Popular Conditions & Diets
Ingredients
9
Time
15m
Serves
18
Recipe by Fran Allen
Ingredients
9
Time
15m
Serves
18
Dessert
Gluten-Free
Kid-Friendly
1/4 cup
Unsalted Butter
plus 2 tbsp
10.5 oz
Mini Marshmallows
5 cups
Rice Cereal
1 tsp
Vanilla Extract
divided
1/4 tsp
Kosher Salt
1 cup
Pitted Dates
packed
1/2 cup
Dark Chocolate Chips
1 tsp
Coconut Oil
1/2 tsp
Flaky Sea Salt
for finishing
1
Place the pitted dates in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Let sit for 15–20 minutes, until tender. Drain well.
2
Blend the softened dates with 2 tbsp butter and ½ tsp vanilla until smooth. For a richer, deeper flavor, you can cook the caramel in a small pan for 10-15 minutes, stirring often, until thickened and glossy. Set aside.
3
In a large pot, melt the ¼ cup butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows, ½ tsp vanilla, and kosher salt, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat and fold in the rice cereal until evenly coated. Quickly press the mixture into an even layer in a parchment-lined 8x8 pan.
4
Spread the date caramel evenly over the rice cereal layer.
5
Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in the microwave (in 20-second bursts) or over a double boiler until smooth. Pour over the caramel layer and spread evenly. Sprinkle the bars with flaky sea salt.
6
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until firm. Slice into squares and enjoy!
7
Notes: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months. To make these bars dairy-free simply substitute the butter with your favourite non-dairy alternative. To make these bars plant based, substitute the butter and make sure to use plant based marshmallows.
Fran Allen is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist and recipe developer with a passion for creating nourishing, approachable recipes for a variety of dietary needs. She has studied several healing modalities and dietary approaches, bringing a thoughtful and holistic perspective to her work. Fran believes wholesome food should be both delicious and accessible for everyday life. When she’s not in the kitchen, you can find Fran exploring local farmers’ markets or spending time outdoors with her children.
