Healthy Chocolate Pecan Turtles

Denise ChiribogaNutrition, Recipes

 

The closer we get to Christmas, the more creative I get in my baking, and trying to recreate healthy versions of holiday favourites, like these yummy chocolate pecan turtles.

Before I became a holistic nutritionist, my friend Melissa and I would free up a Saturday in early December and have what we called our “baking extravaganza day”, where we baked a lot of yummy but unhealthy holiday squares, tarts and cookies. Then I would fill little tin containers with the goodies and give them to my friends, family and neighbours. (Yup, I’m THAT neighbour who has to know everyone! I’m friendly like that!)

Well those days are long gone, mostly cause I can’t think of giving anyone I really care about so much sugar, but also because I’m a mom of 2, and I don’t got time for that anymore!

caramel balls

But what I do have time for, is making these delicious homemade chocolate pecan turtles, using only real food ingredients. Plus they are so much quicker than you would think. And the kids love them, I do too of course, otherwise if I didn’t like them, I wouldn’t be making them!

I don’t share recipes of foods or sweets I don’t like. Just so we have that clear ok!

caramel base

This is the healthy holiday recipe you’ve been waiting for.

I can’t take credit for the tahini date caramel, for that part of the recipe you can thank holistic nutritionist Jessie Lane Wellness. But they are the most perfect caramel recipe I’ve seen online, and work perfectly in this turtle recipe!

While these turtles may look time consuming, they really aren’t.

There are a couple of steps, but they are quick.
-5 minutes to blend the caramel
-3 minutes to roll caramel into balls
-1 minute to place the pecans
-5 minutes to make and drizzle the chocolate
-20 minutes to freeze

This recipe is:

  • soft & sweet
  • chewy
  • caramel-y
  • chocolate-y
  • pure bliss

melt the chocolate

What healthy baked goods will you be baking this Christmas?

turtles close up

If you’re into quick chocolate healthy treats for Christmas, make sure to try this 5 minute Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

If you make these turtles be sure to let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag me on your photo on Instagram @strongmom.ca  with the tag #strongmomrecipes

Happy Holiday Baking!

turtles far away

 

Print
Healthy Chocolate Pecan Turtles

Ingredients

    Caramel Pecan Base Ingredients:
  • 32-48 pecan halves
  • ¼ cup tahini (aka sesame seed paste)
  • 10 soft deglet or medjool dates pitted (if dates aren't soft soak them in hot water for 10 min then drain the water)
  • 1 tsp vanilla
    • Chocolate Ingredients
  • ¼ cup coconut oil melted
  • 3 Tbsp raw cacao powder
  • 2 Tbsp Canadian Maple syrup
  • pinch flaked Himalayan salt (optional)

Instructions

    Caramel Pecan Base
  1. Blend tahini and dates in a high powered blender like a Vitamix. You will need to scrape the caramel mixture down the sides of the blender a few times. Blend until all is combined into a sticky caramel mixture.
  2. Roll into 12-15 small balls
  3. Place balls on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and flatten the balls into circles about 2 inches in diameter.
  4. Then place 3 pecans on the caramel circles. I like to place mine like a peace symbol, but it doesn’t really matter how you place them, or if the pecan ends go outside of the caramel circle.
  5. Place in the freezer for at least 20 minutes.
    6. Chocolate Coating
  6. While pecan base is freezing, make the chocolate topping.
  7. Mix all ingredients except for the salt in a small bowl, mixing well until all is incorporated.
  8. Take caramel base out of freezer and gently spoon a tablespoon or so of melted chocolate on top of the caramel base.
  9. Do this slowly and gently to make sure as much as the chocolate actually stays on the caramel.
  10. Place a pinch of the flake salt on top of the chocolate before it freezes. The chocolate will harden as it hits the frozen pecan caramel.
  11. Return to the freezer to completely set and to store. If you would like to put more chocolate on top, you can do so after the first layer of chocolate has hardened.
  12. Once frozen and chocolate has hardened, keep in a airtight container in the freezer and enjoy.
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In fitness & nutrition and healthy holiday baking!

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