Irresistibly Easy 4 Ingredient Date Caramels for Guilt-Free Indulgence Recipe

Introduction

These irresistibly easy 4-ingredient date caramels offer a guilt-free indulgence that’s both naturally sweet and satisfyingly rich. Packed with wholesome ingredients, they make the perfect treat for anyone craving caramel without the refined sugar. Plus, they’re simple to prepare and utterly delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
• 2 tablespoons almond butter or sunflower seed butter (for nut-free option)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bar (dark chocolate recommended)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Soak the pitted Medjool dates in hot water for about 10 minutes to soften them.
2. Step 2: Drain the dates and add them to a blender along with the almond or sunflower seed butter and melted coconut oil. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan and spread the caramel mixture evenly into it. Freeze for 2–3 hours to set firmly.
4. Step 4: Once the caramel is firm, slice it into 12 equal squares.
5. Step 5: Melt the chocolate chips with 2 teaspoons of coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in short bursts and stirring until smooth.
6. Step 6: Dip each caramel square into the melted chocolate, coating it completely, then place onto a lined plate.
7. Step 7: Refrigerate the coated caramels for about 1 hour until the chocolate sets solid.

Tips & Variations

• Use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter for a nut-free version.
• For extra texture, sprinkle sea salt or chopped nuts on the chocolate coating before it sets.
• Try different types of chocolate such as milk or white chocolate for variety, though dark chocolate gives the richest flavor.
• If you don’t have a loaf pan, any small rectangular dish or container lined with parchment will work.

Storage

Store these date caramels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months. Let frozen caramels thaw for 10–15 minutes at room temperature before enjoying. Reheat is not recommended as it may soften the chocolate coating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of dates?

Medjool dates are preferred for their soft texture and natural sweetness, but other soft dates can work. If your dates are dry, soak them longer to ensure the caramel is smooth.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe is vegan as long as you use dairy-free chocolate chips and ensure your almond or sunflower seed butter doesn’t contain added animal products.

Irresistibly Easy 4 Ingredient Date Caramels for Guilt-Free Indulgence Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 74 reviews

These irresistibly easy 4-ingredient date caramels offer a guilt-free indulgence with natural sweetness and a luscious chocolate coating. Made with simple wholesome ingredients like Medjool dates, almond butter, coconut oil, and dark chocolate, this treat is perfect for a healthy snack or dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth without refined sugars.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 caramels 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Caramel Base

• 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
• 2 tablespoons almond butter or sunflower seed butter (for nut-free option)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted

For the Chocolate Coating

• 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bar (preferably dark chocolate for richer flavor)
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil

Instructions

1. Soak Dates: Start by soaking 1 cup of pitted Medjool dates in hot water for about 10 minutes to soften them, making blending easier and resulting in a smooth caramel texture.
2. Blend Together: Drain the soaked dates well, then add them to a blender along with 2 tablespoons of almond butter and 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
3. Set the Caramel: Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper and transfer the date caramel mixture into it. Spread it evenly with a spatula and place the pan in the freezer to firm up for 2 to 3 hours.
4. Slice the Caramels: Once the caramel base is firm, remove it from the pan and slice into 12 equal squares for even bite-sized treats.
5. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of chocolate chips with 2 teaspoons of coconut oil. Microwave in short bursts of 20 seconds, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.
6. Coat the Caramels: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each caramel square into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Place the coated caramels onto a parchment-lined plate.
7. Set the Chocolate: Refrigerate the chocolate-coated caramels for about 1 hour or until the chocolate has completely set and hardened, then serve or store in an airtight container.

Notes

• You can substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
• Using dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate enhances flavor and adds antioxidants.
• Store finished caramels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Ensure dates are fully pitted before soaking to avoid any hard bits.
• If dates are not very soft, soaking time can be extended up to 20 minutes.

Keywords: date caramels, healthy caramel recipe, vegan caramel, no refined sugar dessert, easy 4 ingredient dessert, almond butter caramels, dark chocolate treats