Are you ready to experience a mind-blowing dessert that will make your taste buds dance with pure joy? These Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars are not just a treat – they're a culinary revelation that combines the rich decadence of chocolate with the irresistible sweet-and-salty magic that will have everyone begging for your recipe. Imagine biting into a bar that's simultaneously creamy, crunchy, sweet, and perfectly balanced with a hint of sea salt – this is more than just a dessert, it's a gourmet experience you can create right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Dessert
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- Extra sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your workspace. Gather all ingredients and tools needed for the recipe, including a food processor, a mixing bowl, a baking dish (8x8 inches recommended), parchment paper, and a saucepan.
- Line the baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This will help prevent sticking and make it easier to cut the bars.
- In the food processor, combine the 1 cup of pitted dates, 1/2 cup of almond butter, 1/4 cup of cocoa powder, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, and 1/4 tsp of sea salt. Process until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times to ensure everything is mixed thoroughly.
- Once the mixture is smooth, transfer it to the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom, pressing it down firmly to create a compact layer. This will form the base of your chocolate bars.
- Next, melt the 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips. You can do this by placing them in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler method) or by microwaving in short intervals (15-20 seconds), stirring in between until fully melted and smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the pressed date mixture in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly over the top, ensuring that the chocolate covers the entire surface.
- Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle extra sea salt over the top to enhance the flavor and create a salted caramel effect. Adjust the amount of salt to your preference.
- Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set and hardened.
- Once set, remove the bars from the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang. Place them on a cutting board and cut into 16 equal bars or squares, depending on your desired size.
- Store the salted caramel chocolate bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy your delicious homemade dessert!
Tips
- Use Medjool dates for the best texture and natural sweetness. They're softer and blend more smoothly than other date varieties.
- Ensure your almond butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother base.
- When melting chocolate, use low heat and stir constantly to prevent burning. A double boiler method works best for smooth, glossy chocolate.
- For an extra luxurious touch, use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content.
- Allow the bars to set completely in the refrigerator before cutting to ensure clean, sharp edges.
- If you want a firmer texture, you can briefly freeze the bars before serving.
- Experiment with different toppings like chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or a drizzle of additional chocolate for variety.
- These bars are naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan by using dairy-free chocolate chips.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
