[WATCH] Vegan chocolate caramel bites

Watch Sean Gravina make vegan chocolate and caramel bites dusted with desiccated coconut

Vegan chocolate caramel bites

Ingredients

Base

• 20 dates
• 2/3 cup shredded coconut 

Caramel

• 20 dates
• 4 tbsp maple syrup

Chocolate topping

• 2 tbsp dark cocoa powder (for vegans)
• Cocoa butter
• 1 tbsp agave syrup

Garnish

• Shredded coconut

Method

1. Line a baking tin with baking paper (it helps to remove the slice later on).
2. To make the base, place the dates and coconut in a food processor and blend until combined and finely chopped.
3. Pour it into the baking tin and press with your fingers until a firm and solid base has formed. Make sure to push it evenly into the corners.
4. To make the caramel layer place the dates and maple syrup in a food processor and blend for 1 or so mins until it has turned into a smooth, sticky and completely blended caramel without chunks.
5. Spoon and spread this evenly over the base in the baking tin.
6. To make the chocolate topping, melt the cocoa butter in a bain marie.
7. When completely melted add the cocoa powder and the agave syrup and whisk until smooth.
8. Pour it over the caramel layer and spread evenly with a spoon. 
9. Refrigerate until the chocolate has set (if you can't wait, place it in the freezer for a quicker setting time). 
10. Cut into bite sized pieces and sprinkle with shredded coconut and serve.

This recipe first appeared on Gourmet Today TV, aired on TVM on 23 January, 2015. 

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