Salted Caramel Date Bark Recipe

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If you’re like me, the allure of a healthy dessert sweetened with dates is irresistible. So, when the trend of date bark went viral, I knew I had to create my own version! Get ready to satisfy your dessert cravings all day long with our delectable Salted Caramel Date Bark. Featuring a luscious caramel-like texture from the dates, a decadent nut butter caramel, and a layer of refined sugar-free chocolate sprinkled with salt, this treat is an absolute game-changer.

Salted caramel date bark.

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How To Make Salted Caramel Date Bark

Let’s face it, when that craving for something sweet hits, nobody wants to spend hours in the kitchen. But what if I told you that your favorite dessert could be ready in just 5-10 minutes of prep time and waiting for you in the freezer? Not to mention, it’s healthy, and only uses 5 ingredients! That’s the magic of this Salted Caramel Date Bark.

Ingredients

  • 10 Large Dates
  • 1/4 Cup Maple Syrup
  • 2 Tablespoons Nut butter
  • 1 Teaspoon Salt
  • Chocolate Chips I used Lily’s

Step-By-Step Instructions

Start by preparing your dates. Remove the pits and ensure they are ready for use. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease removal later.

Arrange the pitted dates closely together on the parchment paper, pressing them down gently to form a square shape. It’s important to create a solid base for your bark, so overlap them slightly if needed.

In a small bowl, combine the nut butter, maple syrup, and salt. Stir until smooth and well combined, creating a caramel-like mixture. Drizzle this over the arranged dates, ensuring an even coverage.

Next, melt your chocolate chips. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or over a double boiler on the stovetop until smooth.

Pour the melted chocolate over the nut butter caramel layer, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Ensure the chocolate covers the entire surface of the date bark.

For the finishing touch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top of the chocolate layer. This will enhance the flavors and add a delightful contrast to the sweetness.

Place the baking sheet in the freezer and allow the date bark to freeze until the chocolate is firm. Once frozen, remove the bark from the freezer and break it into pieces.

Serve your Salted Caramel Date Bark as a delicious and guilt-free dessert or snack. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for future enjoyment.

Salted caramel date bark.

Why You’ll Love This Naturally Sweet Treat

This Salted Caramel Date Bark is a delightful treat that will remind you of a Snickers candy bar, but with the goodness of wholesome, real food ingredients. Made with only 5 main ingredients, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for a healthier dessert option.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences, whether you want to add extra nuts or seeds, or perhaps a sprinkle of your favorite spices. Plus, it’s a no-bake treat, so there’s no need to turn on your oven – simply mix, freeze, and enjoy! You can even crumble it over yogurt or oatmeal, chop it up and mix it into cookie dough, or use it as a topping for ice cream or smoothie bowls.

Not only is this date bark delicious, but it’s also vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, and can easily be made nut-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for a guilt-free indulgence or a wholesome snack, this Salted Caramel Date Bark is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Date bark recipe.

Health Benefits of Dates

Dates are not only delicious but also offer a range of health benefits. They are packed with essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Dates are particularly rich in potassium, also a great source of antioxidants, which may help with inflammation. Additionally, dates are a natural sweetener, making them a healthier alternative to refined sugars. Including dates in your diet can help improve digestion, boost energy levels, and support overall health and well-being.

Recipe Variations

Peanut-Free: If you prefer a peanut free date bark try using almond butter or cashew in place of the peanut butter.

Nut-Free: For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seed butter in place of the nut butter. These options provide a similar creamy texture without the nuts.

Chocolate: Mix things up by using dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips instead of the chocolate chips you usually use. This can add a different flavor profile to your date bark.

Additional Toppings: Feel free to customize your date bark with additional toppings such as chopped nuts, dried fruit, coconut flakes, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Sweetener: If you prefer, you can substitute the maple syrup with honey or agave syrup. Keep in mind that honey will give a slightly different flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is date bark?

Date bark is a delicious and wholesome dessert made from dates as the base. It’s similar to traditional bark recipes but uses dates instead of chocolate as the main ingredient.

What kind of dates are the best to use for this recipe?

Large Medjool Dates are the best kind of dates to use in this recipe! They make the perfect base for this Salted Caramel Date Bark!

Are dates healthy?

Yes, dates are incredibly nutritious. They are high in fiber, antioxidants, and several vitamins and minerals. They are also a natural sweetener, making them a healthier alternative to refined sugars.

How should I store date bark?

I like to store these dates in an airtight container in the freezer. If you don’t prefer them frozen, store your date bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last up to one week, but I doubt they’ll last that long!

Is date bark suitable for a specific diet?

Yes, this date bark recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and grain-free. It can also be made nut-free by using seed butter instead of nut butter, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.

Why use dates as a sweetener?

Dates are a great natural sweetener because they are high in fiber and have a lower glycemic index compared to refined sugars. This means they won’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels, making them a healthier choice for sweetening desserts.

Indulge in the goodness of our Salted Caramel Date Bark guilt-free. With its irresistible combination of flavors and effortless preparation, this dessert is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, the next time you have a sweet tooth—satisfy it with a batch of this heavenly treat. You won’t be disappointed! Have the sweetest day & tag me on Instagram when you make this recipe! @entirelyemmy

5 from 1 vote

Salted Caramel Date Bark Recipe

Luscious caramel-like texture from the dates, a decadent nut butter caramel, and a layer of refined sugar-free chocolate sprinkled with salt, this Salted Caramel Date Bark recipe is dreamy.
Servings 10 Servings
Prep Time 10 minutes
Freeze Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 10 Large Dates
  • 1/4 Cup Maple Syrup
  • 2 Tablespoons Nut butter
  • 1 Teaspoon Salt
  • Chocolate Chips I used Lily’s

Instructions

  • Start by pitting the dates. Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Arrange the dates on the parchment paper, pressing them down and forming a square shape. Ensure they stick together.
  • In a small bowl, combine the nut butter, maple syrup, and salt until a caramel-like texture forms. Drizzle this mixture over the dates.
  • Next, melt the chocolate chips and pour them over the caramel layer.
  • Sprinkle a generous amount of sea salt on top for that perfect salty-sweet balance.
  • Place the baking sheet in the freezer and let it chill for at least an hour until the bark is firm.
Calories: 189kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: date bark, gluten free, healthy dessert, vegan, with chocolate chips

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  1. 5 stars
    The no cheat sweet treat!!
    Thanks Entirely Emmy!

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