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No Bake Turtle Brownies (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

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These no bake turtle brownies are vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for chocolate lovers! Enjoy a soft and chewy no bake brownie topped with medjool date caramel, crushed pecans, and mini chocolate chips. They are easy to make, contain wholesome ingredients, and naturally sweetened.

three no bake raw turtle brownies with a bite taken out of the center brownie

Chocolate, caramel, and nuts... a flavor combination that never grows old. These ingredients are included in several classic candy bars - and for good reason! Rich chocolate, sweet caramel, and salty nuts are an unbeatable trio.

Today, I'm bringing you the yummiest no bake turtle brownies. The recipe is raw, vegan, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened. Plus, it's easy to follow and no baking is required!

no bake turtle brownies topped with crushed pecans and mini chocolate chips

What is "turtle" flavor?

Traditionally, turtles are a chocolate-dipped candy containing pecans and caramel. Today, there are many variations of turtle-flavored sweets and treats. You can scour the internet for turtle cookies, cheesecake, pie, cupcakes, and - yes - brownies!

As a chocolate lover (who still likes to eat relatively healthy) I knew I had to take this delicious dessert up a notch. So, I created a wholesome brownie recipe that is:

  • No-bake
  • Vegan
  • Gluten-free
  • Raw
  • Refined sugar-free
  • 7 ingredients
three no bake raw turtle brownies stacked on top of each other

What ingredients are in vegan gluten-free no bake turtle brownies?

  • Walnuts
  • Almonds
  • Medjool dates
  • Cocoa powder
  • Pecans
  • Chocolate chips
  • Vanilla
wood and marble cutting board topped with bowls of medjool dates, chocolate chips, walnuts, pecans, maple syrup, and cocoa powder.

How to Make No-Bake Turtle Brownies

For the full recipe, scroll down to view the recipe card below.

First, we'll create the brownie layer. Begin by combining the walnuts, almonds, cocoa powder, medjool dates, vanilla, and salt in a food processor. Process/pulse the ingredients until a sticky dough is formed.

medjool dates, walnuts, and cocoa powder in a food processor
no bake brownie dough in a food processor

Second, line a square baking dish with parchment paper. I prefer to use a 7x7-inch or 8x8-inch dish. Use clean hands to press the no bake brownie dough across the base in an even layer. Set aside.

hands pressing raw brownie dough into a square baking pan
no bake brownie dough inside a square baking pan

Next, we'll create the caramel layer. Add pitted medjool dates, water, vanilla, and salt to a food processor. Process/pulse until a smooth, caramel-like consistency is formed. In order to do this, stop the food processor periodically and scrape down the sides, pushing the dates toward the center blades. Process/pulse again. Repeat until a nearly smooth consistency is achieved.

medjool dates inside a food processor
medjool date caramel inside a food processor

Evenly spread the caramel over the brownie dough. Then, add crushed pecans and gently press them into the caramel layer. After, add mini chocolate chips and gently press them over the crushed pecans.

hand holding a white spatula spreading caramel on top of a tray of no-bake brownies
caramel spread across the base of a square baking dish
a hand pouring a measuring cup filled with pecans over caramel brownies
crushed pecans spread across the base of a square baking dish
hand pouring a measuring cup of mini chocolate chips on top of a square baking dish
no-bake vegan turtle brownies in a square baking dish

Finally, store the no bake turtle brownies in the freezer for 1 hour. Afterwards, slice and serve.

hand holding a no bake raw turtle brownie

Kaylie's Tips:

  • Use soft medjool dates and don't forget to remove the pits. If you only have access to dates that are dry and hard, simply soak them in warm water for 10 minutes. Afterwards, drain the water and pat the dates dry with a paper towel. Then, proceed with the recipe.
  • I love using these dairy-free mini chocolate chips. You can use regular chocolate chips, too.
  • As the recipe states, be sure to freeze these no bake turtle brownies for one hour before slicing and serving. This gives the brownies enough time to set.
  • Store leftovers in a container in the refrigerator or freezer. Storing the brownies in the refrigerator will create a softer texture, while the freezer will create a chewier texture. Both are great!
three no bake raw turtle brownies stacked on top of each other
three no bake raw turtle brownies with a bite taken out of the center brownie

More no bake brownie recipes

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No Bake Turtle Brownies (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

★★★★★ 4.8 from 5 reviews
  • Author: purelykaylie
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 16 brownies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

These no bake turtle brownies are rich, decadent, and so delicious! It's a soft and chewy brownie topped with caramel, crushed pecans, and mini chocolate chips. 

