This Easy Vegan Salted Caramel Slice is the perfect no-bake dessert for satisfying a sweet craving. It’s quick to make, healthy, and doesn’t require any baking. I first made this delightful treat for a family gathering, and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved the combination of flavors and how easy it was to put together. Prepare for your new favorite go-to sweet treat.
The Easy Vegan Salted Caramel Slice is a crowd-pleaser and so easy to make! It combines a crunchy oat and walnut base with a creamy date caramel and a rich, chocolatey topping. This no-bake dessert is the perfect healthy treat to have ready in your freezer for when you need a quick and delicious pick-me-up.
Why This Recipe Shines
- No-Bake Delight: Skip the oven and enjoy a fuss-free dessert that comes together in minutes.
- Healthy Indulgence: Made with wholesome ingredients like dates, nuts, and oats, it’s a guilt-free treat.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a potluck, birthday party, or just an after-dinner snack, it’s sure to be a hit.
- Freezer-Friendly: Store it in the freezer for a quick grab-and-go dessert.
Easy Vegan Salted Caramel Slice
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 mins
- Yield: 10-12 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Indulge in this no-bake vegan salted caramel slice, a healthy and easy dessert perfect for any occasion. With a crunchy oat and walnut base, creamy date caramel, and rich chocolate topping, it’s a guilt-free treat you’ll love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup walnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
- ¼ cup tahini
- 1–2 tablespoons warm water
- ½ cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Flakey sea salt
Instructions
- Combine oats, walnuts, vanilla extract, protein powder, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup in a food processor. Process until the mixture sticks together. Press into a lined loaf pan.
- Soak dates in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain and blend with tahini and vanilla extract until smooth. Add warm water if needed.
- Spread caramel over the crust and freeze for 30 minutes.
- Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil. Pour over the caramel and freeze for 1 hour.
- Sprinkle with sea salt, slice, and serve.
Notes
Ensure your dates are soft by soaking them in hot water. This creates a smooth caramel. Proper chilling prevents layers from mixing and allows for clean slices. Even layers provide a balanced bite every time.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredient Lowdown
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dessert:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup walnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
For the Caramel:
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
- ¼ cup tahini
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons warm water
For the Topping:
- ½ cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Flakey sea salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Combine oats, walnuts, vanilla extract, protein powder, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup in a food processor. Process until the mixture sticks together and the oats are broken down. Press the mixture firmly into a lined loaf pan.
Step 2: Make the Caramel
Soak the dates in hot water for 10 minutes to soften. Drain, rinse, and pat them dry. Blend the soaked dates, tahini, and vanilla extract in a food processor until smooth. Add warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed to help the mixture combine.
Step 3: Assemble the Slice
Spread the caramel evenly over the crust in the loaf pan. Place the pan in the freezer to firm up the caramel layer, about 30 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Topping
Melt the vegan chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a microwave-safe bowl. Once the caramel layer is firm, pour the melted chocolate over it. Spread evenly and return to the freezer until the chocolate hardens, about 1 hour.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once the chocolate is set, remove the slice from the freezer. Sprinkle with flakey sea salt. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Better-Than-Grandma Tips
- Soaking Dates: If your dates are dry, soak them in very hot water for at least 10 minutes to soften. This ensures a smooth and creamy caramel. This method helps even the oldest dates blend seamlessly! For more tips, try our desserts category page.
- Chilling Time: Freezing the caramel and chocolate layers before cutting helps create neat, even slices and prevents the layers from mixing.
- Even Layers: Spreading each layer evenly ensures that every bite has the perfect balance of crust, caramel, and chocolate.
Flavor Twists
- Nut Butter Swap: Substitute the tahini in the caramel with peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter for a different flavor profile. Peanut butter is a classic and gives a creamy caramel.
- Chocolate Variations: Use dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chips for the topping. You can also get creative by adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the melted chocolate. For more sweet treat ideas, check out our lunch recipes.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the crust for a warm, spiced flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free certified oats and ensuring that your protein powder is also gluten-free. Double check all ingredient labels!
Can I use other types of nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the walnuts in the crust with other nuts like pecans, almonds, or cashews. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the crust!
How long does this slice last?
This slice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. It is best served chilled.
Can I make this recipe without a food processor?
While a food processor gives the smoothest results, you can make this recipe without one. Use a high-powered blender or finely chop the nuts and dates by hand for the crust and caramel layers.
Pairs & Plates
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream: The cold ice cream melts beautifully with the chilled slice for an extra treat.
- Fresh berries: A handful of fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries adds a burst of freshness and complements the sweetness of the caramel.
- A warm beverage: Serve this chilled treat with a warm beverage like coffee or tea. Consider serving this caramel slice as a lovely after-dinner treat with some of our delicious dinner recipes.
That’s a Wrap
This Easy Vegan Salted Caramel Slice is a delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Give this easy recipe a try and share it with your loved ones – they’ll thank you for it! For more amazing recipes, check out our breakfast options. Don’t forget to share your culinary creations on social media! Find us on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.
