I cannot tell you how excited I am to bring you this date protein caramel candy recipe. You are not going to believe how insanely delicious this treat is. The other best part is that it’s like the easiest thing in the world to make. Woohoo!!
If you are anything like me, you too have a sweet tooth and sometimes it’s just fun to add something new to the mix. Once again, in my typical fashion, I have used dates to eliminate the refined sugar and make it well, you know, healthy!!
Ha. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. I mean, if you are going to have a sweet treat, this recipe is far better than many of the other options that are out there! So get this, these fudgy caramels are literally just nut butter, dates, protein powder, coconut oil and vanilla extract, topped with some beautiful salt flakes. You are probably wondering how that can even be true. Well, believe it and let me just tell you the quick and easy steps.
I’ve always had a soft spot for caramel. In fact, I fondly remember stealing all the chocolate covered caramels from a box of chocolates when I was a kid. There’s something about that buttery, gooey texture that I find irresistible! But sometimes caramel can be too sticky and hard to eat – anyone else ever experience that? Not to mention, caramel is essentially pure sugar. Considering my love for dates and how similar their texture is to caramel, I thought why not use dates to mimic caramel? So, that’s exactly what I did. And let me tell you, these are addicting!
Instead of using sugar like traditional caramel, this recipe uses dates! Not only is it easier, it’s also much healthier, with all the sweetness coming from the dates. Dates are a super fruit containing so many health benefits. Now? Well, my love for caramel hasn’t changed, but my preference for ingredients has. These days, I prefer making my own. And my favorite way to make caramel is from dates!
Why Dates? I love to use dates as a base in most of my snack balls, no-bake bars, or if I need a natural sweetener in a cookie or frosting. They are little morsels of natural sugar and a great alternative to refined sugars. You don’t need many dates to make something sweet!
Dates are a great snack on their own and they are high in fiber, rich in antioxidants, great for heart health and they provide a little energy boost thanks to the natural sugars. The dried fruit has a caramel-like sweetness that can also help reduce cravings for sugary snacks.
Eating a few dates for a 3 p.m. sugar boost is good, but it can get a little boring, so I started to look for ways to jazz them up. There are lots of date-focused recipes on social media these days, but when I came across viral date candy recipe I knew I had to try it. And it did not disappoint!
Not only are dates loaded with vitamins and minerals they are a great source of fiber, naturally sweet and are perfect for baking. (Or just snacking – I could eat a giant handful by themselves.)
Dates are a super fruit! They are a great source of nutrients and vitamins such as potassium, magnesium, vitamins B6 and K, calcium and iron, which contribute to various health benefits. They also provide a natural energy boost and are low on the glycemic index so your blood sugar won’t spike when eating them.
Why you will love these Date Caramels:
Made with simple ingredients. All of the ingredients are basic pantry staples.
No oven is needed. This recipe requires some chilling time, but overall, it’s a speedy recipe.
Freezer-friendly. I always make a double batch, both because they freeze so well and because my family eats them so quickly!
Healthy ingredients – this recipe is made with just 6 wholesome ingredients to provide a healthier alternative that tastes just like traditional caramel candy!
Easy to make – just mix everything together in a food processor, chill and cut into squares. Store these delicious bites in the fridge (or freezer for longer) for whenever that craving strikes.
Sometimes, nothing else will do but a sweet treat and this recipe is so delicious it will soon become your favourite go-to treat! With the rich, caramel-like flavor of dates combined with luxurious nut butter and a hint of sea salt, these easy-to-make caramels are the perfect snack you can enjoy guilt-free
Healthier Date Protein Caramels
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
- 1/3 cup peanut (or any nut or seed) butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 scoop protein or collagen peptides powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Flaky sea salt – optional
Instructions
- Line a 7 x 5-inch baking pan or dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the bites out easier for cutting.Place the dates (remove stones), nut butter, coconut oil, protein powder and vanilla in a food processor and process until mixture is a sticky dough.Press the caramel mixture into the lined pan in an even layer, dampening hands if needed. It should ideally be 2-3 cm thick (about 1 inch).Freeze for 30 minutes. Remove from the tin and peel the paper off. Cut into 16-20 small squares, about 2×2 cm (3/4 inch). Place back into the freezer until ready to coat in chocolate.Line a tray or dish with parchment pager ready for the coated caramels.
Chocolate Coating
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave with 20 second bursts stirring between each one until melted and smooth.Or use double boiler method - (pot of boiling water with a bowl resting on top) melt the chocolate chips and the coconut oil together.Once melted use two forks to hold each date caramel and one by one, dip into the melted chocolate and roll around until fully coated, then place on the parchment lined tray.Or hold each one with a fork over the melted chocolate and spoon it over letting the excess drip back into the bowl. Drizzle any excess chocolate over the caramels and sprinkle with flaky salt if desired, then chill until chocolate has set.Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. They are best eaten straight from frozen.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
