Description
These 4-ingredient date caramels are a healthy, indulgent treat made with dates, almond butter, coconut oil, and a rich chocolate coating. They are vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free, making them perfect for anyone looking for a sweet yet wholesome snack.
Ingredients
For the date caramel:
1 cup packed medjool dates, pitted
2 tablespoons creamy almond butter, or any nut/seed butter
1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
For the chocolate coating:
1 cup chocolate chips, or an 8-ounce chocolate bar
2 teaspoons coconut oil, melted
Instructions
- Soak the dates in a bowl of very hot water for 10 minutes to soften them.
- Once the dates are soft, drain them from the water and transfer them to a food processor or high-speed blender. Add the almond butter and melted coconut oil, then pulse until the mixture is smooth.
- Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, and transfer the date caramel mixture into the pan. Freeze for 2-3 hours or until firm to the touch.
- Once firm, remove the loaf pan from the freezer and lift the caramel out. Place the caramel on a cutting board and slice it into 12 small squares.
- Melt the chocolate chips and 2 teaspoons of coconut oil in a heat-safe bowl either in the microwave or over a double boiler on the stove.
- Dip each caramel square into the melted chocolate to fully coat it. Carefully lift the caramel out of the chocolate and transfer it to a parchment-lined plate. Repeat the process with all the caramels, then refrigerate them for 1 hour or until the chocolate is completely set.
- Once the chocolate is hardened, your date caramels are ready to enjoy!
Notes
- For a nut butter swap, try using peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor.
- Use dark, milk, or white chocolate depending on your preference for the coating.
- Enhance texture by adding chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate before it sets.
- If you prefer a simpler version, skip the chocolate coating and enjoy the date caramels on their own.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake, Freezing
- Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 caramel square
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
