This healthier version of gluten free caramel slice is unbelievably delicious. It’s not only gluten free but dairy free and refined sugar free too. The caramel layer is made with coconut milk and coconut sugar. The base layer is made with ground almonds.
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Over Christmas I started looking back at some of my old recipes.
The photographs were terrible.
When I started the blog I had no clue about photography.
I didn’t much care because I didn’t expect anyone to read what I was posting.
After all, I set it up to share recipes with friends and family who catered for ‘Roo’.
Fast forward three years and a move to my own website and things are rather different.
My photography has improved (there is much more to be done though). I have a loyal readership (thank you). And I’ve developed my own rice free wholegrain gluten-free flour blend.
In addition to that I develop recipes for all kinds of different businesses.
It is good to look back and realise how much one has achieved!
One of my most popular recipes is my dairy free caramel slice.
With this particular recipe I decided to create a new healthier version and I know you are going to love it.
In my opinion, this is even better than the original but I’ll leave you to decide (and will leave the original still posted because I know many of you like it).
Of course, just because it is ‘healthier’ than a normal recipe for caramel slice does not mean it is healthy!
But my view is that the occasional treat is fine, particularly if it is a healthier version of a treat!
I’ve used coconut sugar in the caramel.
Why use coconut sugar?
It’s got a natural caramel taste which disguises the flavour of coconut from the coconut milk.
This is important in this house since Mr M hates the taste of coconut.
The jury is out as to whether it is any more healthy than table sugar.
It is not processed in any way and therefore retains some nutrients (albeit in minimal quantities).
However, it is thought to contain nearly as much fructose as table sugar. And it’s the fructose in sugar that it is now known to be problematic to our bodies.
I have used maple syrup in the base because it has only 35% fructose as opposed to 50% fructose in table sugar.
I have kept the quantity low because I believe that the sugar in the caramel and the chocolate makes this sweet enough.
So here goes…I really hope you like it as much as we do here.
Please let me know if you make it. You know I always like to see your versions on social media.
Pin my recipe for gluten free caramel slice now…
Gluten Free Caramel Slice (Grain Free, Vegan)
Ingredients
- For the base:
- 180 g ground almonds
- 40 g coconut oil
- 30 ml maple syrup
- For the caramel:
- 150 g coconut sugar
- 1 tin coconut milk
- 50 g coconut butter - or solid coconut cream
- 1/2 tsp rock or sea salt
- Chocolate top:
- 100 g dark chocolate
- 2 tbsp coconut milk - the thick part from the top of a tin
Instructions
- Make the base first by melting the coconut oil, then stirring in the almonds and maple syrup
- Push the mixture into a dish measuring approx. 20cm x 12cm, then bake in a pre-heated oven at 190 degrees (170 degree fan, gas mark 5) for around 20 minutes until firm
- Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before adding the caramel layer
- To make the caramel layer, place all the ingredients into a small saucepan and bring slowly to the boil (over a low heat), stirring every now and again to make sure the sugar dissolves
- Boil over a low heat for approx. 25 minutes, stirring all the time, until it becomes thick. You can test when it is thick enough by dropping a tiny bit in a glass of cold water. If it forms a soft ball then it is ready
- Pour quickly over the cooled base and spread evenly. Place in the fridge to set before applying the chocolate layer
- Finally to make the chocolate layer melt the chocolate and coconut milk together. You can do that in the microwave (but be very careful not to burn it), or in a bowl over a pan of boiling water (not allowing the bowl to touch the water)
- Pour evenly over the cooled caramel mixture and leave to set before cutting into small slices and storing in an airtight container (if very hot, in the fridge otherwise at room temperature).
Notes
Nutrition (Approx)
And if you want something to do with the leftover coconut milk that you have, check out this recipe for chocolate, coconut, banana smoothie over at Honest Mum…it looks delicious!
Mel in Oz says
Hi Vicki,
I’m late to the party but the recipe sounds promising.
What size tin of coconut milk do you recommend? The tins here (??) come in various sizes from 80-400mL+.
