Here is a recipe for a delicious, no bake, easy to make dessert or snack. Dates are the main ingredient in these healthy candies. They are softened with a little water, then blended with almonds, nut butter, protein powder and vanilla extract to make a lusciousssss healthy date caramel.

And because everything tastes better dipped in chocolate (ok ok, MOST things taste better dipped in chocolate), each date caramel is dunked in melted chocolate, then placed in the freezer until firm. The end result is a perfectly sweet and healthier chocolate-covered caramel candy. YUM!

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!

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! 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.)

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.

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.  They are a super fruit and a great source of nutrients and vitamins such as potassium, magnesium, vitamins B6 and K, calcium and iron, which contribute to many 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.

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 no bake treats, homemade protein bars or in cookies or frosting. 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!

There are lots of date-focused recipes on social media these days, but when I came across viral date bark I knew I had to try it. And it did not disappoint!

Why you will love these Date Caramels:

Made with simple ingredients – all of the ingredients are basic pantry staples.

No oven needed – the caramel 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 and 2 in the chocolate coating to provide a healthier alternative that tastes just like traditional caramel candy!

Easy to make – just mix everything together in a food processor, chill, cut into squares and then dip in melted chocolate. Store these delicious bites in the fridge (or freezer for longer) for whenever that craving strikes.

My FAVORITE type of treats because…well…I have major control issues 😳…I like to control the quality of ingredients that go into my family’s food.

What’s more, these ‘lil’ bites are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few minutes of prep time. It’s also a great activity to enjoy with your kids, teaching them about healthy eating and the joy of creating something delicious together.

So why settle for store-bought treats loaded with preservatives and truckloads of added sugars and unhealthy oils? Choose this healthier option that’s still packed with flavor and fun.

Make these Date Caramel Bites with your family today and enjoy the sweet delight of healthy indulgence!

Date Caramel Healthy Protein Candy

These easy to make caramel candies are made with dates, almonds, peanut butter, your fave protein powder and vanilla. They are dipped in melted chocolate and topped with flaky salt! A deliciously easy and nutritious snack that’s perfect for family fun.

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword clean eating candy, clean eating candy recipe, clean eating dessert or snack, date caramel candy snack bites, date caramel healthy protein bites, date caramel healthy protein candy, date caramel protein bites

Servings 12

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
• 1 cup almonds
• 1/4 cup peanut (or any other nut or seed) butter
• 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• pinch Fine sea salt

Chocolate Coating

• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

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.

  Add the almonds to a food processor and process until broken down and crumbly. Add dates, peanut butter, protein powder, vanilla extract and salt and continue to process until a dough is formed.

  If the dough seems a little dry add water, a tablespoon at a time or if it seems too wet add more protein powder until it comes together in a smooth dough.

  Scoop date mixture out into the lined pan and spread out evenly. It should be about 1/2 inch thick.

  Freeze for 1 hour.

  Once your mixture is solid, remove from the freezer and slice into 12 equal slices or more smaller squares.

Chocolate Coating

• Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and 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 and working quickly, use two forks to hold each caramel bite and one by one, dip into the melted chocolate. Roll around until fully coated, then place on a 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. Sprinkle with a bit of flaky salt and place on the parchment lined tray.

  Place back in the freezer until hardened, 15-20 minutes.

  Store in fridge for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 3 months.

  If fully frozen, allow them to soften slightly before enjoying - about 5 minutes.  

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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