Caramel and Chocolate Chunks

An addictive three layer caramel-chococlate chunk that is pure delight - made with only nuts, dates & a little chocolate. A raw dessert, made in ten minutes that is nothing less than delicious.

You guys, what I have here is a massive forewarning - these caramel-chocolate chunks will stir up an irrevocable craving for more, you'll have a sudden surge of friends begging you to make a batch and you'll probably buy out all the dates from the little store down the street (did that again this weekend) all because you'll want to do is make more and more batches of these guys. With a warning, here is the recipe...

This is how you make healthy ingredients taste delicious: layer the bottom in a sweet nutty base of almonds, pecans and dates with just a hint of coconut, then cover with a whipped 'caramel' center that is doused in dark chocolate. These caramel chunks come together to make the most decadent treat, blurring the line between healthy and pure delight. Confusing the senses with each bite, making you feel like you ate a sinful concoction right out of Willy Wonka's factory. Instead its just a 10 minute, raw dessert that only requires a food processor. Enjoy :)

Serves: 12 pieces

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Freeze Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients for the Caramel Chocolate Chunks:

For the base:

-1/2 cup almonds (or any nut)

- 1/2 cup pecans (or any nut)

- 1/2 cup coconut shreads (optional but I love the taste, if you don't use this, add another handful of any nuts to the mixture)

- 2 tablespoons water

- 1/2  teaspoon cinnamon

 - 1 and 1/4 cup medjool dates

- 1 tablespoon coconut oil

For the ‘caramel’ center:

- 1 and 1/2  cup of medjool dates

- 2 tablespoons almond butter

 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla powder (or vanilla extract)

- one 3 ounce bar of dark chocolate

Instructions:

For the base, simply place all the ingredients (pitting the dates) into the food processor and blend until a sticky ball forms, about 2 minutes. Place the dough in a small baking tray lined with parchment paper ( I used a 11"x7" baking tray and pressed the base mixture till it was about 1" thick in the tray) and press down evenly with your fingers. Let this sit in the freezer as you make the center. For the center, place all the ingredients into the food processor and blend until creamy and whipped, about 3 minutes. Now layer this evenly on top of the base. Finally, melt the dark chocolate in a small saucepan over low heat and pour on top of the two layers. Place in the freezer to set and enjoy!

I really hope you guys love this dessert. I've never seen my friends and family go so wild before for any healthified treats! So gad they love it and I'm sure you'll encounter the same response. 

I’d love to see your creations of the caramel-chocolate chunks on #8thandlake!

xx Marie