No Bake Turtle Brownies (Vegan, Gluten-Free) (2024)

Jump to Recipe·4.8 from 5 reviews

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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.

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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!

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

  • Walnuts
  • Almonds
  • Medjool dates
  • Cocoa powder
  • Pecans
  • Chocolate chips
  • Vanilla
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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!
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No Bake Turtle Brownies (Vegan, Gluten-Free) (20)

More no bake brownie recipes

  • No Bake Coconut Brownies
  • No Bake Vegan Cosmic Brownies
  • No Bake Snickers Brownies
  • Cosmic Brownie Bites
  • No Bake Cookie Dough Brownies
  • No Bake Vegan Brownies

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!

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No Bake Turtle Brownies (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star4.8 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 + 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

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No Bake Turtle Brownies (Vegan, Gluten-Free) (2024)

FAQs

What are turtle brownies made of? ›

Ingredients
  • 1 box (16 oz) Betty Crocker™ Delights Supreme Original Brownie Mix.
  • Water, vegetable oil and egg called for on brownie mix box.
  • 20 caramels, unwrapped (from 11-oz bag)
  • 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream.
  • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans.
  • 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chunks.

Is Betty Crocker gluten-free brownie mix vegan? ›

Betty Crocker's triple chocolate chunk brownie mix, gluten-free chocolate brownie mix and salted caramel brownie mix are not vegan. They're not vegan because the actual mixes contain milk.

Are Trader Joes gluten-free brownies dairy free? ›

Pluses: it's free of wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, soy, and corn.

Do turtle brownies have nuts? ›

To make turtle brownies, my favorite crinkle top brownies are baked until crackly and drizzled with homemade salted caramel sauce. Topped with chocolate chips, pecans, and flaky salt, these soft and fudgy brownies make the perfect indulgence. Pro tip: Serve warm topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Are turtles vegan? ›

Some turtles are carnivores, while others follow a strictly vegetarian diet. Most turtles, however, are omnivores, eating both animals and plants.

Why are turtle desserts called turtle? ›

This cheesecake, using caramel, chocolate, and nuts, is named after Turtles, a confection developed in the United States by Johnson's Candy Company in 1918, so named because the shape of the treat resembles a turtle.

What is a good egg substitute for brownies? ›

APPLESAUCE

About ¼ cup of applesauce can work as an egg replacement in baking for dense baked goods like brownies or cookies.

What boxed cake mixes are vegan? ›

Since most boxed cakes require that you add eggs, milk and butter after, most major brands such as Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker are already vegan!
  • Duncan Hines Decadent Carrot.
  • Duncan Hines Red Velvet.
  • Betty Crocker Super Moist French Vanilla.
  • Betty Crocker German Chocolate.

Which Betty Crocker is vegan? ›

Are Betty Crocker Baking Mixes Vegan? The great news is, most Betty Crocker baking mixes are vegan. All you need to do is replace eggs and milk with vegan options. The majority of the frostings are also vegan, making it easy to whip up a last-minute cake.

Are Ghirardelli brownies gluten free? ›

Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Premium Brownie Mix. This product has 2 ingredients that have gluten.

Do Krusteaz gluten free brownies have dairy? ›

It's dairy-free and corn-free. (It does carry a “may contain” warning for dairy.) But the only gluten-free flour used is brown rice flour.

Why are they called turtle brownies? ›

The shape of them with a hump of caramel in the middle resembles a turtle shell, hence the name. I've turned one of my favorite fudgy cocoa brownie recipes into the ultimate decadent treat by adding pecans, chocolate chips and drizzles of salted caramel to deliver a nostalgic taste of that famous confection!

Are pecan delights the same as turtles? ›

Both pecan delights and turtles are made up of chocolate, caramel, and pecans so they're very similar! What is this? You may just find them called different things depending on the brand that makes them. Turtles are pretty common while Russell Stover is known for their Pecan Delights.

What happened to the little Debbie brownies with walnuts? ›

Little Debbie fudge brownies, complete with the English walnuts that fans knew and loved, first appeared on store shelves in 1969. These treats lasted a whopping five decades before they were sadly discontinued.

What is turtles chocolate made of? ›

In its simplest form, chocolate truffles demand two ingredients: double cream and high quality chocolate. You can also add a knob of butter for extra richness. Because not much goes into a chocolate truffle, you'll want to use good quality chocolate.

What is turtle cake made of? ›

Basically, you take all those scrumptious flavors of a classic chocolate turtle and put them into a cake made up of layers of chocolate cake, salted caramel mixed with toasted pecans, and held together with a creamy, dreamy chocolate buttercream. It's decadent, chocolatey, salty-sweet, and so so so so so so tasty.

What are turtle beans made out of? ›

What Are Black Turtle Beans? A relative of the red kidney bean, black turtle beans are a legume native to Mexico and are a staple ingredient in many Latin American and Caribbean dishes. Growing black turtle beans is a fairly simple process, as the seeds require minimal attention and do not need fertiliser.

What are turtle cookies made of? ›

Ingredients
  • 113 g or ½ cup butter unsalted and softened.
  • 200 g or 1 cup granulated sugar.
  • ½ tsp fine sea salt.
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract.
  • 1 large egg.
  • 50 g or ½ cup dutch process cocoa.
  • 130 g or 1 cup all purpose flour high protein.
  • 1/2 cup Finely chopped pecans.
Dec 21, 2023

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