Cheers, Mel
Vicki Montague says
Hi Mel in Oz! Sorry to not be clear about how much coconut oil. It’s 400ml.
Alice Keys says
I’ve got a work bake off soon and two of my colleagues are gluten and dairy free so looking forward to getting some bonus pound for making an alternative version for themselves. Just a quick question though can I used soft brown sugar instead of coconut sugar and also can I used a block of coconut cream to help make the caramel. Thank you
Vicki Montague says
Hi Alice, you can certainly use soft brown sugar instead of coconut sugar but I’m not sure about the block coconut cream. I guess if you made it up thick enough it should be fine. Do let me know if you try that…and good luck! You’ve got to win 😉
Anna says
I love your recipes (especially all the sweet treats!) and they are perfect for our free from family. 🙂 I’m having a hard time finding coconut butter in the supermarket and would like to bake these tomorrow when my mum comes for a visit so no time for online shopping. Would you be able to recommend something to replace it with? Thanks a million in advance!
Vicki Montague says
Oh gosh! So sorry Anna…I’ve replied too late. We had a weekend away to celebrate our wedding anniversary and I was off line. You can always find blocks of coconut cream in the supermarket (Asian cooking section)…that is the same thing as coconut butter xx
Anna says
Oh no worries at all, I hope you had a lovely wedding anniversary weekend! I made the yummy chocolate tart instead and that went down a storm! 🙂 Thanks a lot for the tip, I will definitely try this recipe soon as well! xx
Vicki Montague says
Oh yeah the chocolate tart is a good one! Let me know how the shortbread goes…I hope you like it 🙂
plasterers bristol says
Oh wow, this is my faorite treat ever. and this recipe turned out just perfect for us. Thanks for sharing.
Simon
Vicki Montague says
That is great to hear! Thanks for your feedback. I’m glad you enjoyed them.
Rita says
What size tin of coconut milk
Vicki Montague says
400ml. Sorry, I didn’t know you could get smaller ones.
Emma says
This sounds delicious. Unfortunately baby A is recating to coconut so I couldn’t have it at the moment but it’s a great healthy take on a classic. #freefromfridays
Vicki Montague says
Oh no! I am so sorry to hear that baby is reacting to things. That is really sad 🙁
Kate - glutenfreealchemist says
Looks fab Vicki! Definitely an improvement in the photos……. and the recipe has definitely been brought up to date too!
I keep looking at my old photos and think ‘I must update those’……… but time is always too short……
Love the use of the various elements of coconut here…… Very current! sounds delicious xx
Vicki Montague says
Thanks Kate…I have a lot of work to do!
Verily Victoria Vocalises says
I NEED to make these and eat them all myself (!!). Loving the new photos #freefromfridays
Vicki Montague says
Hi Vicki! How are you? Thanks for popping by! These are far too nice and I therefore can’t make them again!!
Raia says
Oh my goodness. These sound amazing. I think I even have all the ingredients… It must be a sign. 😉
I’d love for you to stop by my gluten-free linky party tonight and share them with us! It goes live at 7pm EST. Hope to see you there!
Vicki Montague says
I hope you enjoyed them Raia!
Tabitha says
Oh my these look amazing!! Wow. My fav as a little girl and now I cam mane these with my girls and enjoy them too! Wow. Thank you Vicki.
Vicki Montague says
Do let me know what you think! I love them (a bit too much and I shouldn’t be eating them!!).
Angela / Only Crumbs Remain says
These look wonderful. Millionares Shortbread is one of my dad’s favourite treats and given that his birthday is fast approaching he may well be treated to this healthier version. I’ve not heard of coconut sugar before, do you get your from health food shops?
Angela x
Vicki Montague says
Hi Angela, I hope your dad likes them!! You can get coconut sugar in healthfood shops or on line. Or you could use normal brown sugar instead!
Alison says
These are one of my favourite things. Love your tweaks and they look lovely
Vicki Montague says
Thanks Alison! I hope you like them as much as we do!
Emma says
wow these look delicious and a good snack for the lunchbox!
Vicki Montague says
Ooo yes, a lovely treat!