well.
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Add pecans to a baking tray and spread evenly. Once the oven is preheated, add pecans and bake for 5-7 minutes or until fragrant.
- Add dates, cashew butter, flaxseed meal, water, vanilla extract, and salt to the food processor along with the toasted pecans. Pulse on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute, scraping the sides as needed until the ingredients are well combined.
- Using a 1.6-inch cookie scoop and scoop the batter into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or large plate.The batter will yield about 15-18 balls, depending on the size of your scoop.
- Combine chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth, about 90 seconds total. Using a spoon, drizzle the melted chocolate over each bite and finish with a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Place the bites into the freezer to set for 25-30 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened and the bites are firm.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two months. For the best texture, let sit at room temperature for 2-4 minutes before eating. If you prefer a softer bite, store in the fridge for 1-2 weeks.