Healthy Chocolate "Caramel" Pretzel Bars
Servings: 16 squares
Calories: 253kcal
No-Bake Chocolate Covered "Caramel" Pretzel Bars are sweet, salty, healthy, delicious. Made with Medjool dates which means no added sugar! Vegan and gluten-free, too.
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Ingredients
BASE
- 3/4 cup crushed pretzels GF as needed
- 3/4 cup rolled oats GF as needed
- 1 cup peanut butter or almond or cashew
- 10 Natural Delights Medjool Dates pitted
- 1 1/2 TBSP coconut oil
- 1-2 TBSP water
CARAMEL LAYER
- 12 Natural Delights Medjool Dates pitted, soaked, & drained
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 TBSP cashew butter or almond
- 3-4 TBSP non-dairy coffee creamer half & half or heavy cream (traditional is fine too)
CHOCOLATE LAYER
- 1 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- mini pretzel twists and sea salt for topping optional
Instructions
- Line 8x8 pan with parchment paper; set aside.
- In a food processor, combine crushed pretzels, oats, peanut butter, and Medjool dates until broken down and sticky; add coconut oil and 1-2 TBSP water, as needed, for the base to come together. Transfer and press into lined pan; set aside.
- Make the caramel layer: In a small blender, combine drained dates with cashew butter. Blend and scrape down sides as needed, then add cream; blend until Medjool date caramel is smooth. Spread evenly onto base and place pan in the fridge.
- Melt the chocolate: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips on 50% power in 20-30 second increments, stirring in between as needed. Add coconut oil once melted; stir again before pouring on chilled bars. Top with mini pretzels + sea salt, as desired. Cool in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting into 16 squares.
Notes
Make sure to use certified gluten-free pretzels and oats, and dairy-free chocolate chips for gluten-free and vegan option.
Nutrition
Serving: 16squares | Calories: 253kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 118mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 23g