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Here’s what you need for these tasty date caramels: - 1 cup medjool dates, pitted - 1/4 cup almond butter (or nut butter of your choice) - 1/4 cup coconut cream - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - 1/4 cup chopped nuts (hazelnuts, walnuts, or pistachios) - Optional: 1 tablespoon cocoa powder for a chocolate twist Using medjool dates gives your caramels a rich, sweet taste. These dates are soft and sticky, making them perfect for blending. If you can’t find medjool dates, other types may work, but the texture might change. Almond butter adds richness and healthy fats. You can use any nut butter you like, such as peanut or cashew. Coconut cream makes the caramels creamy and smooth. Make sure to use full-fat coconut cream for the best results. Vanilla extract adds a nice flavor. The sea salt balances the sweetness and enhances the taste. Topping with chopped nuts adds a nice crunch and flavor. Feel free to pick your favorite nuts. If you want a chocolate twist, cocoa powder is a great option. It gives the caramels a deeper flavor that everyone loves. These ingredients come together to create a treat that’s simple, healthy, and oh-so-delicious! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, take your pitted dates and place them in a food processor. Process them until they turn into a sticky paste. If your dates feel hard, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes before processing. This softens them and makes blending easier. Now, it’s time to add the fun stuff! Add 1/4 cup of almond butter and 1/4 cup of coconut cream to the date paste. Also, include 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. If you want a chocolate twist, add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder. Blend until everything is smooth. You want a thick, caramel-like consistency. It should feel rich and creamy. Next, grab a small baking dish, about 8x8 inches, and line it with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal later. Transfer your date mixture into the dish and press it down evenly using the back of a spatula. Chill the dish in the refrigerator for at least 1 to 2 hours. This helps the mixture firm up nicely. To get the right consistency for your date caramels, start with fresh medjool dates. They should be soft and sticky. If your dates are hard, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes. This softens them and makes blending easier. After soaking, drain them well before processing. When you blend the dates, use a strong food processor. Pulse the dates until they form a smooth paste. Then, add almond butter, coconut cream, and other ingredients. Blend until the mixture is thick and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps. This will give you that perfect caramel-like texture. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings and mix-ins. You can add chopped nuts like hazelnuts, walnuts, or pistachios for a crunchy bite. You can also roll the caramels in shredded coconut for extra flavor. For a chocolate twist, mix in cocoa powder to the date blend. Adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you want it sweeter, add a bit more almond butter or coconut cream. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of almond butter. This lets you customize your date caramels to suit your taste. There are many fun ways to enjoy your date caramels. You can serve them as a healthy snack or a tasty dessert. Try pairing them with fresh fruit like apples or bananas for a delightful treat. You can also enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee. They make a great pick-me-up during the day. Arrange the caramels on a beautiful plate for a nice presentation when serving guests. Get creative and enjoy every bite! Pro Tips Soften Your Dates: If your medjool dates are a bit hard, soaking them in warm water for about 10 minutes will make them easier to process into a smooth paste. Customize the Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different nuts or even toppings like shredded coconut or seeds for added flavor and texture. Chill for Best Texture: Allow the caramel to chill in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours. This helps it to firm up nicely, making it easier to cut into perfect squares. Storage Tips: Keep your date caramels in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to two weeks, making them a great snack option! {{image_2}} You can switch up the nut butter in this recipe. Almond butter is great, but try peanut butter or cashew butter. Each nut butter adds its own taste. You can also use coconut oil instead of coconut cream. Coconut oil makes the caramels lighter. It gives a nice texture and flavor. Add spices for fun twists! Cinnamon and nutmeg work well. They bring warmth and depth to your treat. You can also mix in dried fruits like raisins or apricots. Seeds, such as chia or flax, add crunch and nutrition. These small changes can transform your date caramels into something new. Want a chocolate version? Add cocoa powder to your mix. Just one tablespoon makes a big difference! You can also dip the caramels in melted chocolate. This makes a rich, sweet treat. Use dark, milk, or white chocolate for a special touch. Enjoy exploring these tasty variations! To keep your date caramels fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps them soft. You can use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. A small, flat container works best. Layer parchment paper between the caramels if stacking them. This keeps them from sticking together. Date caramels stay fresh for about two weeks in the fridge. Ensure they are kept cool and dry. You may notice some changes after this time. Signs of spoilage include a dry texture or an off smell. If they look hard or discolored, it's best to discard them. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Yes, you can use other dates. Medjool dates are soft and sweet. They blend well. If you use Deglet Noor dates, soak them longer. They are drier and less sweet. You might need more coconut cream or nut butter to get the right texture. To make date caramels vegan, swap almond butter for any nut butter. You can also use sunflower seed butter for nut-free options. Use coconut cream as it is already dairy-free. Ensure your vanilla extract is pure and alcohol-free for a vegan treat. Date caramels are healthy! Medjool dates are full of fiber and natural sugars. They give you energy without a sugar crash. Almond butter adds healthy fats and protein. Coconut cream offers good fats too. Together, they make a yummy and nutritious snack. Yes, you can freeze date caramels! Cut them into pieces first. Wrap each piece in parchment paper. Place them in an airtight container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight before enjoying. You now have all the tools to make delicious and healthy date caramels. We covered the key ingredients, the step-by-step process, tips for the perfect texture, fun variations, and storage advice. With all these insights, you can enjoy creating your own treats. Feel free to experiment with flavors and enjoy them in many ways. Remember, these caramels are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Dive in and let your creativity shine in the kitchen!

Decadent Date Caramels

A delicious and healthy treat made from medjool dates, almond butter, and coconut cream, perfect for snacking.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine Vegan
Servings 16
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup medjool dates, pitted
  • 1/4 cup almond butter
  • 1/4 cup coconut cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (hazelnuts, walnuts, or pistachios)
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Dates: Place the pitted dates in a food processor. Process until they form a sticky paste. If the dates are hard, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before processing.
  • Add Ingredients: Add the almond butter, coconut cream, vanilla extract, sea salt, and cocoa powder (if using) to the date paste. Blend until completely smooth and well combined. You should have a thick, caramel-like consistency.
  • Set the Mixture: Line a small baking dish (an 8x8 square dish works well) with parchment paper for easy removal. Transfer the date mixture to the dish and press it down evenly with the back of a spatula.
  • Chill: Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to allow the date caramel to firm up.
  • Cut and Top: Once set, lift the mixture out of the dish using the parchment paper and place it on a cutting board. Cut into small squares or rectangles.
  • Add the Nuts: If desired, sprinkle the chopped nuts over the top and gently press them into the surface of the caramels for added texture and flavor. You can also roll them in shredded coconut for a tropical touch.
  • Store: Store the date caramels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Enjoy as a healthy snack or a sweet treat!

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Keyword caramels, dates, healthy snack