These 4 Ingredient Date Caramels are easy to make and taste like a soft, natural candy. Dates give the caramel its texture and sweetness. Almond butter and coconut oil make it smooth. A chocolate coat makes each bite feel special.
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Why make this recipe
This snack is quick, healthy, and sweet. It needs only a few real foods. You get chewy date caramel covered in chocolate. It is perfect when you want a small treat that still feels good to eat.
How to make Date Caramels
Work on the steps in order and use a food processor or strong blender. Soak the dates first so they blend smooth. Press the caramel into a pan, freeze until firm, cut into squares, then dip each square in melted chocolate. Let the chocolate set in the fridge before eating. For a similar healthy snack recipe, try this Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars.
Ingredients :
- 1 cup packed medjool dates, pitted
- 2 tablespoons creamy almond butter, or any nut/seed butter
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
- 1 cup chocolate chips, or an 8-ounce chocolate bar
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil, melted
Directions :
- Soak the dates in a bowl of very hot water for 10 minutes.
- Once dates are very soft, drain them from the water and transfer the soaked dates to a food processor or high-speed blender. Add the almond butter and coconut oil to the dates, and pulse until completely smooth.
- Transfer the date caramel to a 9×5-inch loaf pan lined with parchment paper, then place the pan in the freezer for 2-3 hours, or until date caramel is firm to the touch.
- Remove the loaf pan from the freezer, and lift the date caramel out of the pan. Place the date caramel on a cutting board and slice into 12 small squares.
- Melt the chocolate chips and 2 teaspoons coconut oil in a heat-safe bowl in either the microwave or over a double boiler on the stove. Once chocolate is completely smooth and melted, dip each caramel square in the chocolate to fully coat. Carefully lift the caramel out of the chocolate and transfer to a parchment-lined plate.
- Repeat the dipping process with all caramels, then transfer to the fridge for 1 hour or until chocolate has hardened and is completely set. Once set, enjoy your chocolate covered date caramels, or keep stored in the fridge to enjoy later on!
4 Ingredient Date Caramels
These healthy and sweet date caramels are made with just four ingredients, offering a soft, chewy treat coated in chocolate.
- Total Time: 180 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup packed medjool dates, pitted
- 2 tablespoons creamy almond butter, or any nut/seed butter
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
- 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.
- Once dates are soft, drain the water and transfer the dates to a food processor or blender. Add almond butter and coconut oil, and pulse until smooth.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9×5-inch loaf pan lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 2-3 hours until firm.
- Remove the caramel from the pan and slice into 12 squares.
- Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a bowl, then dip each square in the chocolate to coat.
- Transfer the dipped caramels to a parchment-lined plate and refrigerate for 1 hour or until the chocolate has hardened.
- Enjoy immediately or store in the fridge for later.
Notes
For best texture, use soft medjool dates. Chill the caramel before cutting for clean squares. Feel free to add sea salt on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
How to serve Date Caramels
Serve cold or slightly chilled. Arrange on a small plate or in a paper candy cup. They make a nice treat with tea or coffee. You can also add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a contrast in taste.
How to store Date Caramels
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Tips to make Date Caramels
- Use soft medjool dates for the best texture.
- If dates are not soft, soak longer or use warm water.
- Blend until very smooth to avoid grainy bits.
- Chill the caramel well before cutting to get clean squares.
- Warm the chocolate gently so it stays smooth for dipping.
Variations
- Use peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter.
- Roll the caramel squares in chopped nuts before the chocolate sets.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or sea salt to the date mixture for extra flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other dates than medjool?
A: Yes. Use soft, fresh dates. If they are dry, soak them longer.
Q: Do I need a food processor?
A: A food processor or high-speed blender works best. A strong blender will make the caramel smooth.
Q: Can I skip the chocolate?
A: Yes. The date caramel is sweet and tasty on its own. You can cut and eat it without chocolate.
Q: How do I stop chocolate from cracking?
A: Melt chocolate slowly and don’t cool it too fast. Store in the fridge after dipping to set gently.
Conclusion
These date caramels are simple, tasty, and quick to make. They use whole ingredients and few steps. Make a batch to have a healthy sweet treat ready in your fridge.
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