Irresistibly Easy 4 Ingredient Date Caramels for Guilt-Free Indulgence Recipe
Delight in these irresistibly easy 4-ingredient date caramels, a guilt-free indulgence combining natural sweetness from Medjool dates with creamy almond butter and rich dark chocolate coating. Perfect for a healthy snack or a satisfying treat, these caramels require minimal prep and use simple, wholesome ingredients for a deliciously smooth and chewy caramel base enrobed in luscious chocolate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Base
- 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
- 2 tablespoons almond butter (or sunflower seed butter for nut-free)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bar (dark chocolate recommended)
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil (for melting chocolate)
Instructions
- Soak Dates: Start by soaking 1 cup of pitted Medjool dates in hot water for about 10 minutes to soften them for blending.
- Blend Together: Drain the soaked dates and add them to a blender along with 2 tablespoons of almond butter and 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, forming the caramel base.
- Set the Caramel: Transfer the blended caramel mixture to a lined 9×5 inch loaf pan and spread it evenly. Place the pan in the freezer and chill for 2 to 3 hours until firm.
- Slice the Caramels: Once the caramel base is firm, remove it from the loaf pan and slice into 12 equal squares to prepare for coating.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup of chocolate chips together with 2 teaspoons of coconut oil in short bursts, stirring to ensure smoothness.
- Coat the Caramels: Dip each caramel square into the melted chocolate, fully coating it. Place the coated caramels on a lined plate or tray to set.
- Set the Chocolate: Refrigerate the chocolate-coated caramels for 1 hour, allowing the chocolate to harden and set perfectly before serving.
Notes
- For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle sea salt flakes on the chocolate-coated caramels right after dipping, before the chocolate sets.
- Use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter for a nut-free variation.
- Choose dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet flavor and enhanced antioxidants.
- Store the finished caramels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Ensure dates are thoroughly pitted to avoid any unexpected bites.
Keywords: date caramels, healthy caramel recipe, vegan sweets, 4 ingredient caramels, almond butter caramels, dark chocolate treats, easy caramel dessert, guilt-free caramel
