Salted Almond Caramel Slice

The ultimate caramel slice. raw and vegan millionaires shortbread with a salted almond caramel filling. Naturally sweetened with dates and maple syrup.

“Home wasn’t a set house, or a single town on a map. It was wherever the people who loved you were, whenever you were together. Not a place, but a moment, and then another, building on each other like bricks to create a solid shelter that you take with you for your entire life, wherever you may go.” – Sarah Dessen

Our family traditions were always the strongest around the holidays. Some of my favorite family memories growing up always bring me back to this time of year. Being away from home I now find myself flipping through the pages of our family cookbook, making far too many cinnamon buns for just the two of us and trying to create a sense of home while at the same time starting new traditions of our own. If these moments are like bricks that build a solid shelter around us, well then I feel so lucky to have such a strong foundation to start from.

Of all the Christmas treats to choose from, my mom’s caramel squares have to be my favorite. The buttery shortbread crust, that creamy caramel layer and a smooth chocolate coating, it’s no wonder they are sometimes referred to as millionaire’s shortbread. Today I’ve partnered with the kind people of Abeego wraps to bring you an (almost!) raw version of my favorite holiday treat. These beeswax wraps have changed the way I look at food and food waste in my kitchen. They keep our bread fresh, our herbs crisp and this almond caramel slice waste-free. They would make a thoughtful gift for any food loving member of your family too; a chance to creat less waste, more delicious food and long lasting traditions.

Wishing you all the happiest holidays. May you be merry, may your spirits be bright and may you feel at home, wherever you may be x

This post is sponsored by Abeego. Thank you for supporting the people who support this space. All opinions are, as always, my own.

The ultimate caramel slice. raw and vegan millionaires shortbread with a salted almond caramel filling. Naturally sweetened with dates and maple syrup.The ultimate caramel slice. raw and vegan millionaires shortbread with a salted almond caramel filling. Naturally sweetened with dates and maple syrup.


SALTED ALMOND CARAMEL SLICE

I made something similar last year over the holidays and I have been waiting to share the recipe ever since. Now I’m thinking maybe I have just created a mini tradition of my own!

A few notes about the ingredients; the crust can be made with whole almonds and unsweetened coconut, but if you really want that shortbread texture and color blanched almonds or almond meal is what you’re looking for. Try to find a good quality dark chocolate for the top layer, something 75% cacao or higher. To prevent it from cracking when slicing into add a tablespoon of almond milk, it help keeps things soft.   Let chill completely before slicing. Serve cold.

Merry everything and happy always x

Ingredients

Shortbread Base

1 cup almonds (or almond meal)
3/4 shredded unsweetened coconut (or coconut flour)
1/4 cup melted coconut oil
2 tablespoon maple syrup
Pinch sea salt

Almond Caramel Filling

1 + 1/4 cup dates, pitted and roughly chopped
1/4 cup almond butter
2 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
2-3 tablespoon unsweetened almond milk

Chocolate Layer

1 + 1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate
1 tablespoon unsweetened almond milk
Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

INSTRUCTIONS

Line a square tin or loaf pan with reusable paper. I love the medium Abeego wraps for this.

Make the base: Add almond and coconut to a food processor and blend until finely ground. (If you are using almond flour and coconut flour you can skip this step.) Add coconut oil, maple syrup and salt and pulse to mix in. The mixture will be quite wet. Press mixture into your line pan and smooth out the top.

Make the caramel: Add dates, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla, salt and coconut oil to a food processor and blend until smooth, this may take a minute or two depending on the power of your machine. Add almond as needed to create and smooth and shiny texture. Spread the caramel out over the shortbread base.

Chocolate: Melt chocolate and almond milk together using a double boiler. Poor melted chocolate over caramel. Let cool at room temperature for 5-10 minutes, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve chilled.


Let me in on your kitchen creations – tag your photos #happyheartedkitchen and share the love!

4 Comments

  • Reply
    Shelley Ludman
    December 22, 2016 at 4:40 am

    What a perfect little seasonal slice Jode. Having tasting last year’s version, I know that these are bang on delicious! Such stunning, simple photos, and seriously loving the new logo and layout of the site! Whoop whoop!! Sending the biggest holiday hug all the way across the country. So much love to you and Matt, xx

  • Reply
    Karlie @ Karlcooks.com
    December 22, 2016 at 5:50 am

    These look amazing! I love that they are a family tradition for you as well. Date caramel is one of my favorite “tricks” and I will definitely try these. Thank you xo

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