After indulging in a ridiculously yummy, but ridiculously bad-for-you caramel chocolate slice at a recent wedding I attended it got me thinking. I thought “right! I’m going to see if I can make one that’s just as delicious, but is full of nutritious ingredients!” So here it is…a ‘healthified’ version, minus the truckloads of sugar, golden syrup, butter and heavily sweetened condensed milk.
This version is created from nuts, dates, coconut, tahini (sesame seed paste) coconut cream and coconut oil plus some flavourings. The topping is melted chocolate but you can always choose dark or sugar free if preferred.
The end result is a delicious cross between an indulgent dessert and a protein-rich healthy treat. Gooey caramel, nutty base, and easy homemade dark chocolate on top all come together in a generous sized bar that contains no refined white or brown sugars. This is a ‘healthy caramel slice’ that is really worth getting excited about – it’s quick to make and equally delicious as the not-so-healthy version.
Whether you are looking for a quick snack, a post-workout treat, or a healthier dessert option, these delicious caramel bars are a great option. You must know by now that I’m a big fan of a no-bake recipe. ANY no bake recipe to be exact. If I don’t have to turn the oven on, it’s a big win for me.
And this date caramel protein slice is one of my favourites. You could say they are the perfect breakfast or snack. They take 10 minutes to make, and are great for taking on-the-go. Packed with protein, naturally sweetened and bursting with the caramelly sweetness of dates.
Anyone else trying to limit their intake of refined sugar but still struggling with a demanding sweet tooth? There are all kinds of theories about WHY we crave sweet food but I’m more interested in figuring out HOW to satisfy my sweet tooth without putting refined sugar in my body.
The struggle is real — I’m trying hard to minimize the amount of sugar that I consume and today I’m sharing my simple secret to satisfying my own sweet cravings – dates. Natures natural sweetener and I do love the sweetness that they add to almost any recipe.
Dates are a super fruit! They’re 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.
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! They are just one of those snack cabinet staples I can’t live without. In my quest to find healthier snacks, I have started buying more dates, to use as a natural sweetener in a cookie or frosting.
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. They are little morsels of natural sugar and a great alternative to refined sugars.
The dried fruit has a caramel-like sweetness that can also help reduce cravings for sugary snacks. I’m always on the hunt though for creative ways to dress up my dates, and I just knew these bars would be delicious! If you haven’t cooked with dates yet, you have so many delicious uses just waiting to be discovered!
This slice is a great snack to have in the fridge when you need a sweet treat but want something that isn’t full of ultra-processed ingredients. Much better than reaching for something unhealthy and loaded with sugar and/or other nasty chemicals.
This is called the “addition” diet which is all about adding foods into your diet that ‘contribute’ to your health balance and enhancing meals and snacks by incorporating nutrient-dense options. The idea with improving eating habits, instead of fixating on what to eliminate, this approach encourages adding wholesome options to enhance the overall nutritional value of the diet.
Its all about finding healthy replacements for your ‘not so healthy’ favourite foods so you don’t even miss them. Keeping a stock of healthy treats like this simple, no fuss Healthier Date Cashew Caramel Protein Slice is the best way to do this.
The good fats coming from nuts and coconut cream further have anti-inflammatory properties, provide sustainable energy, balance blood sugar, and help us glow from the inside out. So don’t take these bars as just dessert, but rather think of them as health and beauty food. Every time I make this recipe, it doesn’t last in my house for more than two days. My family just can’t get enough of them!
These delightful bars offer a tasty experience like no other, packed with healthy whole food ingredients. With their smooth texture and balanced sweetness, they are sure to tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your cravings.
When you need a quick snack or an energy boost during the day, or a special dish to take to a family gathering or pot luck dinner, this Healthier Date Cashew Caramel Protein Slice recipe is the perfect choice for indulgence.
Healthier Date Cashew Caramel Protein Slice
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 2 cups almonds, walnuts or a mix
- 1 cup dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tablespoons water plus a little extra if needed
Caramel Layer
- 1 cup coconut cream (canned)
- 1 cup dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
- 1/2 cup tahini (sesame seed paste) or any nut butter
- 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Line a 7 x 5-inch loaf pan or dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the bars out easier for cutting.
Base Layer
- Add all ingredients to a food processor and process until broken down and crumbly and a sticky dough is formed. Be careful not to over process as its nice to have texture variance and different sized “bits” in your base crust.Press the base mixture into the bottom of your pan or dish evenly. Refrigerate while you prepare the caramel layer.
Caramel Layer
- Place all the caramel layer ingredients into the food processor and process until smooth and creamy. Depending on the power of your blender this might take a few minutes. Stop blending to scrape the sides and continue to blend until smooth. Its ok to have some bits of dates remaining.Pour the filling over the chilled crust and spread evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon, then place back in the refrigerator.
Chocolate Topping
- 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, pour the chocolate over the caramel layer and tilt the tin gently to spread evenly.Freeze for 2 hours, or until firm.Dip a knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts to prevent cracking the chocolate.Cut into 10 bars or more smaller squares.Store in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freezer for up to 3 months.Best served slightly chilled but not frozen solid.
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
