Chocolate and caramel is a match made in heaven. I’ve always loved chocolate caramels – there’s something about the sweetness and subtle saltiness of the caramel blending with the richness of the chocolate. My mouth is watering just thinking about it LOL.

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!!

Ever since I was a kid I had a soft spot for caramel. I was that picky kid who had to check the instruction sheet that came with a box of chocolates first, to see which ones had caramel hidden inside! This is why I’m surprised it took me this long to create these chewy and irresistible salted chocolate caramels that taste even better than the ones I remember from childhood.

Most of us grew up eating chocolate caramels. That chewy sweet caramel centre, with a little crunch as you bite into the chocolate that surrounds it. SO good! But it was time to ‘healthify’ the recipe. Gone are the truckloads of sugar and butter and now we have good for you ingredients like dates, nut butter, coconut oil and vanilla all blended together then shaped or cut into small squares, freezing and dipping them into melted chocolate. Oh my!

These Chocolate Date Caramels are incredible! Super simple to make and make a lovely homemade gift. Instead of using sugar like traditional caramel, this recipe uses dates! Not only is it easier, it’s also much healthier.

Dates are a super fruit containing so many health benefits. 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.

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 protein-rich caramels would be delicious! If you haven’t cooked with dates yet, you have so many delicious uses just waiting to be discovered!

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 bark I knew I had to try it. And it did not disappoint!

After all we are always trying to make healthier versions of our favorite treats and because dates have a natural caramel taste and texture to them, they are the perfect choice. These gooey healthier Date Caramels are smooth, creamy and taste like your favorite caramels but are much healthier being made with just 5 simple ingredients!

Sugar-free, guilt-free but not taste-free!  Have you noticed every now and then you are seized by the urge to make and eat healthy stuff before diving back into refined sugars, cream and more … ahem… sweet naughtiness?  Well, you can have your healthy snack and decadent treat in one fell swoop with these!  Woohoo!  Salted chocolate protein caramels. They are healthy, easy, no-bake, fast and delicious.  And they are mine, all mine!  Muahaha…

They taste better because they are made with love, using pure wholesome ingredients, without any additives, rancid oils, or refined sugar. The best thing about homemade desserts is that you are in charge of the quality of ingredients and the amount of natural sweeteners that go in. In this case, since the caramel center mainly consists of dates, there is no need to add any additional sweeteners.

These no bake date caramels couldn’t be easier to make. Simply mix everything together in a food processor, roll out, cut into squares then freeze and dip in melted chocolate. Alternatively, you can roll them into balls and freeze. Different shape, but same great flavor!

Healthier Date Protein Caramels

Get ready to treat yourself to these homemade Date Protein Caramels! A fun and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth with a healthier twist. Think creamy date caramel wrapped in rich chocolate, all finished with a pinch of sea salt. Perfect for sharing, or,you know, keeping all to yourself – I won’t judge

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword clean eating candy, clean eating candy recipe, clean eating dessert or snack, date protein caramels, healthier date protein caramels, no bake healthy date caramels, protein date caramels no bake

Servings 20

Ingredients

Caramel Center

• 1 cup dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
• 1/2 cup almond butter or other nut/seed butter
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
• 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Coating

• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• Flaky salt

Instructions

Caramel Center

• Add the dates, almond butter, almond flour, milk, protein powder and vanilla extract to a food processor and process until a ball forms.

  Place the mixture on a piece of parchment paper and top with another sheet of parchment paper, using your hand or a spatula to press on top of the paper and make an even square. Use a knife (wet with water if sticking) to help shape it into a square if needed It should be about a 1/2 inch thick.

  OR, you can roll them into balls or use a silicon candy mold.

  Freeze for 30 minutes.

  Cut into small even squares. Place back into the freezer until ready to coat in chocolate.  

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.

  Remove the date caramels and after checking they are firm and set, skewer each square or use 2 forks to hold each one and dip into the melted chocolate, then place on a rack to dry.

  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 sea salt as you work, waiting a few seconds so that the chocolate has started to harden a bit and the salt will adhere.

  Put the squares into the fridge for 30 minutes and once chocolate is set and crisp, enjoy your homemade Date Protein Caramels.

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

Print Recipe

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