No Bake Turtle Brownies (vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, no sugar added)
These no bake turtle brownies are insanely delicious and so indulgent. You would never know that they are made with wholesome ingredients, vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, and have no sugar added! It’s an easy and healthy treat everyone will love.
The brownie base is made from mainly dates, nuts, cacao powder, and the most amazing pecan butter by Georgia Grinders. I could literally eat it by the spoonful. It’s so good! Pulse everything in the food processor and press it into your pan. Then place it in the freezer while you make the caramel layer.
The caramel layer is a date caramel blended with the pecan butter. No one would know this caramel was made from dates. It’s so smooth, creamy, and flavorful. Dates are truly magical and have a natural caramel flavor to them. In the same container you made the brownie layer in, just blend all the ingredients up until you get a luscious caramel texture. It’s important to soak your dates for 10 minutes before making the caramel so it gets nice and creamy.
Lastly, press on the chopped pecans and chocolate chips (if you are using) and place in the freezer to set for at least 1 hour. These turtle brownies could not be any easier and only take a few ingredients to make. It might be one of my top 10 favorite desserts I’ve ever made. I cannot stop eating it. They remind me of Larabars, but WAY better. You will not miss the sickly sweet caramel that is in a typical turtle dessert. Even my non-vegan friends loved it. I promise, these no bake turtle brownies will not last long.
If you make this, tag me @nutsaboutgreens on Instagram so I can see your creations!
No Bake Turtle Brownies (vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, no sugar added)
Ingredients
brownie layer
- 12 medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup cacao powder
- 1/2 cup raw walnuts
- 1/2 cup raw pecans
- pinch of sea salt
- 3 tbsp almond milk, or any non-dairy milk
- 3 tbsp Georgia Grinders pecan butter
caramel layer
- 12 medjool dates, pitted and soaked in warm water
- 1/3 cup Georgia Grinders pecan butter
- 2 tbsp almond milk, or any non-dairy milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
topping
- 1/2 cup raw pecan pieces
- 1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips (optional, or use cacao nibs)
Instructions
- Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper and set aside. Soak the pitted dates for the caramel layer in warm to hot water for ten minutes, or while you are making the brownie layer.
- Make the brownie layer first. In a food processor, add all the brownie layer ingredients. Pulse until combined a dough ball begins to form. Add a tiny bit more almond milk if the dough isn’t sticking together when you squeeze the dough in-between your fingers. Transfer dough into the prepared pan and evenly flatten it out. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass cup and firmly press it down. Place in the freezer while you make the caramel.
- Make the caramel layer by draining the soaked dates very well. Add the dates and the rest of the caramel layer ingredients to the food processor. Blend until smooth, scraping the sides down occasionally. Spread caramel layer evenly over the brownie layer.
- Add the toppings, pecans and chocolate chips, on top and press into the caramel layer. Place in the freezer to set for one hour. Slice and enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the freezer. They stay soft in the freezer.
