Healthy Raw Caramel Slices

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Is it possible to make healthy caramel slices that are also out of this world delicious? YES! While these caramel slices contain natural sugars, fats and calories, they are FREE of all processed and refined sugars as well as gluten and dairy. Instead of using flour for the base, nuts and coconut flour take over to create a delicate, soft base that still holds together well.

For the caramel layer, no sugar or condensed milk was needed, all the sweet gooeyness comes from dates which aside from being just plain tasty, are also high in fiber and vitamins. The use of coconut oil and cashew butter give the caramel a velvety richness and of course add to the overall nutritional value of the slices. To keep these healthy caramel slices vegan and dairy free, the chocolate layer is a simple combination of coconut oil, cacao and rice syrup…SO GOOD!

Yield: 16 slices

Ingredients

Base

• ½ cup ground Almonds
• ½ cup pecans (or any other nut)
• 2 tbsp coconut flour
• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 2 tbsp maple syrup (you can use another liquid sweetener like honey, rice syrup…etc)
• pinch salt
• ¼ tsp vanilla paste (optional)

Caramel

• 2 cups soft dates
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 2 tbsp cashew butter (or you can use almond butter)

Chocolate Layer

• ¼ cup coconut oil
• 2 tbsp cocoa (or use cacao powder to make them fully raw)
• 1 tbsp cashew butter (or you can use almond butter)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• To decorate I’m using some crushed activated almonds from Raw Ecstasy

Instructions

For The Base

1. Add the pecans to your blender/food processor and plus for a few minutes.
2. Add the rest of the base ingredients and blend until everything is well combined.
3. Line an 8″x8″ cake tin with parchment paper, transfer the base mixture then press down using a fork (I found using my hands was easier).
4. Place in the freezer for about 30 minutes or until it hardens slightly.

For The Caramel Layer

1. If the dates you’re using are on the drier side, place them in a bowl then pour over hot water and leave them so soak for about 10 minutes to soften. Once soft, drain and give them a quick rinse under the tap.
2. Place the dates in your blender/food processor, blend for a few minutes then add the melted coconut oil.
3. Add the rest of the caramel ingredients and continue blending until you end up with a smooth paste. This may take a while depending on your food processor.
4. Take out the base from the freezer, spoon the caramel mixture on top and smooth using the back of a wet spoon.
5. Place back in the freezer for a few hours or overnight.

For the Chocolate

1. Using a double boiler method, add all the ingredients to a glass bowl then place on top a small pan of boiling water.
2. Lower the heat and mix continuously until everything is well combined and you have a smooth, lump free chocolate.
3. Pour over the caramel layer and leave to set.