🍫 Mediterranean Chocolate Caramel Nut Bars

🌿 Description

These decadent layered bars combine a buttery oat-almond crust, silky homemade date caramel, dark chocolate, and toasted nuts for crunch. Inspired by Mediterranean ingredients like olive oil, almonds, walnuts, and natural sweeteners, this dessert is rich yet more wholesome than traditional candy bars.

Perfect for gatherings, tea time, or when you want a bakery-style treat made at home.

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🛒 Ingredients (9×9-inch pan – Serves 12)

For the Crust:

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1 cup almond flour

• ¼ cup whole wheat flour

• ⅓ cup olive oil (or melted butter)

• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of sea salt

For the Caramel Layer:

• 1 cup soft Medjool dates (pitted)

• 2 tbsp tahini or almond butter

• 2–3 tbsp warm milk (or almond milk)

• 1 tbsp honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

• Pinch salt

For the Chocolate Topping:

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa preferred)

• 1 tsp olive oil or coconut oil

For the Nut Layer:

• ½ cup chopped walnuts

• ½ cup chopped almonds or hazelnuts

• Light sprinkle of sea salt

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a bowl, mix oats, almond flour, whole wheat flour, and salt.

3. Add olive oil, honey, and vanilla. Mix until a crumbly dough forms.

4. Press firmly into a lined 9×9 baking dish.

5. Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.

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2️⃣ Make the Date Caramel

1. Blend dates, tahini, warm milk, honey (if using), and salt in a food processor.

2. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add more milk if needed for spreadable consistency.

3. Spread evenly over the cooled crust.

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3️⃣ Add Chocolate & Nuts

1. Melt dark chocolate with olive oil in a microwave or double boiler.

2. Pour over caramel layer and spread evenly.

3. Immediately sprinkle chopped nuts over the top.

4. Refrigerate 1–2 hours until fully set.

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4️⃣ Slice & Serve

• Remove from fridge.

• Let sit 5–10 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.

• Cut into squares or bars.

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

• Serve with espresso or mint tea.

• Drizzle lightly with tahini for a gourmet touch.

• Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for sweet-salty contrast.

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❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I use regular caramel instead of date caramel?

Yes! You can use homemade or store-bought caramel sauce, but the date caramel keeps it more Mediterranean and naturally sweetened.

Q2: How do I store these bars?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.

Q3: Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Replace whole wheat flour with extra almond flour or gluten-free oat flour.

Q4: Why is my chocolate cracking when cutting?

Let the bars sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before slicing to prevent cracking.

Q5: Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use almond milk in the caramel and ensure your chocolate is dairy-free.

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✨ These Mediterranean Chocolate Caramel Nut Bars are rich, chewy, crunchy, and beautifully layered — like a homemade gourmet candy bar, but better.