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    Home » Recipes » Bars Brownies & Slices » Vegan Caramel Slice

    Vegan Caramel Slice

    Published: Jul 11, 2022 · Modified: Jul 11, 2022 by Lucy · This post may contain affiliate links · 17 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    Pieces of a healthy layered slice, placed on a copper cooling rack.

    You are going to love this healthy vegan caramel slice, made with wholefood ingredients! It features three super easy (and seriously delicious) layers; gooey salted caramel, dark chocolate and a nutty almond base, all topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. An indulgent dessert that doubles as a healthy treat? Win-win!

    A layered caramel slice topped with sea salt flakes on a copper rack.

    Who doesn’t love a thick and gooey caramel slice? Or even a no-bake Caramello and honeycomb slice or salted caramel cheesecake slice?! There’s something about the combination of sweet and salty that will make your taste buds do a little happy dance!

    If you love all things caramel but want it to be a LOT healthier, you will adore this healthy caramel slice! It’s possibly my favourite frozen dessert, ever! It features a melt-in-your-mouth almond and date crust, a layer of sticky caramel that's made with dates and coconut milk, all topped with a thick chocolate cacao topping. The best part? You won't even be able to tell the difference from the 'not so healthy' version. Just as yummy, but much better for you!

    Aside from being naturally dairy-free, gluten-free and refined sugar free, this vegan caramel slice can be stored in the freezer for several months, ready for whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up. It’s also completely addictive and perfect with a cup of coffee or tea!

    Why You're Going To Love This Recipe

    • Easy to make – ready in 20 minutes with only a handful of ingredients.
    • Healthy and indulgent – it tastes just as good, if not better than the real deal! But is made with unprocessed, wholefood ingredients that you can easily find in most supermarkets. Guilt free!
    • No baking required – just blitz, layer, chill and enjoy!
    • Dietary restriction friendly – gluten and dairy free, and naturally vegan.
    • Freezer-friendly – make it ahead and freeze to eat as a frozen treat direct from the freezer!
    • Food processor or Thermomix - this vegan caramel slice can be made in a food processor or in a Thermomix. You will find both methods in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

    What You Need

    Three easy layers combine to make the most irresistible, healthy no-bake slice!

    Note: Please scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the full detailed method.

    The Base

    Ingredients for a caramel slice base, laid out on a table.

    The Filling

    Ingredients for caramel filling laid out on a table.

    The Topping

    Ingredients for a cacao topping laid out on a table
    • Pitted dates – are used in the base and the caramel like filling of this healthy and vegan caramel slice. You can use regular pitted dates or medjool dates, which add sweetness and that caramel-like flavour. If your dates are a bit dry, you can soak them in hot water to soften before adding them to the filling. 
    • Almonds – form the base of the slice. Plain or roasted almonds will work.
    • Dessicated coconut - finely grated, un-sweetened and dried flesh from the white part of the coconut. Also part of the base layer in this slice.
    • Coconut oil – helps to bind the ingredients together in all three layers.
    • Coconut milk – use regular, full-fat canned coconut milk from the supermarket shelf.
    • Cacao powder – is mixed with coconut oil and rice malt syrup to form the chocolate topping layer. Cocoa powder can also be used, if preferred.
    • Rice malt syrup – adds sweetness to the chocolate topping. Alternatively, maple syrup can be used, or your preferred natural sweetener.
    • Sea salt - used in the filling, and I like to sprinkle a little on top too!
    A half eaten piece of healthy caramel slice on a plate with a gold fork.

    Equipment Required

    • A Thermomix, food processor or high-speed blender is required to blend the base and caramel filling.
    • A microwave (or stove top) to warm and blend the topping ingredients.
    • You will also need a 20cm x 20cm baking tray.

    Step by Step Instructions

    This is 'caramel slice' with a health kick!

    Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method!

    Step 1 - Make The Base

    Place the almonds, coconut, dates and coconut oil into a food processor and process for approximately 2 minutes or until the mixture is fine and crumbly. 

    Almond and date base ingredients in a thermomix bowl.
    A blended almond and date mixture in a thermomix

    Press the mixture firmly into the prepared tin and place into the freezer. 

    Slice base pressed into a baking tin

    Step 2 - Make The Salted Caramel Filling

    Place the dates, coconut milk, coconut oil and sea salt into the food processor and process for 4 minutes or until smooth and creamy. 

