Soft, chewy, naturally sweet caramels with a rich chocolate shell. The perfect healthier answer to classic candy – no compromise on flavour required.

If you love the taste of classic chocolate caramels but want a healthier, protein-boosted alternative, these bad boys are about to become a favourite. They are soft, chewy, and indulgent, yet made with simple, whole-food ingredients that nourish your body while satisfying sweet cravings. Perfect for dessert, gifting, or a grab-and-go snack, these caramels prove that healthy treats can still feel luxurious.

At the heart of this recipe are dates. Dates are nature’s caramel – naturally sweet, rich, and sticky, with a deep toffee-like flavour that mimics traditional caramel beautifully. They also provide fibre, potassium, and natural energy, making them an ideal base for no-bake sweets. When blended smooth, dates create a luscious caramel texture without the need for refined sugars, syrups, or butter.

To turn these date caramels into a more balanced snack, protein is added to the mix. Protein powder not only boosts the nutritional value but also helps create a thicker, more satisfying texture. Combined with nut butter – such as almond butter or peanut butter – the result is a creamy, caramel-like filling with healthy fats and long-lasting energy. This balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats makes these treats far more sustaining than traditional candy.

The final touch is a rich coating of dark chocolate. Dark chocolate adds a satisfying snap and a slightly bitter contrast to the sweet caramel centre. It also brings antioxidants and depth of flavour, making each bite feel indulgent and complete. Whether fully coated or simply drizzled on top, the chocolate transforms these caramels into a treat that feels special enough for dessert yet wholesome enough for everyday enjoyment.

One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. There is no cooking, no candy thermometer, and no complicated steps. All you need is a food processor, a freezer, and a little patience while the caramels firm up. They are also perfect for meal prep – store them in the fridge or freezer and enjoy whenever a craving strikes.

These Date Protein Caramels are ideal for anyone looking to reduce refined sugar without giving up sweet treats. They are great as a post-dinner dessert, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a healthier option for celebrations. You can customise them easily by adding sea salt, vanilla, or even a pinch of espresso powder for a flavour twist.

Rich, chewy, chocolatey, and surprisingly nourishing, these caramels strike the perfect balance between indulgence and function – proof that real-food ingredients can create truly crave-worthy treats.✨

Chocolate Covered Date Protein Caramels

Soft, chewy date-based caramels blended with nut butter and protein, then coated in rich dark chocolate. These no bake Chocolate Covered Date Protein Caramels taste indulgent and decadent while delivering natural sweetness, healthy fats, and a satisfying protein boost - perfect for a healthier dessert or snack straight from the fridge or freezer 🍫🌴

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword chocolate covered date protein caramels, chocolate date protein caramels, clean eating candy, clean eating dessert or snack, healthier date protein caramels, no cook date protein caramels

Servings 16

Ingredients

Date Protein Caramel

• 1 1/2 cups dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
• 1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter
• 1 scoop vanilla or unflavoured protein powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch salt

Chocolate Coating

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Toppings Optional

• Flaky salt
• Chopped nuts

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 dates to a food processor and blend until a sticky paste forms.

  Add nut butter, protein powder, vanilla, and salt. Process until smooth and caramel-like.

  Press the mixture firmly into the lined pan, smoothing the top evenly.

  Freeze for 30–45 minutes until firm enough to slice.

  Cut into 16-20 (more or less) squares or rectangles.

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.

  Working quickly, using two forks, dip one caramel bite at a time into the bowl of melted chocolate until it is fully coated. Lift the bite from the bowl of chocolate and let any excess drip off, then place it onto a tray lined with baking paper. Repeat with the remaining bites.

  Or hold each one with a fork over the melted chocolate and spoon it over letting the excess drip back into the bowl. 

  Place on a lined tray and sprinkle with sea salt or nuts if desired. Refrigerate or freeze until chocolate is set.

  Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.✨  

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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