These gooey Chocolate Chip Caramel Squares are not just a delicious treat, but dare I say they're a fantastic breakfast option? Completely guilt-free! Dive into the rich flavors of chocolate and a luscious, velvety caramel layer with every bite. Enjoy, everyone!
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 flax egg
- 3 tbsp date syrup
- 2 tbsp coconut butter
- 2 tbsp apple sauce
- 1/3 cup cashew butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Date sweetened chocolate chips or dark chocolate bar (I like to mix some chips into the batter and break up pieces of a chocolate bar on top)
Salted Caramel Sauce Ingredients
- 3-5 medjool dates, depending on sweetness preference
- 1 cup full-fat coconut cream, using the thickest part
- 1 tbsp arrowroot starch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
To Start the Squares:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix 1 tbsp ground flax seeds with 3 tbsp water and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the date syrup, coconut butter (I recommend warming in microwave for 10-15 seconds), apple sauce, cashew butter, vanilla extract, almond milk, and the flax egg.
- Stir in the almond flour, baking soda, and cinnamon.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
- Lightly spray an 8 or 9-inch round pan or skillet with coconut oil or olive oil. Pour 2/3 of the batter into the base, spreading it evenly. Reserve the remaining batter for the top layer.
To Make the Caramel Sauce:
- Blend medjool dates and coconut cream in a blender.
- Heat a medium saucepan on medium until warm.
- Turn up the heat and bring to a boil. Once gently boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it cook for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir with a silicone spatula, lifting any darker caramel pieces stuck to the bottom of the pan.
- Whisk in the vanilla extract vigorously for several minutes.
- Let the caramel sauce cool, set aside, and store any remaining sauce in a jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Completing the Squares:
- Spread a thin layer of caramel sauce over the batter in the pan.
- Spread the remaining dough over the top of the caramel sauce.
- Top with a few more chunks of chocolate (using a 100% chocolate bar is great, but chips work too).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. Then turn on the broiler for 1-2 additional minutes—watch closely as it can burn quickly.
Indulge in these delightful Chocolate Chip Caramel Squares any time of day. They’re perfect for a sweet breakfast, a comforting dessert, or to impress your friends next time you watch the Bachelor. Enjoy the delicious layers of flavors and the balance of sweetness and texture in every bite!
As my grandpa said, "This is the best dessert you've ever made."
Let me know what you think of this layered deliciousness in the comments below!
XOXO,
Cara