Not your typical caramels, these Salted Date Caramels are sweetened using fresh dates!

Salted Date Caramels Recipe

Why not make these homemade Salted Date Caramels for Halloween this year? Or for a party treat to bring to your next party?

PREP + COOK TIME 20 MINUTES (+ STANDING & FREEZING) MAKES 15 CARAMELS

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups (310g) fresh dates, pitted
• 3/4 cup (150g) coconut oil
• 1/4 cup (25g) cacao powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, extra, at room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes
• 1/4 cup (50g) coconut flour
• sea salt flakes, extra, for sprinkling

METHOD

1. Place dates in a medium bowl. Cover with boiling water; stand for 10 minutes to soften. Drain dates; discard water.
2. Meanwhile, melt oil in a small saucepan; combine oil and sifted cacao in a small bowl. Stand until thickened slightly.
3. Process dates, vanilla, extra oil and salt until smooth.
4. Transfer mixture to a small bowl; cover and freeze for 30 minutes or until firm.
5. Line an oven tray with baking paper. Place flour in a small bowl. Using damp hands, roll tablespoons of the date mixture into balls. Roll balls in coconut flour. Using a spoon, dip date balls into cacao coating, then place on tray.
6. Sprinkle with extra salt. Freeze for 10 minutes or until set.

TIP 

Don’t worry if the coating on the caramels has a whitish look – this is simply the coconut oil and won’t affect the taste. Place the caramels in small paper cases or wrap in coloured paper for a fun serving idea.

Loved my Salted Date Caramels recipe and want more?

Why not try something on the savoury side? My healthy chicken nuggets are featured on Women's Weekly Food along with my Q&A about getting kids in the kitchen! 

Read the article here.