Turtle Heart Pecan Clusters
Indulge in our vegan Turtle Heart Pecan Clusters, made with just four wholesome ingredients plus a little chocolate: dairy-free chocolate chips, dates, almond butter, coconut oil, and pecans. Almond butter and dates bring the caramel texture in every bite!
Do you remember those Turtle chocolates we used to go crazy over as kids during the holidays? The blend of caramel, chocolate, and nuts was just irresistible! Well, I’ve been on a journey lately, trying to embrace more wholesome, less processed foods, including going dairy-free. It's been a bit of a challenge but also a fun adventure in the kitchen.
Guess what? I've managed to recreate that nostalgic treat with a healthy twist, and I have to tell you, these homemade delights are dangerously delicious! The best part? You probably have all the ingredients in your pantry already, and they come together in just a few minutes – no baking required. Perfect for when that sweet tooth strikes but you still want to stay on the wholesome path.
I must warn you though, they’re incredibly hard to resist. I find myself having to stash them in the freezer, hoping out of sight means out of mind, but they’re too good to forget about for long.
Here's Why this recipe is bound to win everyone over:
- Indulgence without Compromise- Our Turtle Hearts will satisfy your craving for a candy that is sweet, salty, and crunchy, with a little chew that won't stick to your teeth like traditional caramel.
- Fun Shapes- Silicone molds make it so easy to share with friends on any occasion. Shamrocks-St. Patty's Day, Easter Eggs, Christmas Trees...
- Easy to Make- Directions are straightforward, requiring minimal steps and ingredients, no baking required which means you can whip it up in no time at all. Perfect for those busy evenings when time isn’t on your side but you still want to serve a special treat.
ingredients
- Pecans- Pecan halves or pieces will work.
- Dates- Select dates without added sugar, they are the perfect amount of sweetness without adding refined sugar.
- Chocolate Chips- I love to use dairy-free Enjoy Life Mini Chocolate Chips they melt easily.
- Almond Butter- To keep with the most wholesome ingredients look for a single-ingredient almond butter without added sugar and oils.
- Coconut Oil- Choose a cold pressed, unrefined organic coconut oil like Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil
How to make this recipe
1. Select silicone molds or muffin cups to easily build your delicious turtles.
2. Gather your ingredients; dates, almond butter, coconut oil, chocolate chips, and pecans.
3. Chop pecans.
4. Pit and chop your dates.
5. Melt chocolate chips.
6. Assemble Turtle Creations in layers: pour the chocolate into molds, layer with chopped dates, drizzle almond butter, top with pecans, and pour top layer with chocolate.
7. Place Turtle Clusters in the freezer to set and then pop them out of the molds.
I promise you are going to be blown away by how delicious and easy they are to make!
Easy Turtle Heart Pecan Cluster recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 Cup of Enjoy Life Mini Chocolate Chips
- 1/2 Cup Chopped Pecan Halves (see notes for optional toasting)
- 1 Tablespoon of Unrefined Coconut Oil
- Almond Butter
- 4-5 Dates (depending on size of molds)
- Maldon Flake Salt (optional)
Directions
1. Grab your silicone baking molds or muffin cups for this recipe. The silicone makes it a breeze to remove your Turtle Clusters.
2. Chop your pecans, I do a rough chop but you can do them finer if you like.
3. Pit your dates by slicing them in half lengthwise and remove the pit, then do a quick chop. One date works well depending on the size of your molds.
4. Put your chocolate chips and coconut oil into a microwave-safe measuring cup. Cook for 1 minute. Stir and cook another 15 seconds. Repeat until melted. Stir. If you prefer not to use a microwave see notes below on the double boiler method to melt chocolate.
Now assemble your scrumptious Turtle Cluster layers:
1. Pour 1- 1 1/2 tablespoons of melted chocolate on the bottom of each mold and tap it to ensure the bottom is coated.
2. Place 1 chopped date over the chocolate layer.
3. Next drizzle about 1- 1 1/2 teaspoons of almond butter on each cluster.
4. Then add 1 1/2 Tablespoons of chopped pecans to each candy.
5. Drizzle with remaining melted chocolate approximately 1 Tablespoon over each.
Notes
- Recipe makes 6
- I used 1 date for each mold this may vary depending on size.
- Pitted dates can also be used instead of whole dates to save a step.
- Toasting pecans will elevate their nutty flavor but not required. To toast: place a single layer of nuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 350' for 5-7 minutes. Be sure to turn them halfway and watch them so they don't burn.
- Double boiler method to melt chocolate-Set a metal bowl over a saucepan with 1" of simmering water. It will take about 5 minutes once you have a simmer to melt the chocolate. Stir occasionally until melted.
- Maldon Sea Salt Flakes make a beautiful finishing touch.
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