Healthy Peanut Caramel Bars
This recipe is a ‘healthified’ take on traditional sugar-loaded candy bars but made with wholesome ingredients. As well as being a much healthier version, its also much easier to make! For those days where you are craving a candy bar, but want a healthy, delicious, low-effort way to enjoy the same sweet treat, I’ve got you covered with this recipe. With just a few healthy ingredients you can create a truly delectable bar that tastes better than any store bought version.Sweet dates, creamy peanut butter, peanuts, chocolate and a pinch of sea salt are all that is needed for a real treat that will melt-in-your-mouth. It’s crunchy, chewy, sweet, and salty all at once, and tastes just like a candy bar. The best part is, there’s no complicated layering or shaping required.Simply smash some nuts and dates, pour some caramel and peanuts on top, drizzle with chocolate, freeze, then enjoy!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 it!This delightful bar offers a creamy and crunchy experience like no other, packed with delicious peanuts and rich caramel. With its smooth texture and balanced sweetness, it's sure to tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your cravings. Whether you need a quick snack or an energy boost during the day, these Peanut Caramel Bars are the perfect choice for indulgence.
Servings 12
Ingredients
Base Crust
- 1 cup cashews
- 1 cup dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
- 1/2 cup oats, instant or quick
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
Caramel Layer
- 1 cup caramel sauce, store bought or homemade recipe below in notes
- 1 cup peanuts, chopped, crushed
Chocolate Drizzle Topping
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- Sprinkle coarse sea salt
Instructions
- If making your own homemade healthy caramel sauce do that first so its ready when you need it. Recipe link below in notes.If you wish to increase the flavour of your bars, roast your peanuts (that are sprinkled over the caramel sauce). To do this, preheat your oven to 350°F and spread them onto a baking sheet and bake for 7 to 8 minutes, until lightly toasted and fragrant.You can then chop the nuts by hand with a knife on a chopping board or put them in the food processor and blitz them.If you choose to blitz them, be careful not to over process as its nice to have some different sized ‘bits’ in your peanut bars. I like to do mine by hand with a knife and can control how many big bits I chop or how many small pieces and aim for a mix.Make your base crust. Line an 8 x 8” baking 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.Place cashews into a food processer and process until broken down and crumbly. Add dates, oats, coconut and peanut butter and continue to process until mixture is sticky and well combined. Once again, be careful not to over process as its nice to have texture 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 filling.
Caramel Layer
- Spread either your store bought caramel sauce or homemade sauce over the top of the base crust using a spatula or back of a spoon to spread it evenly.Top with crushed/chopped peanuts and set back in refrigerator while you melt the chocolate topping.
Chocolate Topping
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave at 50% power with 30 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.Remove bars from refrigerator, remove from pan using the parchment paper handles and cut into 12-16 bars or small squares depending on the size you prefer.Drizzle the chocolate on top of the peanuts using a spoon and place back in freezer to set for 10 minutes.Keep stored in a ziplock or freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Notes
Homemade Caramel Sauce Recipe here:
A thick, luxurious coconut caramel sauce - all you need is a can of coconut milk or cream and a few wholesome pantry staples. Sweet and gooey, just like it should be yet way healthier than anything store bought that is likely to be packed with refined sugar, corn syrup and heaven knows what other unhealthy ingredients.
Its so easy to make your own silky smooth, healthy caramel sauce with just 5 ingredients: cooked in one pot until thickened to desired consistency
Easy, creamy, and healthier - made with all-natural ingredients and goes with everything you pour it over! It’s truly a magical thing. You will never want store-bought again.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
