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one close up date caramel turtle

Date Caramel Turtles

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5 from 1 review

Date Caramel Turtles are an easy Halloween treat made with Medjool dates, pecans, and chocolate. A fun and festive recipe to make with kids.

  • Total Time: 15
  • Yield: 12 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 10-12 Medjool Dates, pitted (1 cup)
  • 36 pecan halves
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (your chocolate preference)
  • Maldon Sea Salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dates. Remove the pits from 10–12 Medjool dates. For the pureed version, add the dates to a food processor and process until a thick paste forms.
  2. Shape the date layer. Divide the date paste into approximately 12 portions and shape each into a small, flattened mound. If keeping the dates whole, gently flatten each pitted date.
  3. Add the pecans. Arrange 3 pecan halves around each date portion to create the classic turtle shape.
  4. Melt the chocolate. Melt the chocolate chips until smooth, using the microwave in short intervals or a double boiler. Stir until completely smooth.
  5. Add the chocolate. Spoon approximately 2 teaspoons of melted chocolate over each turtle, covering the date layer and part of the pecans.
  6. Finish by sprinkling each piece with Maldon Sea salt.
  7. Let them set. Place the turtles in the refrigerator until the chocolate has hardened.
  8. Enjoy! Once the chocolate has set, they’re ready to eat. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Notes

Option 1: Pureed Date “Caramel” — My Preference

For a smoother, more caramel-like filling, remove the pits from the dates and add the dates to a food processor. Process until they form a thick, sticky paste. Depending on the texture of your dates, you may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the food processor a few times. If the dates aren’t soft enough to puree easily, a small amount of warm water can help loosen the mixture. Once you have your date paste, portion it into approximately 12 small pieces and shape each one into a mound or flattened circle. This is the method I prefer when making these for kids. The date is transformed into a smooth, sticky filling, so the finished treat looks and feels more like a caramel turtle rather than simply a date topped with nuts and chocolate. (See pictures above)

Option 2: Keep the Date Whole

If you want an even simpler method, you can leave the dates whole. Remove the pit, gently flatten the date, and use it as the base for your turtle. This method requires less prep and gives you a more substantial chewy date texture. It’s a great option if you already know your kids enjoy dates or you simply don’t want to pull out the food processor. (See pictures above)

Find it online: https://www.amysnutritionkitchen.com/date-caramel-turtles/

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