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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

If you try these No Bake Turtle Brownies, please let me know your thoughts by leaving a rating and comment below! Ready for more? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Instagram and YouTube!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

No Bake Turtle Brownies (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 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

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 + 1/2 cup medjool dates, packed
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Caramel:

  • 2 cups medjool dates, packed
  • 24 tbsp water, as needed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/8 tsp salt

Toppings:

  • 1/2 cup crushed pecans
  • 1/2 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

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use, trust, and love!