Caramel Delight Bars

Attention all sweet tooth humans! Happy Friday! I think every weekend calls for something sweet… just me? Didn’t think so! I think we all know by now that I’m a major foodie and can get behind any sort of weekend treat. But enough of that “guilty pleasure” mindset… we shouldn’t have to feel guilty for nourishing our SOUL with the foods we love, even if they aren’t perfectly clean and healthy.

We are all striving to find balance. Whether that be balancing our work and life, workout routine, or foods we eat, we are all working towards something. While it might seem like a lame one, I think this dessert is a great metaphor for that balance. There are two ends of the spectrum. On one end there are all of those sugar-filled, carbo-loaded desserts that we all love to enjoy – you know, the chocolate chip cookies, ice cream, brownies, cake, etc. (I love them too, don’t get me wrong). On the other end of the spectrum, there is depriving yourself of any sort of goodness, and let’s just not even go there. This recipe falls right in the middle – balance!

This recipe features so many guilt-free ingredients that come together to make a little slice of heaven! And even better? This recipe is no-bake so you can throw it together in no time at all.

Let me break this dessert down into steps:

1. The first layer is our base layer. This layer should imitate the texture of a protein bar, firm but chewy.
2. The second layer is our “caramel” layer. I put caramel in quotations because we’re going to be making our own healthier version (I promises it’s just as delicious).
3. Finally, the third layer is our chocolate layer. I don’t even need to say much about this one because it speaks for itself. It ties everything together and gives the dessert that sweet crunch everybody loves!

Ingredients

Layer 1: Base Layer
½ cup walnuts
½ cup almonds
1/3 cup shredded coconut
2 pitted dates
1/3 cup hemp seeds
4 tbsp coconut oil, melted
¼ cup water
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons protein powder (chocolate or vanilla work great)

Layer 2: Caramel Layer
1 cup pitted dates
1 tbsp tablespoons protein powder (chocolate or vanilla work great)
1 tbsp almond butter
1 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
1/3 cup almond milk

Layer 3: Chocolate Layer
1/3 cup cacao powder
1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
¼ cup cacao butter
¼ cup maple syrup

Directions

Layer 1: Base Layer
1) In a food processor, blend the almonds and walnuts until crumbly.
2) Add the shredded coconut, dates, hemp seeds, coconut oil, water, cinnamon, and protein powder. Blend until the mixture sticks together in a ball.
3) In an 8 x 8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper, evenly distribute the first layer. Place in the freezer.

Layer 2: Caramel Layer
1) In a food processor, blend the dates, protein powder, coconut oil, and milk until it reaches a smooth, thick consistency (almost resembling almond butter).
2) Grab the baking pan from the freezer and evenly distribute the second layer on top of the first.
3) Place back in the freezer.

Layer 3: Chocolate Layer
1) In a food processor, combine the cacao powder, coconut oil, cacao butter, and maple syrup.
2) Grab the baking pan from the freezer and evenly distribute the third layer on top.
3) Place back in freezer for one hour.
4) Remove the goodness from the pan and slice into bars.

Enjoy!