These salted turtle energy balls give homage, and a healthier twist, to one of my favorite chocolate candies – Salted Turtle Chocolates!
How does one fit their Turtle candy craving (actually any chocolate craving) into a healthy lifestyle? Anyone, anyone?
I’ll tell ya. You create an energy bite with your favorite chocolate candy in mind. Energy bites are the perfect snack to curb a chocolate or sweet tooth craving because they are little nuggets of deliciousness. Energy bites truly can take on the flavors of any candy or cookie without all the processed sugar and fat.
Energy bites are made with simple wholesome ingredients and are easy to prepare. All you need is a food processor. With some energy bite recipes (see this banana chocolate chip recipe) you don’t even need that. The only problem is energy bites are easy to eat too. So while energy bites are made with healthier ingredients you still need to watch your portions. Just saying 🙂
How to Make Turtle Energy Balls
Okay back to the turtle energy balls. I made this recipe using Medjool dates, almond butter, pecans, unsweetened cocoa powder, chia seeds, and big dash of salt. Some energy bite recipes call for rolled oats but I decided to just use the dates. In case you didn’t know Medjool dates make up the foundation of Lara Bars so essentially this recipe is like a homemade Lara Bar but with a few extra ingredients thrown in.
A couple notes. It’s important to remove the pits from the Medjool dates and soak them in hot water before placing into the processor. Rehydrating the dates helps them to blend better.
I used almond butter because I didn’t want a peanut butter taste to these energy bite. Plus, have you tried almond butter? Delicious. Yes, I know it’s on the pricey side but I think it’s worth it. I found a good price on almond butter at BJ’s Wholesale so check out your local wholesale store.
The chia seeds are important because they add protein and fiber while also helping the energy bites hold their shape since they soak up extra liquid.
Now, let’s blend it up. You want all the ingredients to come together and form a thick batter. If the batter seems to crumbly then add in 1 tablespoon or more of water. Then stick the batter in the refrigerator for a couple hours.
Roll into 20 energy bites and refrigerate. You can also stick them in the freezer at this time. To freeze, place the energy bites into a plastic freezer bag or container and lay flat in the freezer. Once the bites are frozen you can move the bag wherever.
These Salted Turtle Energy Bites are sooooo good! The Medjool dates give it a sweet caramel taste that blends great with the chocolate and pecans. The almond butter compliments the other flavors without overpowering. You can sprinkle a little coarse sea salt over top for a nice salted crunch.
I enjoyed these turtle energy bites on my way to the gym or for a mid-afternoon snack. I felt like I was enjoying a nice treat instead of a wholesome snack.
If you’re struggling with sweet tooth cravings I recommend making a batch of these salted turtle energy bites.
If you make these Salted Turtle Energy Bites then share your creation on Instagram using hashtag #organizeyourselfskinny or in our private FB Group.
Turtle Energy Balls
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1- cup Medjool dates about 12, pitted
- 1/2 cup smooth almond butter
- 1/2 cup whole pecans
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Rehydrate dates in hot water for about 10 minutes, drain.
- Add dates, almond butter, pecans, pure vanilla extract, chia seeds, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt to food processor.
- Process until a thick batter forms. You might need to scrape the sides a couple times. If the batter does not come together and seems crumbly then add 1 tablespoon of water and process. 1 tablespoon of water should be fine but if you need more then add enough until the batter comes together.
- Place the batter in the refrigerator for 1 hour or until the batter is firm enough to roll into balls.
- Roll into 20 balls and refrigerate.
Barbara says
Best ever! I messed up and added 2 T. Chia seed so added 2 Tbsp orange marmalade. Oh my, these were soooo good, even without that. Then rolled in. Chopped pecans. Delicious!
TAMARA KARDOSKEE says
Love these. So good when you need something sweet that’s not a candy bar. Taste like a gooey brownie to me! These were a hit with everyone who tasted them so far!!!
Jeannie W says
I was going to ask if you ground the chia seeds, it makes more sense and it would thicken the mixture as it sits, and I think peanut or cashew butter would be great, looks like everyone puts their own spin on how they prepared this! It looks like a great recipe.
Thanks
Paige says
Hey!! Can I use a different kind of nuts or will it ruin the turtle vibe😂? These look amazing I just don’t have walnuts on hand!
Tammy Overhoff says
These actually use pecans but you can use any nut you want. I’ve used almonds before and it was great. Enjoy!
Brett says
I am pleasantly surprised by how good these are. I added 1/3 cup oats and some chocolate chips. Everyone in my family loves them (even the notoriously picky eaters)!
Annie Pearson says
I just made these for the first time. I am trying out new healthier snacks and it’s a hit!
Faye says
These look great! Can I swap the almond butter with hazelnut butter?
Tammy Overhoff says
Sure can! You can use any nutbutter.
D says
Why do these have to be refrigerated? I’d like to ship these as a gift to someone but won’t if they must be refrigerated.
Paige says
How do you expect me to not eat the whole batch in one sitting. Absolutely delicious! I’ve made at least once a week! Really helps with the sweets cravings.
Tammy Overhoff says
Yes! I know these energy bites are sooooo good!
Claire Carson says
Delicious, easy and so much cheaper than buying in a store. I opted for 1 tbsp of cocoa powder and 1 tbsp of espresso powder (instead of the 2 cocoa powder that the recipe suggests) and used ground flax meal instead of chia seeds.
Kay says
So easy to make and wow! Way better for my sweet tooth! Highly recommend giving this recipe a try- you won’t be disappointed!
Tayo says
Yummy! I omitted the salt. . Used regular peanut butter and 1/2 of coconut. My summer candy.
Tammy Kresge says
That sounds amazing with the coconut! So happy you love it.
Carole McLean says
This recipe sounded so yummy and I was looking for something a little different. When it came to make I didn’t have all the actual ingredients so improvised. I used Adam’s all natural chunky peanut butter instead of almond butter. Added dark chocolate chips(at the end) and as I had already ground my chia seeds and blended with ground flax and additional hemp seeds in equal amounts so I added 3 Tbs. Of this mixture along with 1 Tbs. caramel flavoured coffee additive. I belive the peanut butter had more oil so increased the chia mixture to compensate. Changed the 1 /4 tsp. Salt to, 1/4 tsp. Salt flakes. They were delicious!
Anne Slabinski says
I was looking for the recipe for the overnight salted turtle oats that I saw on pinterest. I would love to see a search menu on your home page to find them. Thanks.