Salted "Caramel" Date Bars
Servings: 12 bars
Calories: 188kcal
These Salted “Caramel” Date Bars are the best healthy dessert made with real ingredients! Naturally sweet dates are blended into a rich, sticky "caramel" sauce that’s layered on top of a soft, chewy shortbread crust and finished with melted chocolate and a sprinkle of flaky salt for the perfect sweet and salty treat!
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Ingredients
Shortbread Crust
- 1 cup super-fine almond flour (112g)
- 2 Tbsp. coconut flour (14g)
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (60g)
- 1/4 cup melted butter (56g)
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Date “Caramel” Filling
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (150g)
- 1/3 cup + 1 Tbsp almond milk or any milk
- 1 Tbsp. coconut sugar (12g) or any
- 3/4 tsp. vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Chocolate Topping
- 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips at least 60–70% cacao
- 1 tsp. coconut oil
- Flaky sea salt optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some hanging over on the sides.
- Bake the Crust: In a bowl, mix the almond flour, coconut flour, and salt.
- Stir in maple syrup, melted butter and vanilla until a soft dough forms.
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 12 minutes, or until lightly golden along edges. Remove from the oven. Let cool slightly.
- Make the Date “Caramel”: Add dates and almond milk to a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dates are very soft.
- Transfer dates and remaining milk + 1 tbsp milk to a food processor (or use an immersion blender) to blend the dates, vanilla and a pinch of salt until thick and smooth.
- Spread evenly over the warm crust.
- Add the Chocolate Layer: Melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil until smooth.
- Pour over the date layer and gently spread into an even layer.
- Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt (if desired).
- Chill & Slice: Refrigerate for 1-2 hours, or until fully set. Slice with a warm knife to help get clean edges. Keep stored in the fridge.
Notes
- Store these chocolate "caramel" bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days.
- They’re best enjoyed chilled, straight from the fridge. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months (just thaw slightly before serving).
Nutrition
Serving: 1bar | Calories: 188kcal | Carbohydrates: 19.9g | Protein: 3.3g | Fat: 10.6g | Saturated Fat: 3.9g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 65.8mg | Potassium: 218.8mg | Fiber: 2.8g | Sugar: 16.9g