Hey there, fellow candy lovers! Ever crave something sweet but want to skip the mystery ingredients and sugar overload of store-bought treats? That’s why I’m so excited to share DIY Candy Versions with you. It's all about crafting delicious, healthier, and totally customizable candies in your own kitchen. Our recipes are designed to be quick, so you don't spend hours slaving away; healthy, using natural and better-for-you ingredients; and absolutely bursting with flavor – because what's candy if it doesn't taste amazing? I started creating these recipes for my own picky eaters (and let's be honest, myself!), and I know you'll love them too!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
My grandmother used to make amazing caramels every Christmas. The scent of melting sugar and vanilla would fill the entire house. While I can never quite replicate her exact recipe (it was a closely guarded secret!), DIY Candy Versions allows me to capture that same warm, comforting feeling with healthier ingredients and a fraction of the effort. It brings back those happy memories and lets me share them with my own family.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional: shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or sprinkles for coating
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Blend: In a food processor, add the pitted dates, unsweetened applesauce until dates are completely smooth.
- Mix: Add almond butter, sugar-free cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Chill: Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
- Shape: Scoop out the chilled mixture, about a tablespoon at a time. Roll into small balls.
- Coat: If desired, roll the candy balls in shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or sprinkles.
- Serve: Enjoy your homemade, healthy candy immediately or store in the refrigerator for longer keeping.
DIY Candy Versions
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Blend: In a food processor, add the pitted dates, unsweetened applesauce until dates are completely smooth.1 cup pitted dates, 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- Mix: Add almond butter, sugar-free cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.1/4 cup almond butter, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, Pinch sea salt
- Chill: Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
- Shape: Scoop out the chilled mixture, about a tablespoon at a time. Roll into small balls.
- Coat: If desired, roll the candy balls in shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or sprinkles.shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or sprinkles
- Serve: Enjoy your homemade, healthy candy immediately or store in the refrigerator for longer keeping.