    Ingredients for caramel filling in a thermomix bowl.
    Healthy caramel date filling in a thermomix jug.

    Pour the salted caramel filling over the base and place back into the freezer to set. 

    Caramel filling spread over base in a tin.

    Step 3 - Make The Chocolate Topping

    To make the chocolate topping for this vegan caramel slice, simple place the cacao powder, coconut oil and rice malt syrup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave on 50% power, 30 second bursts, until melted. 

    Ingredients for chocolate topping in a thermomix jug.

    Pour the chocolate topping over the slice and place back into the freezer to set. Sprinkle with additional sea salt flakes, if desired.

    Cacao topping spread over slice in a tin.

    Store in the freezer, and once firm, cut into pieces and serve directly from the freezer.

    Expert Tips

    • Melted dark chocolate (dairy-free if required) mixed with a tablespoon of coconut oil can be used in place of the cacao homemade chocolate topping, if preferred.
    • This slice is not suitable for storing in the fridge, as the caramel filling will not be firm enough. I recommend keeping it in the freezer and serving it direct from there, so this is not the slice to pack for lunch at work or school. Stored this way, the caramel will not freeze and will stay deliciously soft.
    • Depending on what type of food processor you use, the base and filling will either be completely smooth, or slightly textured. Either is fine and the taste will still be yummy!
    • Wait until the slice has set firm to cut it into pieces, or you will end up with an oozy mess!
    • Serve vegan caramel slice immediately from the freezer, or the caramel will become too soft.

    FAQ's

    Can you freeze vegan caramel slice?

    This slice is best stored in the freezer so it stays nice and firm. Freezing will keep the caramel filling at the perfect, ready-to-eat consistency. Place the slice (whole or in pieces) in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months, if it lasts that long!

    Is this a healthy caramel slice recipe?

    Absolutely! Made from wholefoods and naturally sweetened with dates, this is the caramel slice recipe you need when you're looking for a healthy option!

    Vegan caramel slice topped with salt flakes on a plate

    Related Recipes

    Need some more healthy snack inspo? Check out these reader favourites:

    • Healthy Salted Caramel Protein Balls
    • Healthy Double Chocolate Protein Balls
    • Healthy Raspberry Brownies
    • Healthy Chocolate Banana Muffins

    WANT EVEN MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Facebook or Instagram. And if you love baking, then please come and join my Facebook cooking club group or subscribe to my YouTube channel.

    A piece of half eaten healthy caramel slice made with dates.

    Healthy Vegan Caramel Slice with Dates

    You are going to love this healthy vegan caramel slice, made with whole food ingredients!
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Slices
    Cuisine: Healthy Recipes
    Diet: Vegan
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes
    0 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 16 serves
    Calories: 341kcal
    Author: Lucy - Bake Play Smile

    Ingredients

    For the base

    • 120 g (¾ cup) almonds
    • 25 g (⅓ cup) desiccated coconut
    • 50 g pitted dates approximately 8 dates
    • 60 g (¼ cup) coconut oil melted

    For the filling

    • 260 g (1½ cups) pitted dates
    • 125 g (½ cup) coconut milk
    • 120 g (½ cup) coconut oil melted
    • ½ tsp sea salt

    For the topping

    • 35 g (⅓ cup) cacao powder
    • 60 g (¼ cup) coconut oil melted
    • 180 g (½ cup) rice malt syrup
    • sea salt for sprinkling

    Instructions

    Conventional Method

    • Grease and line a 20cm x 20cm baking tray with baking paper and set aside.
    • To make the base, place the almonds, desiccated coconut, dates and coconut oil into a food processor and process for approximately 2 minutes or until the mixture is fine and crumbly. 
    • Press the mixture firmly into the prepared tin and place into the freezer. 
    • To make the salted caramel filling, place the dates, coconut milk, coconut oil and sea salt into the food processor and process for 4 minutes or until smooth and creamy. 
    • Pour the salted caramel filling over the base and place back into the freezer to set. 
    • To make the chocolate topping, place the cacao powder, coconut oil and rice malt syrup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave on 50% power, 30 second bursts, until melted. 
    • Pour the chocolate topping over the slice, sprinkle with sea salt flakes (optional) and place back into the freezer to set. 
    • Once firm, cut into slices and serve.
    • Keep any remaining slices in an airtight container in the freezer (as the caramel will become too soft if left out). 