Ingredients

Scale

Brownies:

  • 1.5 cups raw walnuts
  • 1.5 cups raw almonds
  • 2 + ½ cup medjool dates, packed
  • ½ cup cocoa powder
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt

Caramel:

  • 2 cups medjool dates, packed
  • 2-4 tablespoon water, as needed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ⅛ tsp salt

Toppings:

  • ½ cup crushed pecans
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Create the brownie layer: add walnuts, almonds, pitted medjool dates, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt to a food processor. Process/pulse until a sticky brownie dough is formed.
  2. Line a square baking dish with parchment paper. Use clean hands to press the brownie dough across the base of the dish. 
  3. Create the caramel layer: add pitted medjool dates, water, vanilla extract, and salt to a food processor. Process/pulse until a smooth, caramel-like spread is formed. *See notes below. 
  4. Spread the caramel across the brownie layer. Then, add crushed pecans on top. Gently press them into the caramel layer. Next, add mini chocolate chips on top. Gently press them over the pecans. 
  5. Freeze the turtle brownies for 1 hour. After, slice and serve. 

Notes

*To create the smooth caramel layer: Process/pulse the ingredients. Stop the food processor periodically and scrape down the sides, pushing the dates toward the center blades. Process/pulse again. Repeat until a nearly smooth, caramel-like spread is formed. 

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 brownie
  • Calories: 396
  • Sugar: 49g
  • Fat: 18.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 7g

Keywords: no bake turtle brownies, raw turtle brownies, salted caramel brownies

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  1. Aylie Riser

    Could I use almond flour if I don't have any raw almonds since it'd be ground up in the food processor anyways?

    Reply

    • Kaylie Grace

      Hi Aylie! Yes, you can use almond flour if you don't have any almonds. However, you'll need to use more almond flour in that case. I recommend using 2 cups almond flour (to replace the 1.5 cups almonds). Enjoy! 🙂

      Reply

  2. Samantha Nelson

    These are pretty good. As others have said, very rich. And at the same time not a ton of flavor. I think it’s the caramel layer that’s really missing something. Also, this recipe makes a TON! I first tried in a square (8x8) pan and the first layer was SO thick. I moved it to a 9x13 and it was better. But that got me 32 bars and I think I could have easily cut it in 40+ pieces with the richness. This recipe could easily be halved for a more reasonable amount.

    ★★★★

    Reply

  3. Teri

    Hi! I was wondering if you can’t find medjool dates can regular dates be substituted? Thank you.

    Reply

    • Kaylie Grace

      Hi, Teri! Yes, you can use other dates. However, I recommend sticking with medjool for the best flavor! Enjoy 🙂

      Reply

  4. Kerri

    How long can these brownies last for?
    Fridge?
    Freezer?

    Reply

    • Kaylie Grace

      Hi, Kerri! You can store them in the refrigerator or the freezer. They will keep well for 1 week in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer. Enjoy!

      Reply

  5. Nicole

    For the brownie part, what is 4 + 1 cup dates? Does that mean 4 individual dates plus 1 cup of dates? Or does that mean 5 cups total dates for the brownie portion?

    Reply

    • Kaylie Grace

      Hi, Nicole! Where are you reading "4 + 1 cup dates" in the recipe card? It states, "2 and 1/2 cups" which means 2.5 cups.

      Reply

  6. Adele

    Made these tonight. I cut them into squares after freezing for one hour. Then I tried them. They are decadent. I rescored the squares to make smaller portions and froze most of them. I’m sure they’ll be a hit this Christmas.

    ★★★★★

    Reply

    • Kaylie Grace

      Merry Christmas, Adele! 🙂

      Reply

  7. Myli

    We have an almond allergy in our home, would this be possible with sunflower seeds and walnuts?

    Reply

    • Kaylie Grace

      Hi, Myli! A nut would work far better than seeds. Can you use cashews in your home? That would be a better replacement. 🙂

      Reply

  8. Amber

    I made these and absolutely fell in love! They taste just like regular brownies, bur without the guilt!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

    • Kaylie Grace

      Thank you, Amber! I'm so happy to hear you love these turtle brownies!! 🙂

      Reply

  9. Meghan

    Absolutely delicious! Super easy, too! I was really amazed at how easily the “caramel” comes together in the food processor. I only had about 4 cups of packed dates altogether and split them equally between the “dough” and “caramel.” I added a heaping tablespoon of peanut butter to the dough and it turned out perfectly! Will keep in the fridge/freezer for weeks!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

    • Kaylie Grace

      I'm so glad you enjoyed the brownies, Meghan! Thank you for the sweet comment! 🙂

      Reply

  10. Julia

    OMG!! These are so good!! If someone put this in front of me I would have no idea that they were vegan, gluten free, and healthy! They taste absolutely amazing and this recipe was so easy to follow! Go try it out you won’t be disappointed!! The brownies were fudgy and the caramel on top added such a nice flavor!! 🥰

    ★★★★★

    Reply

    • purelykaylie

      What a sweet comment!! I'm so happy you loved these turtle brownies, Julia!! Thanks so much! 🥰

      Reply