Melt in your mouth bite-sized brownies layered with chocolate cream and smooth caramel. No baking involved! The perfect dessert for holiday entertaining (or when the chocolate + caramel craving strikes) 😉
Gooey, creamy, RICH - absolutely divine! - triple layer BROWNIES. A chewy chocolate brownie base, a creamy chocolate center, and a sweet salted-caramel topping. YUM.
You won't believe there's no flour, butter, or ANY added sugar in these decadent brownies! They're made with natural, whole-food ingredients, and sweetened only with fruit, for a healthier, fiber-rich treat!
NO ADDED SUGAR?!
Yes, you heard that right. There's no sugar, no sweeteners (or even stevia) in these brownies. And they're TO-DIE-FOR.
Just FRUIT. They're made with dates! These bites of chocolate BLISS are 85% nuts and dates. Who knew plants could taste like THIS?!
Full of fiber and nutrient-dense, these are so much healthier than traditional brownies.
And the dairy-free caramel uses only ONE and a half Tbs of maple syrup. Unbelievable. & Crazy good!
EASIEST BROWNIES EVER
Literally throw the ingredients in a food processor to blend, and press into a pan. THAT'S IT.
No baking. So simple! They're made at the press of a button.
The brownie base is basically my 60-Second Brownies Bites turned into a crust. <--One of my favorite healthy snacks. It really does take only 1 minute.
But when you add the chocolate filling layer and drizzle on the salted caramel... O.M.G... Delish!!
Healthy Caramel
So sweet in all of it's thick, gooey, glory.. But healthy?? Did you know you can make *healthy* caramel sauce using coconut milk?
You can. And it's super simple. When you simmer the coconut cream, and sweeten it with just a little maple syrup, it condenses and caramelizes.
Add some delicious pink salt, and vanilla, and there you have it! Vegan and Paleo salted caramel. No dairy and no refined sugar!
So while the brownies are chilling in the fridge, simmer the caramel on the stovetop, and get ready to pour ALL over those moist brownies.
Secret Sauce
What's the secret to an intense chocolatey flavor? It's espresso powder! It adds a depth and richness to the flavor that is incredibly delicious.
Different from coffee *grounds*, this is freeze-dried espresso. (I love to add it to my smoothies to turn them into homemade frappuccinos. Love!)
You can find instant espresso powder at most grocery stores in the coffee section, or buy it on Amazon.
Grab your food processor and make these Salted Caramel Brownie Bites. And after you do, I wanna hear about it! Tag me on Insta or FB so I can see your pretty pie creations 😀
Pin it on Pinterest:
Salted Caramel Brownie Bites {Vegan, Paleo}
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- ¾ cup medjool dates - pitted (8)
- 1 ½ cups walnuts
- ⅓ cup cacao
- 1 Tbs coconut oil
- Pinch of pink salt
- Splash of vanilla
Chocolate Filling
- ¾ cup medjool dates - pitted (8)
- ⅓ cup + 1 Tbs cacao
- ½ cup cashew butter
- 1 Tbs instant espresso powder - see notes
- ½ cup cashew milk
- 2 Tbs coconut oil
- Pinch of pink salt
Salted Caramel
- 1 13.7 oz can coconut milk - solid cream only
- 1 ½ Tbs maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ⅛ teaspoon salt - heaping
- coarse sea salt - for garnish
Instructions
To make the brownie base:
- Blend dates in a food processor to break up. Add remaining ingredients and pulse until a loose ball of dough forms. Add a splash of water if it needs help sticking together.
- Press into a 8x6 dish lined with plastic wrap or parchment paper.
- Freeze while you prepare the next layer.
To make the chocolate filling:
- {If dates are dry, soak in a bowl of warm water for 5 to 10 minutes}
- Stir espresso powder into the milk and set aside.
- Blends dates in a food processor. Scrape down sides and add all remaining ingredients (including milk). Blend thoroughly.
- Taste and adjust, if needed. Spread over crust. Freeze while you prepare the caramel.
To make the salted caramel:
- {Use a can of coconut milk that has been refrigerated for a minimum of 5 hours} Scoop out the solid cream into a saucepan over medium high heat.
- Add maple syrup and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low boil. Simmer for 30-40 minutes until the caramelized, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla.
- Pour caramel on top of the brownies. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Freeze for 3-5 minutes to firm up, if desired.
- Slice into 24 pieces (about 1 ¼" squares) Enjoy! >>I highly recommend warming a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds! Amazing!!>>
Notes
Be sure to cut these small. They're so rich, you only need a 1-2" square. 🙂 Keep refrigerated for about a week, or frozen for 1 month. The caramel may be stored separately, if you like. Simply warm it again to melt and pour over the brownies.
Jeanne
Would almond milk work instead of cashew milk?
Emily
Absolutely!
Amy
My "caramel" separated into two parts clear oil, and brown curdles...how do I fix it?
Emily
Oh no! I'm sorry 🙁 I'm not sure how to fix it. Sometimes if it's a light separation it can be whisked back together.
I would maybe try a new batch at a lower temp, careful not to boil, and also not adding the vanilla til the very end.
I'm sorry that happened. But it's still super delish without the caramel layer- you can leave it off if you'd like
Susan
I made these tonight and they are DELICIOUS! However, my caramel never really thickened much. I followed the directions exactly but it was still pretty runny. It definitely reduced, just never thickened. Any ideas for how I can fix that for the next time? Thanks for the great recipe!!
Emily
So glad you liked them!
Hmm, I wonder if cooking it longer, or at a slightly higher temp would do the trick for next time?
But if I remember correctly, mine thickened a lot after chilling. Did you happen to chill yours after the caramel was added?
Deb
Is there something else that can be used inserted of dates? Can you taste the dates? Any idea if this is compatible with Weight watchers? Excited to try.
Emily
Hi Deb, I don't taste the dates in these (but I love dates). You can swap for dried figs or another dried fruit.
Honestly I'm not familiar with WW so I can't say for sure if ta compatible.
If you're looking for low carb recipes I have a section for those: prettypies.com/tag/low-carb/
Let me know if I can help with anything else
Deb
I appreciate the reply thank you.
I'm looking forward to trying it.
I shared the recipe w/my daughter as well and she's going tho be making it this weekend.
Really enjoy blog and all the recipes. Thanks again.
Emily
So happy you like the recipes! You are welcome 🙂 Enjoy your brownies!
Celly
Any way to omit the walnuts? Nut allergy over here.
Emily
Can you do other nuts ? If so, you can sub almonds, or any nut you like.
If you need a nut-free version, let me know.
Kathi
I just made these, they are sooo delicious! Caramel turned out just fine. Such great flavours! Loved your blueberry lime cheesecake too. I'm not vegan (not even vegetarian), but I'm falling in love with these rich natural flavors. Thanks for the recipes!
Emily
Yay!! So glad to hear that! I don't follow a strict label of diet either-- just focus on whole (unprocessed) food. I love how great food tastes when it's made from scratch, close to its natural state. So good, right? The flavor! You are welcome Enjoy those brownies!