Unjunked Chocolate Turtles (Unjunked Holiday Treat - Day 12 of 12)
Day 12 of 12 Days of Unjunked Holiday Treats: Healthy Chocolate Turtles
If you’ve ever felt like holiday treats turn into a full-time sugar job by the end of December, this recipe is for you.
These Healthy Chocolate Turtles are the final recipe in my 12 Days of Unjunked Holiday Treats series, and honestly, they might be the simplest and most satisfying one of all.
No baking.
No fancy tools.
No ingredient list a mile long.
Just three real ingredients that come together into something that tastes indulgent, chocolatey, and festive, without the sugar crash.
They’re the kind of treat you can make in minutes, keep in the fridge, and grab when you want “just a little something sweet” that actually leaves you feeling good.
Why These Turtles Are Unjunked
Traditional turtles are usually loaded with corn syrup, refined sugar, artificial flavors, and fillers. These ones skip all of that, without losing the experience.
Here’s why they work:
Naturally sweet from dates (no refined sugar needed)
Healthy fats from pecans that make them satisfying
Real dark chocolate for rich flavor without the overload
No-bake, which means less stress during a busy season
They’re rich, chewy, crunchy, and chocolatey, everything a holiday treat should be.
Unjunked Chocolate Turtles Recipe
Ingredients
Medjool dates (pitted)
Whole pecans
Dark chocolate (70% or higher)
Instructions
Slice dates open and remove the pits.
Press a pecan into the center of each date.
Melt the dark chocolate gently (microwave or double boiler).
Drizzle or dip the date-pecan combos in chocolate.
Place on parchment paper and chill until set.
That’s it.
Tips for the Best Turtles
Store them in the fridge for a firmer, candy-like texture
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before chilling for a sweet-salty finish
These make great gifts, just stack in a jar or tin and refrigerate
Day 12 of the 12 Days of Unjunked Holiday Treats 🎄
This recipe wraps up the 12 Days of Unjunked Holiday Treats series, a collection of real-food holiday favorites made to help you enjoy the season without the sugar crash.
🎥 Short recipe videos for all 12 days are already posted on Instagram and Facebook
📖 And the full printable recipe collection is available if you’d like everything in one place
My hope is that these recipes make the holidays feel simpler, more enjoyable, and a lot less stressful in the kitchen.
👉 You can download the free 12 Days of Unjunked Holiday Treats PDF here.
If you missed Previous Days, start here with:
Michelle Walker
a mom, former educator, and the founder of Unjunk America - a movement dedicated to helping families ditch processed foods, decode food labels, and reconnect with real food. With a warm, no-judgment approach, Michelle empowers parents to make simple, sustainable changes in their kitchens, one meal at a time.
Learn more or join the movement at UnjunkAmerica.com.
