Experience the blissful harmony of sweet and salty with these Raw Salted Caramel Slices. This no-bake dessert is a perfect example of how delicious simplicity can be, combining the richness of caramel with a robust chocolate topping. Not only are these slices a treat for the taste buds, but they're also vegan, gluten-free, and grain-free, ensuring that almost anyone can indulge without hesitation.
Why You'll Love This: The allure of these slices comes from their irresistible combination of flavors and textures. The base is nutty and slightly sweet, the caramel layer is smooth and rich, and the chocolate topping adds a deep, velvety finish. Each bite is a delightful contrast of sweet caramel with a hint of sea salt, creating a sophisticated flavor profile.
Perfect Occasion: These salted caramel slices are ideal for health-conscious gatherings, potlucks, or as a luxurious treat after a meal. They're also great for gift-giving or as a thoughtful treat for friends and family who appreciate a healthier dessert option.
Decoration Tips: Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle a light dusting of fleur de sel or coarse sea salt on top to enhance the salty contrast and add a touch of elegance. For a festive touch, you can also add edible gold leaf or a drizzle of white chocolate for visual flair.
Ingredients:
- Base:
- 1 cup almond flour or blanched almonds
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup refined coconut oil
- 4 Medjool dates
- Caramel:
- 1 1/4 cups Medjool dates
- 1/4 cup nut butter of your choice
- 2 tbsp almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp fleur de sel (or substitute with table salt)
- Chocolate topping:
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions:
- Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- For the base, blend almond flour, shredded coconut, coconut oil, and dates in a food processor until the mixture becomes sticky. Press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and freeze while preparing the caramel.
- For the caramel, process the dates, nut butter, almond milk, vanilla extract, and salt in the food processor until smooth and creamy. Spread this over the frozen base layer and return to the freezer for 30 minutes to set.
- For the chocolate topping, gently melt the coconut oil in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before pouring over the caramel layer.
- Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours, or freeze for 30 minutes if you’re in a hurry, to let the bars set completely.
- Once set, cut into squares and serve. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer.
Enjoy these luxurious raw salted caramel slices that promise a delectable blend of flavors and textures, perfect for any dessert lover looking for a guilt-free indulgence!