    Thermomix Method

    • Grease and line a 20cm x 20cm baking tray with baking paper and set aside.
    • To make the base, place the almonds, desiccated coconut, dates and coconut oil into the Thermomix bowl and mix for 20 seconds, Speed 8, or until the mixture is fine and crumbly (scrape down the sides of the bowl partway through). 
    • Press the mixture firmly into the prepared tin and place into the freezer. 
    • To make the salted caramel filling, place the dates, coconut milk, coconut oil and sea salt into the Thermomix bowl and mix for 1 minute, Speed 8, or until smooth and creamy (scrape down the sides of the bowl partway through). 
    • Pour the salted caramel filling over the base and place back into the freezer to set. 
    • To make the chocolate topping, place the cacao powder, coconut oil and rice malt syrup into the Thermomix bowl and mix for 2 minutes, 50 degrees, Speed 2, or until melted. 
    • Pour the chocolate topping over the slice, sprinkle with sea salt flakes (optional) and place back into the freezer to set. 
    • Once firm, cut into slices and serve.
    • Keep any remaining slices in an airtight container in the freezer (as the caramel will become too soft if left out). 

    Notes

    RECIPE NOTES & TIPS:
    • Melted dark chocolate (dairy-free if required) mixed with a tablespoon of coconut oil can be used in place of the cacao homemade chocolate topping, if preferred.
    • This slice is not suitable for storing in the fridge, as the caramel filling will not be firm enough at room temperature. I recommend keeping this slice in the freezer and serving it direct from there, so this is not the slice to pack for lunch at work or school. 
    • Depending on the type of food processor you use, the base and filling will either be completely smooth, or slightly textured. Either is fine and the taste will still be yummy!
    • Wait until the slice has set firm to cut it into pieces, or you will end up with an oozy mess!
    • Storage - this slice is best stored in the freezer so it stays nice and firm. Freezing will keep the caramel filling at the perfect, ready-to-eat consistency. Place the slice (whole or in pieces) in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months, if it lasts that long!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 341kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Sodium: 82mg | Potassium: 365mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 1.8mg
    Did you try this recipe?Mention @BakePlaySmileBlog or tag #BakePlaySmile!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Georgia

      December 06, 2019 at 1:40 am

      How long would you store this in the freezer for ?

      Reply
      • Lucy

        December 06, 2019 at 7:23 am

        Up to 1 month would be absolutely fine! xx

        Reply
    2. Loulou

      August 06, 2019 at 4:58 pm

      5 stars
      Oh wow!! Ive been cooking from your website for a few years now and finally splashed out on a cookbook bundle and found this beauty!! A tiny bit more time consuming than the majority of your recipes but sooooo worth it! Followed your recipe to a T and worked perfect thankyou for this 'little bit special 'healthy treat to go with my afternoon cuppa. Dont be put off by 3 layers people, this is worth it! Also layers 1 & 2 can be done back to back becos the base sets so fast with coconut oil. A+++

      Reply
      • Lucy

        August 25, 2019 at 6:25 pm

        Thank you SOOOO much!!!! xx

        Reply
    3. Riette

      January 08, 2018 at 11:43 pm

      This is amazing and is no longer guilt free because I ate so much of it. Thank you for delighting my life with this recipe!

      Reply
    4. Amanda

      August 08, 2017 at 9:54 pm

      Hey do you think you could use organic maple syrup instead of rice malt syrup?

      Reply
      • Lucy Mathieson

        August 09, 2017 at 5:52 am

        Hi Amanda, I haven't made it with maple syrup so I'm not sure if you'll need to change the quantities slightly to get the right texture. 🙂

        Reply
    5. LYNDSAY ROOK

      June 23, 2017 at 6:40 am

      WHERE DO YOU BUY MALT RICE SYRUP? HEALTH STORE OR COLES/WOOLIES?

      Reply
      • Lucy Mathieson

        June 23, 2017 at 10:27 am

        Yep at any supermarket! Usually in the health food section 🙂

        Reply
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    I’m Lucy! A mum, a wife, a food blogger and a lover of all things to do with food! I love creating delicious, no-fuss Thermomix and conventional recipes the whole family will love. Classic baking favourites, lunch box snacks, quick and easy family dinners and more!

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