A classic candy treat but with a healthier twist and an added pretzel crunch! You’re going to love these sweet and salty Chocolate Pretzel Pecan Turtles!
Caramel turtles…. but make them healthy….. and vegan…… and with an added pretzel crunch. Growing up my Aunt taught me the art of the 3 ingredient pretzel Rolo turtle: grab you some pretzels, melt a Rolo on top, press on a pecan, and done! Now while I will always have a special place in my heart for that absolutely delicious (and honestly addicting) treat, I was dying to try my own homemade version with bit of a healthier twist.
And guys? These turned out sooooo freakin good. Like honestly? I had to use all of my self control to not eat them all in one sitting. And while they may not be quite as easy as melting a Rolo on a pretzel, I must say they’re pretty darn easy and extremely forgiving to make:
- Blend caramel ingredients
- Scoop on caramel and freeze
- Dip in chocolate
- Press on pecan
- Devour and enjoy – it’s really that simple!
To make these turtles you will need:
- Pecans – Technically “turtles” always have pecans but honestly use whatever nut you want. Or if you’re not a nut fan just leave them off and now you have a caramel-chocolate-covered-pretzel, yum!
- Mini Pretzels – I used gluten free but you can use whichever kind you want.
- Dates – Really the key ingredient to making the “caramel”! Make sure they don’t have pits before you blend. I accidentally blended with one pit in the mix and yikes was it loud!
- Maple syrup – Honey or agave will also work.
- Milk of choice – I used almond milk for this recipe but any will work.
- Almond Butter
- Vanilla
- Chocolate Chips. Looking to go low-sugar? Try out these chocolate chips sweetened with stevia. Are you vegan? These are some of my favorite dairy free chocolate chips.
- Coconut Oil
If you love this recipe, you may also like:
- Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Pretzel Bites
- No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
- Peanut Butter Pretzel Energy Bites
- Healthy Monster Cookies
If you make this recipe I would love it if you comment below and let me know how it was! Also tag @servingupsimplicity on Instagram and use the hashtag #servingupsimplicity. XOXO
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Pretzel Pecan Turtles
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 30 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A classic candy treat but with a healthier twist and an added pretzel crunch! You’re going to love these sweet and salty Chocolate Pretzel Pecan Turtles!
Ingredients
- Pecans (around 30)
- Mini pretzels (around 30)
For the caramel:
- 1 cup dates, pitted
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp nut milk
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- Pinch of salt
For the Chocolate:
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil
Instructions
- To make the caramel: first soften the dates by letting them sit in hot water for 15-30 minutes.
- Drain the water then combine the dates, maple syrup, milk, almond butter, vanilla, and salt in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
- Line a tray with parchment paper and lay out all of your pretzels. Scoop date mixture onto each pretzel (about 1 tsp per pretzel) then freeze for at least 15 minutes.
- To make the chocolate: melt the coconut oil and chocolate chips together in the microwave.
- Dip the caramel covered portion of your pretzel in the chocolate then press a pecan on top. Return to freezer until the chocolate has set. Enjoy!
Notes
- If the caramel is really sticky and difficult to work with, allow it to set and firm up in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes.
- It helps to have a wetted spoon when scooping the caramel onto the pretzels: it won’t stick as much.
- Melt your chocolate in increments in the microwave to ensure that you don’t burn it. I like to do 15-20 seconds at a time. Stir. Repeat.
- I like to store these in the freezer but the fridge will work as well.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Category: dessert
- Method: no-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 turtle
- Calories: 69
- Sugar: 2.7g
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 8.1g
- Protein: 1.2g
Keywords: healthy turtles, chocolate turtles, pretzel turtles, healthy dessert
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