Description
4 ingredient date caramels are soft, naturally sweet date centers dipped in rich chocolate made with just dates, nut butter, coconut oil, and chocolate. Vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for healthy gifting or guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Caramel Filling:
– 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted (about 8–10 dates)
– 2 tbsp creamy almond butter (or sunflower seed butter for nut-free)
– 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
For the Chocolate Coating:
– 1 cup (175g) chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bar (dairy-free if needed)
– 2 tsp coconut oil
Instructions
- Place pitted dates in a bowl and cover with very hot water. Soak for 10 minutes until soft. Drain well.
- Transfer dates to a food processor or high-speed blender.
- Add almond butter and 1 tbsp melted coconut oil.
- Pulse until a smooth, sticky, caramel-like paste forms (1–2 minutes). Scrape sides as needed.
- Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Press date mixture evenly into the pan.
- Freeze for 2–3 hours, or until firm.
- Lift out the slab using parchment overhang. Cut into 12 small squares.
- Melt chocolate and 2 tsp coconut oil together in a microwave (30-sec intervals) or over a double boiler until smooth.
- Dip each caramel square fully into the melted chocolate. Let excess drip off.
- Place on a parchment-lined plate or tray.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until chocolate is completely set.
- Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
– Medjool dates are key they’re soft, sticky, and sweet enough to bind without added sugar.
– Nut-free option: Use sunflower seed butter and ensure chocolate is nut-free.
– Vegan/dairy-free: Use certified dairy-free chocolate and plant-based nut butter.
– Prevent chocolate cracks: Chill caramels thoroughly before dipping and avoid temperature shocks.
– Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for 3 months.
– Gifting tip: Wrap individually in parchment or mini cupcake liners for a professional look.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ 10 min soaking + 2–3 hours freezing)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Candy
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 caramel
- Calories: ~110
- Sugar: 11g (natural, from dates and chocolate)
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg