These Healthy Chocolate Turtles are easy to make and the perfect homemade candy for the holidays! A vegan version of the classic made with pecans, refined sugar-free caramel and dairy-free chocolate!
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Homemade Chocolate Turtles
Homemade Turtles are a classic candy made with pecans clusters, covered with caramel and melted chocolate. They are sweet, chewy, crunchy and definitely one of my favorite holiday treats when I was younger.
This turtles candy recipe is not only delicious but it’s a healthier take on the classic chocolate covered turtles you buy in the store. Plus, low carb pecan turtles take less than 10 minutes of prep and just a handful of ingredients. It’s the perfect gluten free, sugar-free, dairy-free, paleo, low carb and keto-friendly recipe to make for your friends, family and neighbors.
If you’re looking for more chocolate turtles recipes, you can also check out my Pretzel Turtles or Turtle Thumbprint Cookies
INGREDIENTS YOU NEED:
Classic turtle candies are made with the incredible combination of crunchy pecans, chewy caramel and melted chocolate.
These sugar -free low carb turtles are made with:
- Pecans
- Pecan butter OR sunflower seed butter (can also sub with tahini but the taste will be slightly bitter)
- Maple syrup: May sub with preferred sticky liquid sweetener. Sub with Lakanto sugar-free syrup for a low carb / lower sugar option and lower the coconut oil to 2 tablespoons instead.
- Coconut oil: Melted. Use refined to avoid any extra coconut flavor.
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Dairy-free chocolate chips (such as Lily’s Sweets) OR paleo dairy free chocolate chips (Hu’s or Enjoy Life) or chopped chocolate (use dark chocolate for dark chocolate turtles recipe)
HOW TO MAKE CHOCOLATE TURTLES:
Making turtle candy is such a simple process!
- PREPARE YOUR BAKING PAN: Line a baking sheet with parchment parchment paper.
- ARRANGE YOUR PECANS: Place 4 pecan halves around the same size and arrange them into clusters. Use another smaller piece for the head.
- MAKE YOUR CARAMEL: Combine the nut butter with maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract and ground cinnamon and mix until smooth. Cover the bowl and place in the fridge for at least an hour. You want the texture to be similar to a thick caramel paste or cookie dough.
- Once ready, use clean hands to shape into 2/3 Tbsp-sized discs and place on top of pecan clusters.
- MELT CHOCOLATE. Melt the chocolate and oil in a double-boiler over the stove or in a heat-safe bowl in the microwave in 10 second increments, stirring well in between. Spoon a small amount of chocolate on top of each turtle. Add a sprinkle of sea salt & garnish with one single pecan, if desired. Allow the chocolate to set up – you can place the pan in the fridge or freezer to speed things up.
When were chocolate turtles invented?
Johnson’s Candy which later became DeMets Candy Company made the first “Turtles” back in 1918. These turtle chocolates were made of pecan pieces that were coated in caramel and then covered in melted chocolate.
Why are they called turtles?
This homemade candy got its name because they actually looked like turtles with a large, chocolate covered shell.
Can you freeze chocolate turtles?
Yes, simply place the turtle candies on a baking sheet and freeze for 20 minutes until firm. Then transfer to a resealable container for up to 3 months.
Do chocolate turtles have gluten?
These keto turtles are grain-free, gluten-free, sugar-free and dairy-free.
Do keto homemade turtles have peanuts?
These paleo turtles are made with pecans and pecan butter so they are peanut-free.
More healthy chocolate recipes:
- 60 roasted pecan halves plus more for garnish if desired
- 15 smaller pecan pieces for the head
- 1/2 cup creamy pecan butter cashew butter, no sugar-added sunflower seed butter or preferred nut butter
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or preferred sticky liquid sweetener. Sub with Lakanto sugar-free syrup for a low carb / lower sugar option and lower the coconut oil to 2 tablespoons instead.
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup dairy-free chocolate chips or preferred chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Maldon flake sea salt for garnish
- Line a baking sheet with parchment parchment paper.
- Place 4 pecan halves around the same size and arrange them into clusters. Use one smaller pecan piece for the head.
- Combine the nut butter with maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract and ground cinnamon and mix until smooth. Cover the bowl and place in the fridge for at least an hour. You want the texture to be similar to a thick caramel paste or cookie dough.
- Once ready, use clean hands to shape into 2/3 Tbsp-sized discs and place on top of pecan clusters.
- Melt the chocolate and oil in a double-boiler over the stove or in a heat-safe bowl in the microwave in 10 second increments, stirring well in between. Spoon a small amount of chocolate on top of each turtle. Add a sprinkle of sea salt & garnish with one single pecan, if desired. Allow the chocolate to set up – you can place the pan in the fridge or freezer to speed things up.
Did you try this recipe?
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