10 December, 2014
Three Ingredient Turtle Nut Clusters
This is my favorite kind of recipe: minimal, all-natural ingredients, easy to make, no baking required, vegan, paleo, gluten-free, and oh so delicious. I get so excited! With the holidays around the corner, I know everyone is in baking mode. With so many sugary treats being made, I wanted to make something just as yummy without all the sugar. I would place these nut clusters against any traditional cookie. I am sure that Santa would love to get these Three Ingredient Turtle Nut Clusters on Christmas Eve. I know I would!
Dates are my favorite sweetener to use — I try to use them whenever I can. They are truly one of the most natural and good-for-you sweeteners you can get. We grow a lot of dates here in Arizona; I love being able to buy local dates. Dates are becoming popular so they should be pretty easy to find, even if they don’t grow where you live. Dates make the perfect replacement for caramel in these Turtle Nut Clusters.
If you have a food processor, this recipe will be super easy to make. If you don’t have one, not to worry! I’ve added notes in the recipe for how to make these if you don’t have one in your kitchen. I would hate for someone to miss out on these because they don’t have the equipment. I’m here for you!
These Three Ingredient Turtle Nut Clusters are perfect for gifts, to share at a party, or to enjoy as a snack. The only trouble is stopping from eating them all! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
Three Ingredient Turtle Nut Clusters
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup soft pitted dates
- 2 cups nuts or seeds I used almonds, pecans, and walnuts
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil I know this is technically a fourth ingredient, but it is such a small amount
- Optional toppings: Unsweetened Shredded Coconut Sea Salt, Goji Berries, Hemp Seeds, Chia Seeds
Instructions
-
In a food processor add the pitted dates and run the machine until a paste forms. *If you don't have a food processor, add the dates to a saucepan with 1 tablespoon of water and cook over medium heat, mixing every couple of minutes until the dates break down to a paste. Add more water as needed as to not burn the dates -- should still be pretty thick.
-
Remove the paste and place in a medium size bowl. I like to use cooled date paste -- it sticks together better.
-
In the same processor (no need to clean) add the nuts and pulse a couple of times until the nuts are broken up (you want these a little chunky) If you do not have a food processor chop the nuts with a knife.
-
Add the chopped nuts to the same bowl as the date paste and mix until the date paste is coated in nuts. If you grab a handful the mixture should stick together. If it isn't working well, stick the mixture into the fridge for one hour to set.
-
Grab 2 tablespoons full of the mixture and roll into balls.
-
In a double boiler (bowl over warm water) melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil.
-
Once melted roll each ball (one at a time) in the chocolate mixture to coat.
-
Remove the ball with a fork and tap off the excess chocolate.
-
Place the balls on a lined plate or pan.
-
Allow the chocolate to set (on the counter or in the fridge).
-
Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Recipe Notes
Choose organic ingredients when possible.
3 Comments
Hi Sara,
This looks like such a yummy treat. I love to use dates as a sweetener. I can’t wait to make this.
Thanks,
Dana
These are super yummy! I hope you enjoy and share a pic when you make them.