Tahini Caramel Cookie Bars
Here is a recipe for a delicious, no bake ,easy to make dessert or snack. It has a sunflower seed and coconut crust topped with a filling made from dates and tahini (sesame seed paste).These caramel bars are nut free, dairy free, gluten free and only sweetened with dates. Made with layers of edible cookie dough, salted caramel, and melted chocolate, each bite is layered with addictive flavor…and they are so easy to make.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.Why Dates?Dates are a super fruit! 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.Why you will love these Date CaramelsMade with simple ingredients. All of the ingredients are basic pantry staples. No oven is 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 a few wholesome ingredients to provide a healthier alternative that tastes just like traditional caramel candy!Easy to make – just mix everything together in a food processor, freeze, cut into squares and then drizzle in melted chocolate. Store these delicious bites in the fridge (or freezer for longer) for whenever that craving strikes. The crust is made from ground sunflower seeds, flaked coconut and dates. But really, any variety of nut or seed would work for the crust. For instance, you may swap out the sunflower seeds for almonds or walnuts.The 2 ingredient caramel consists of dates and tahini with a splash of vanilla-ey goodness. Lastly, these are drizzled with chocolate and a pinch of flaked sea salt. The topping is optional, but adds a bit of decoration to an otherwise naked-looking filling.Sometimes, nothing else will do but a sweet treat and this recipe is so delicious it will soon become your favourite go-to treat! With the rich, caramel-like flavor of dates combined with luxurious tahini (sesame seed butter) and a hint of sea salt, these easy-to-make caramels are the perfect snack you can enjoy guilt-free.
Servings 16
Ingredients
Base Crust
- 1 1/2 cups sunflower seeds (or any nuts)
- 1 cup desiccated coconut
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1/2 cup dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
Date Caramel Filling
- 1 1/2 cups dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
- 1/2 cup tahini (sesame seed butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Chocolate Drizzle
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
Toppings - Optional
- Flaked sea salt
- Bee pollen
Instructions
Base Crust
- Line a small 5 x 7 loaf or baking pan with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the bars out easier for cutting. Or use a silicon pan.Combine sunflower seeds, coconut, oats, dates and coconut oil in a food processor. Blend, stopping every so often if necessary to scrape down the sides. Keep blending until mixture is a thick, sticky dough.Remove the crust from the food processor and press evenly into the lined pan. Set aside.
Date Caramel Filling
- Place dates in the food processor and blend until mixture is fairly smooth. (You may have to stop to scrape the sides.) Add tahini, vanilla and salt and blend until mixture is smooth.Using a spatula, spread filling over crust.Place in refrigerator for 1-2 hours or until bars are set.
Chocolate Drizzle
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave at 50% power 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, remove from pan using the parchment paper handles and cut into 16 or more smaller squares depending on your preferred size.Drizzle the melted chocolate over the bars using a spoon. Add a pinch of flaked sea salt and bee pollen.Store bars in fridge or freezer.
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
