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    Home » Recipes » Turtle Energy Balls

    Turtle Energy Balls

    Published: Jan 4, 2017 · Modified: Aug 23, 2022 by Tammy Overhoff

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    These salted turtle energy balls give homage, and a healthier twist, to one of my favorite chocolate candies – Salted Turtle Chocolates!

    turtle energy balls in a glass container.

    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.

    Salted Turtle Energy Bite recipe ingredients in a processor

    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.

    turtle ball ingredients processed in a bowl.

    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.

    turtle balls in glass container.

    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.

    salted turtle balls in a glass container overhead picture.

    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

    These salted turtle energy balls give homage, and a healthier twist, to one of my favorite chocolate candies – Salted Turtle Chocolates!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Snack, snack recipe
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: turtle balls, turtle energy balls
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour hour
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 20
    Calories: 101kcal
    Author: Tammy Overhoff

    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.

    Notes

    Make-ahead Instructions
    energy bites can be made completely ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator 5-7 days and frozen up to 3 months.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 101kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g

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    Healthy Baking Recipes, Recipes, Snack Recipes

    About Tammy Overhoff

    Hi, I’m Tammy Overhoff, a busy mom, wife, and entrepreneur. I am the owner, author, and recipe developer here at Organize Yourself Skinny. Since 2011 Organize Yourself Skinny has become a trusted resource for clean eating recipes to meal prep, reviews, and lifestyle hacks to help you fit healthy habits and routines into your busy schedule. Check out my online shop Reset & Flourish for all of my eBooks, Guides, and Bundles!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kay says

      September 17, 2023 at 8:18 pm

      5 stars
      So easy to make and wow! Way better for my sweet tooth! Highly recommend giving this recipe a try- you won’t be disappointed!

      Reply
    2. Tayo says

      July 15, 2021 at 3:35 pm

      5 stars
      Yummy! I omitted the salt. . Used regular peanut butter and 1/2 of coconut. My summer candy.

      Reply
      • Tammy Kresge says

        July 19, 2021 at 10:06 am

        That sounds amazing with the coconut! So happy you love it.

        Reply
    3. Carole McLean says

      January 06, 2019 at 8:54 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    4. Anne Slabinski says

      September 10, 2017 at 6:46 pm

      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.

      Reply

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    Hi, I’m Tammy Overhoff, a busy mom, wife, and entrepreneur. I am the owner, author, and recipe developer here at Organize Yourself Skinny. Since 2011 Organize Yourself Skinny has become a trusted resource for clean eating meal prep recipes, reviews, and lifestyle hacks to help you fit healthy habits and routines into your busy schedule. Check out my online shop Reset & Flourish for all of my eBooks, Guides, and Bundles!

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