Let’s talk candy. My favorite junk candy usually includes some type of chocolate, caramel or nougat and often nuts. Whenever I have to make those difficult choices, like pick one piece of candy, I always reach for dark chocolate salted caramel. Usually from this store.
I also really like 100 Grand Bar, Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews, and Peanut Butter Cups – all excellent in their own way and all with one unfortunate thing in common – the ingredient list.
Why do these companies use such crap ingredients to make this delicious candy? I really find it so sad. I know it doesn’t have to be that way. This is evidenced by how easy it is to make YOUR OWN candy and the organic, preservative, additive and HFCS-free options that are emerging all the time. Which, by the way, I am planning a “Better Halloween Candy” post for next week to bring you up to speed on some much better options that are available this year. Times are changing in the food industry and I think in a good way! Now, don’t get me wrong – candy is still candy but a better option free of junk is always better in my book.
Take these homemade Dark Chocolate Covered Date Cups – inspired by my desire to have a healthier and bigger caramel candy to spend 2 Points Plus on.
These are simple and only have 5 ingredients including salt.
Dark Chocolate, Medjool Dates, Coconut Oil, Pure Vanilla Extract and Salt.
Now that is candy that I can get behind.
Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!
Chocolate Covered Date Cups
- 15 Medjool dates pitted and soaked in boiling water for 15 to 20 minutes
- 2 tablespoons organic virgin coconut oil
- 1/8 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- pinch sea salt
- 6 ounces dark chocolate around 60%, divided and melted over a double boiler
- 1/4 teaspoon organic virgin coconut oil divided
- coarse or Hawaiian sea salt for topping
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Begin by soaking the dates in boiling water. You can remove the pits before or after soaking, it doesn't matter as long as you remove them.
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Combine the soaked dates, 2 tablespoons of the coconut oil, vanilla extract and pinch of salt in the bowl of a food processor. Process until well combined and almost whipped. You may have to scrap down the sides once or twice.
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Line a mini-muffin tray with candy liners and set aside. Melt half of the chocolate (broken up into squares) and 1/8 teaspoon coconut oil in a double boiler, stirring frequently.
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Working quickly spread a bit of the melted chocolate into the bottom of each candy cup. I used my (clean) finger to spread it around.
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You only want a thin layer, enough to make a coating but without holes or breaks in the chocolate.
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Place the cups in the freezer to set for 10 minutes.
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Remove from freezer and spoon 1 teaspoon of the date mixture into each cup.
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Use your finger to gently press down the date mixture into a flat, even disc covering the bottom of each cup.
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Melt the remaining chocolate and 1/8 teaspoon of coconut oil in the double boiler. Pour a small amount over the date filling and use your finger to quickly and evenly spread it around until you can't see the date filling anymore.
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Sprinkle a bit of the Hawaiian sea salt over each.
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Place in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes to set and Viola, homemade candy caramels!
Did you make this recipe? Tag @EverydayMaven on Instagram with the hashtag #EveryDayMaven and please give a star rating below.
I’m hoping to make these with my daughter and give as gifts. Chocolate plus healthy is dreamy. Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?
Signed: The amateur chef!
Hi Andrea! If your blender can handle dates, then absolutely!! 🙂
Oh, no, they are perfect as is! So easy to make. I think I just need to move on to a second muffin pan so I can make more at a time. Like I said, I use a little more chocolate (I think 8 ounces total) than you do, but that’s it. We’re lucky in San Diego to be so close to the date capital of the world (Indio, CA). We had a date shake from there when were visiting friends last year. Not WW or Paleo, but they were so good! Costco sells the medjool for $8 for 2 lbs. Can’t beat it!
You are lucky to be so close to the date capitol! The fresh dates are so amazing!!
I can’t believe I haven’t left a comment for this one. I’ve probably made more of these than you have. Based solely on the number of times I have made a batch, I have probably made 300 candies. This is so easy and so good. First few times I forgot to add the salt at the end. Big mistake! I’ll admit I used more chocolate than you do. I don’t use the cups, just the muffin pan and pop them out at the end. My father in law makes them now too and won’t share them because they are labor intensive. This from a chef who single-handedly ran his restaurant. These things are super easy to make! He’s crazy.
You have made more than me! Any tips I need to know after all of those batches? These are so good – I haven’t made them in a while and I need to make a batch when I get home! So glad you Father-in-law loves them – what a compliment 🙂
These are awesome! I added a pecan half on top of the date paste then topped with the chocolate 😀
A pecan half sounds divine Vashti – great idea! Glad you liked them 🙂
hi!! love this recipe!
can I ask what kind of dark chocolate you use, uts hard to find one with all the added things!
tku!!!
Hi Alicia!
I usually get dark chocolate at either Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods and I buy a couple different brands. Do you live close to either of those stores?
I cannot wait to make these! I have all the ingredients in my kitchen, just waiting for me! thanks so much, and I love the idea of a little salt with the sweet. i wish I had some right now!
Those make great holiday gifts too!
I absolutely adore how accessible, healthy, and quick these are. They may very well become my new addiction =)
Oh yeah, watch out because these are totally addictive!
Oh my lord. You’re kidding me, right? I just made a small batch of these and they’re out of this world! Am tickled they turned out so well! Thank you for the recipe.
That is awesome Julie! You are so welcome 🙂
What a delicious way to satisfy a craving. These cups look incredibly delicious, A!
Thank you – we are out so I think it’s time to make another batch for the freezer 😉