Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Date Fudge bites are both sweet and satisfying without the guilt. This fudge combines the rich flavors of dark chocolate, caramel made from date syrup, and a salty crunch from pretzels. What's not to love!
You know me, I'm always experimenting to make a healthier alternative to my favorite classic sweet treats, like my Pine Nut Cookies. I have all sorts of goodies and fudge bites on the blog, but a chocolate fudge treat with crunchy and salty pretzels is long overdue. If you're a dark chocolate fan like me or you have a bit of a sweet tooth, then you're going to love this date fudge recipe and a tad of salty pretzels add extra flair, making every bite a delicious experience. Plus, it’s quick and easy to whip up—no fancy equipment needed!
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Ingredients To Make These Fudge Bites:
It's all made with wholesome and simple ingredients. Let's have a look.
- Medjool Dates: These dates are perfect for making date paste, a naturally sweetened base for making fudge, and they contribute to a rich, fudge-like texture. Get enough to also make my amazing homemade Hazelnut Milk and my Date-Sweetened Brownies.
- Coconut Cream: Adds a velvety smoothness to the date mixture, making it both rich and creamy. Plus, it's a healthy fat that makes this treat even more satisfying.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: I recommend using semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (vegan) for a deeper chocolate flavor. The natural sweetness of the Medjool dates balances out any bitterness of the chocolate.
- Cashew Butter: The raw cashew butter in the caramel layer brings an indulgent richness without added sugar. The brand that I recommend (Wilderness Poets) is a healthier alternative to more processed nut butters.
- Pretzels: A fun addition for texture, the pretzels add just the right amount of crunch and saltiness to balance the sweetness of the fudge. Buy some extra for snacking or making my Healthy Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies.
- Pinch of Sea Salt: Just a tad is all you need to balance the natural sweet flavors in these fudgy small squares.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Them:
Making healthier desserts is so much easier than you think. In just a few steps, you can enjoy a piece of fudge with your favorite hot beverage. Plus a little goes a long way to satisfy your sweet cravings. Here's what to do.
- Making the Date Mixture: Over medium heat, combine pitted dates and coconut cream in a saucepan until it becomes smooth and golden brown.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a double boiler or heatproof bowl over hot water, melt your dark chocolate chips until smooth and glossy.
- Prepare the Base: Once your chocolate is melted, mix it into the date mixture until combined into a thick, fudgy consistency.
- Make the Caramel: In a mixing bowl, stir together your date syrup and cashew butter until smooth and creamy.
- Bring it All Together: Line a square pan with parchment paper. Press the date-chocolate mixture (base) into the pan, then spread the caramel on top. Sprinkle with pretzels and a pinch of sea salt for the perfect salty-sweet balance.
- Chill and Serve: Place the pan in the freezer until the fudge is set. Slice into small squares and enjoy!
Top Tips:
Before you embark on this recipe, I have a few tips for you to make the best sweet treat.
- Room-Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your dates are soft and at room temperature for easier blending.
- Line Your Pan: Make sure to line it with parchment paper to easily remove the fudge once it’s chilled.
- Smooth Date Mixture: Don't rush this. Make sure the date mixture has a smooth consistency to get a sweeter, fudgy experience with the right texture.
Variations And Substitutions:
There are so many ways to make this date fudge your own and I encourage you to experiment. But I have a few suggestions for you that you might like.
- Chocolate Chips: If you’re not a fan of dark chocolate, use milk chocolate chips or a sweeter chocolate alternative for a different taste.
- Toppings: Don’t hesitate to play around with the toppings—adding cacao nibs, shredded coconut, or even a dash of vanilla extract can elevate the flavor even more.
- Adjust the Sweetness: For a sweeter, fudgier experience, feel free to use a little extra date syrup in the caramel.
- Peanut or Walnut Butter Caramel Fudge: Do you have leftover peanut butter from my Peanut Chocolate Date Bark, or have you recently made my Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies? Then feel free to swap the cashew butter with peanut or walnut butter for a nuttier twist on this chocolate fudge.
- Add Some Spice: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the chocolate mixture for a little heat.
Storage:
Store your fudge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks. You can also freeze the fudge for longer storage—just wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap or parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag for easy access.
Equipment Needed:
Here's what you need to make these Date Fudge Bites.
- Saucepan: To make the date mixture.
- Mixing Bowls: To combine the ingredients.
- Double Boiler or Heatproof Bowl: To melt the chocolate until smooth.
- Loaf Pan or Square Pan: To chill the date fudge.
- Parchment Paper: To line the pan.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring and combining the ingredients.
Recipe FAQs:
Yes, you can omit the pretzels or use a different crunchy topping like cacao nibs or crushed nuts.
Yes! Almond butter, peanut butter, walnut butter, or even sunflower seed butter (my favorite is SunButter—just like my 3-Ingredients SunButter Vegan Fudge) work well as substitutes for cashew butter. Just know that the taste will differ vastly based on what you choose, so it's always best to choose a nut or seed butter you love.
Usually, it only takes 15 minutes. But count for about 15-20 minutes in the freezer, or until the fudge has set and is firm enough to slice into small pieces.
More Amazing Vegan Chocolate Desserts To Try Next:
Looking for other delicious chocolate recipes like this delicious date fudge? Try these:
Here it is, a date fudge without all the artificial sweeteners and only good-for-you ingredients. Whether you’re preparing for the holiday season, Valentine's Day, or simply want a healthier dessert, I think you're going to love this one. Enjoy!
If you try this Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Date Fudge recipe, I’d really love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. I’d also really appreciate a recipe card rating! Thank you for supporting The All Natural Vegan!
Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Date Fudge
Equipment
- 1 blender
Ingredients
For The Fudge:
- ⅔ cup coconut cream
- 1 cup plant based chocolate chips vegan
- Pinch Sea Salt
For the Caramel:
- ⅓ cup date syrup
- ⅓ cup raw cashew butter
- pretzels about a handful
Instructions
Make the Date Mixture:
- Combine dates and coconut cream in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the dates break down and the mixture becomes golden brown.
- Place mixture ina blender and blend until smooth.
Melt the Chocolate:
- Use a double boiler (or a heatproof bowl over boiling water) to melt the chocolate until smooth.
Make the Fudge Base:
- Mix the melted chocolate with the blended date mixture until well combined.
Prepare the Caramel:
- Stir together date syrup and raw cashew butter until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Fudge:
- Press the fudge mixture into a lined pan. Spread the caramel on top, then sprinkle with pretzels and a pinch of salt.
Chill and Serve:
- Freeze for about 15 minutes until set. Slice into squares and enjoy!
More Date-Sweetened Recipes:
Make sure to check out some of the other date-sweetened recipes on my website!
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