Creamy Turtle Chocolate Squares
[Vegan]

For the Squares:

• 1 cup dates, soaked
• 1 cup chickpeas
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup sweetener, or more, to taste
• 1/2 cup buckwheat flour
• 2 tablespoons flaxseed powder
• 2-4 tablespoons date soaking water, as required
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons ginger
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1–2 teaspoons coffee powder (optional)

For the Matcha Cream:

• 1 cup sweet potato, peeled and steamed
• 1 cup chickpeas
• 3 teaspoons matcha powder
• 1/4 cup and 1 tablespoon sweetener/sugar of choice, or more, to taste
• 2 tablespoons nut or seed butter of choice
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons non-dairy milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla or peppermint extract
• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder

For the Turtle Top:

• 1/2 cup gluten-free pretzels
• 3 tablespoons chocolate chips
• Chocolate drizzle (optional)