These vegan chocolate caramels are rich and chewy - the perfect way to satisfy your sweet cravings. This vegan caramel recipe is made with dates, flavored with turmeric, cinnamon and vanilla and coated in dark chocolate. They're vegan, paleo, nut free and corn syrup free.
Oh how I love caramels! As long as I can remember, they've always been my favorite in a box of chocolates.
So, making my own paleo and vegan version was a no-brainer.
Unless you're new around here, you know I have high standards when it comes to food, especially desserts.
Most conventional caramels are made with corn syrup, refined sugar and conventionally raised dairy...but not these! My vegan chocolate caramel recipe is actually healthy and even includes superfoods like turmeric and cinnamon.
These chocolate covered caramels have a date caramel filling that's flavored with turmeric, cinnamon and vanilla. They are dipped in dark chocolate and topped with a little extra turmeric. All healthy, real food ingredients that are minimally processed and preservative free.
Why You'll Love these Healthy Vegan Caramels
- paleo and vegan friendly - made with simple, real food ingredients
- grain free & gluten free - no wheat
- refined sugar free - caramel is made with dates instead of corn syrup
- dairy free - no conventional dairy products
- contains superfoods - turmeric and cinnamon which are shown to fight inflammation
- easy to make - just blend the filling ingredients, freeze to harden, then dip in dark chocolate
Ingredients
These vegan caramels contain just 8 simple ingredients. Here's what you need to make them:
Caramel Filling
- dates: I used medjool dates but any variety will work
- coconut oil: for the caramel texture
- vanilla extract: for flavor
- coconut flour: to thicken the caramel filling
- turmeric: optional, but adds a little extra flavor and nutritional boost
- cinnamon: optional
- salt: to bring out the flavors
Chocolate Coating
- dark chocolate: I recommend between 70-90% dark chocolate
- coconut oil: optional, thins the chocolate and makes dipping the filling easier
There are no ingredient substitutions for this recipe. However, the flavorings are optional. So, you may omit the vanilla, turmeric, cinnamon and salt if you wish. Buuuut, I strongly recommend keeping all ingredients for optimal flavor.
How to Make Turmeric & Cinnamon Caramels
These caramels are so easy to make! Unlike conventional caramels, there's no need for a candy thermometer or boiling the ingredients to just the right temperature. These caramels are made with dates, in a food processor and rolled by hand.
Make the Date Caramel Filling
First, place pitted dates in a small microwaveable bowl. Pour lukewarm water into the bowl so that the dates are fully submerged. Then, microwave the dates (on high) for 1 minutes and 30 seconds.
Drain the water from the dates and place them in a food processor, along with the coconut oil and vanilla. Blend.
Next, add the remaining ingredients to the food processor and blend. Stop when the mixture is a thick, sticky and smooth substance.
Then, place about 2 Tablespoons of coconut flour in a small dish. You'll need this extra coconut flour for rolling the filling into balls. Scoop out about one tablespoon of the filling, drop it into the coconut flour and then roll it into a ball. Place the balls on a firm, flat surface such as a large plate or small baking sheet.
Next, freeze the caramel balls for at least 2 hours. This makes dipping them into the chocolate a whole lot easier - trust me!
Dip in Dark Chocolate
After freezing, melt the chocolate and coconut oil (for the coating) in a small saucepan over low heat. Once fully melted, remove chocolate from the heat. Retrieve the caramel balls from the freezer and dip (one at a time) into the melted chocolate. Place them on a parchment-lined pan or baking sheet.
Lastly, use any leftover chocolate to drizzle on top of the dipped balls. Sprinkle a bit of turmeric over the top for extra decoration.
Storage
The caramel softens at room temperature, making them chewy and delicious. Since they are preservative free, they won't last well at room temperature. Store the caramels in an airtight container or sealed bag in the fridge or freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Turmeric is not required for this recipe. Neither is the cinnamon. However, the turmeric flavor is very subtle and boosts the nutritional value of the caramels.
Turmeric contains compounds with medicinal properties called curcuminoids. Curcumin, the principal curcuminoid of turmeric, is responsible for most of the benefits of this powerful herb. In many cultures, turmeric is used for health and vitality. Additionally, turmeric root contains minerals such as iron, protein, calcium, magnesium and manganese.
My favorite store bought caramels that are both paleo and vegan friendly are Cocomels coconut milk caramels. They're made with coconut milk, tapioca syrup and coconut sugar, plus flavorings.
More Vegan Recipes with Dates
Enjoy!
Print
Vegan Chocolate Caramels (Without Corn Syrup)
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 14-15 caramels 1x
Description
These healthy vegan caramels have a chewy date filling that's spiced with cinnamon and turmeric, then dipped in dark chocolate. These caramels are vegan, paleo and corn syrup free!
Ingredients
Caramel Filling
- 1 cup packed pitted dates
- 2 Tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp coconut flour (+ more for rolling)
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp salt
Chocolate Coating
- ½ dark chocolate chips (3 oz)
- 1 tsp coconut oil (optional for thinning chocolate)*
Instructions
- Place dates in a small microwavable bowl. Cover with water and microwave on high for 1 minute 30 seconds**
- Drain water from dates. Add to food processor with coconut oil and vanilla. Blend.
- Add remaining ingredients to food processor. Blend until mixture is a smooth, thick and creamy texture.
- Place a couple tablespoons of coconut flour in a small dish. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the caramel filling and drop it into the coconut flour. Pick up the filling and roll it into a ball.
- Place the fillings on a small baking sheet or plate. Freeze for at least 2 hours to firm.
- Melt chocolate and coconut oil in small saucepan over low heat.
- Once fully melted, remove caramel balls from freezer and dip (one at a time) into chocolate. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet to set.
- Optional: after coating all caramels in chocolate, drizzle remaining chocolate on caramels and add a pinch of turmeric.
- Store in fridge or freezer.
Notes
*Coconut oil makes chocolate runnier and easier to work with, but is optional.
**If you don't have a microwave or don't want to microwave the dates, then place them in a bowl and boil a pot of water. Pour the boiling water over the dates, covering them completely, and let them sit for 5 minutes to soften. Drain the water and use.
Katie
This is my favorite homemade paleo caramels recipe. Enjoy!