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Healthy Date Turtle Bars Recipe

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4 from 45 reviews

  • Author: Amina
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Healthy Date Turtle Bars are a decadent yet nutritious treat featuring a sweet date base layered with creamy peanut butter, crunchy pecans, and rich dark chocolate. Perfectly portioned and easy to prepare, these bars combine natural sweetness and wholesome ingredients for a delightful snack or dessert.

Ingredients

Base and Spread

  • 12 to 15 Medjool dates (pitted)
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter (more for thicker layer)

Toppings

  • 1 cup pecans
  • 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (adjust to taste)
  • Optional: flaky sea salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of bars later.
  2. Layer Dates: Press the pitted Medjool dates flat into a single layer at the bottom of the prepared pan, forming the base of the bars.
  3. Warm Peanut Butter: Warm the peanut butter in the microwave for 15–20 seconds until slightly melted, making it easier to spread evenly.
  4. Spread Peanut Butter: Spread the warmed peanut butter evenly over the pressed date layer, covering all dates completely.
  5. Add Pecans: Scatter the pecans evenly over the peanut butter layer to add crunch and flavor.
  6. Melt Chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between intervals until smooth and fully melted.
  7. Pour Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate over the pecan layer and use a spatula to spread it evenly, covering the nuts entirely.
  8. Chill Bars: Refrigerate the assembled bars for 10–15 minutes until the chocolate sets and the bars firm up.
  9. Cut and Serve: Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper, cut into 12 portions, and optionally sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a finishing touch.

Notes

  • Use Medjool dates for natural sweetness and soft texture.
  • Adjust the amount of peanut butter for a thicker or thinner layer according to preference.
  • Dark chocolate with higher cocoa content adds richness and antioxidants.
  • Sprinkling flaky sea salt enhances the contrast of sweet and salty flavors.
  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep fresh.
  • For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and omit pecans.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://aminabakes.com/healthy-date-turtle-bars-recipe/