Have you ever had See's Candies?
They're heavenly, little, sweet bon bons coated with delicious milk chocolate or dark chocolate. Anyone who knows See's candy, *knows* See's Candy! Do you know what I mean?
These little sweet bites come in an iconic white box or paper bag if you get the pleasure of walking into a store. There's a distinct smell when you open a box of See's chocolates or if you go into a store, the aroma hits you in your face the second you walk inside. It's indescribable, but oh so perfect.
I grew up eating See's Candies.
When I say I grew up eating them, I mean we had them at every single special occasion. Mother's Day, Father's Day, ALL family parties, family graduations, family wedding showers, family baby showers, Christmas, Easter, birthdays, dinner parties, and on and on.
I come from a See's loving family. EVERYONE loved them!
I had my all-time favorites like Milk Bordeaux™, Butterscotch Square, Milk Buttercream, Milk Butterchew®, Caramel, Raspberry Cream and Scotch Kiss. Hands down, my mom's favorite was THE Scotchmallow®.
My immediate family was all about the Milk Chocolate Soft Center boxes and the Dark Soft Center boxes. Keep those Nut & Chews far, far away!!!
But at all family gatherings, the boxes were always "Assorted" meaning they had a combination of both.
Now let me explain something. My mom and I had most of the chocolates down to science just by looking at them. If we were unsure, we always used a knife to cut them in half - because there were some that we just did not like.
The knife trick was not used at family gatherings by others though. As a kid I grew up with LOTS of cousins and a pretty tight-knit family. We all loved our See's Candies, but I did NOT love the finger pokes in the bottoms of all the chocolates. So gross! Who wants to enjoy a chocolate that's had a finger pushed into it? Yuck!
So the trick was to make sure and be around when the lid of the box actually got opened by someone, otherwise you'd end up getting the finger-poked candies.
My mom didn't like those finger-poked chocolate candies either. To offset that, she usually got us our own box to enjoy later at home.
The extra special thing was when she did, she would often get us custom boxes with our favorites. Like a full box of Scotchmallow's® or a half and half box of Milk Bordeaux's™ and Butterscotch Squares. Oh my goodness that was so much fun!!!
And such a relief to enjoy chocolates that had not been poked and prodded by someone else first.
See's Candies Copycat
As I delved into my real food journey over 12 years ago, I let most of my childhood favorites go. When my first daughter was born, I was very strict with what I fed her. Sugar was not part of her diet. In fact, she didn't know what candies were until she was 5. But that all changed.
I let her grandma {my mom} spoil her from time to time with extra special, once-in-a-blue-moon treats like See's Candies or donuts.
Since I only made treats with natural sweeteners at home, I just had to come up with a real food version that reminded me of the flavor and texture of See's Candies.
And that's how my See's Candies Copycat was born!
Paleo Chocolate Caramels
These 4-Ingredient Paleo Chocolate Caramels See's Candies Copycat are so simple! You can't beat 4-ingredients!
They're made with Mejdool dates, a nourishing + healthy fat - ghee or coconut oil, melted stevia-sweetened or allergy-free chocolate chips and coconut oil to help get that sheen and luscious chocolate coating.
The prep time is actually quite simple. The dates and ghee get warmed together, then pureed in a food processor and into the freezer they go. These babies need a little icy, freezer time, then they're ready for a glorious blanket of chocolate.
For the best texture, my family prefers these 4-Ingredient Paleo Chocolate Caramels right out of the freezer when they're still cold. Once the chocolates have set, they will lose that pretty, glossy chocolate shimmer, but don't you worry, the flavor and texture will not be lacking.
Even though there's no cane sugar in these Paleo chocolate caramels, your sweet tooth will still be happily satisfied!
4-Ingredient Paleo Chocolate Caramels See's Candies Copycat
4-Ingredient Paleo Chocolate Caramels {See's Candies Copycat!}
Did you grow up with See's Candies? I did! These 4-Ingredient Paleo Chocolate Caramels are my See's Candies Copycat! They're naturally sweetened, made with real food ingredients and are absolutely delectable.
Ingredients
- 12 Medjool dates
- 1 tablespoon ghee or coconut oil
- ½ cup stevia sweetened chocolate chips or allergy free chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Melt 1 tablespoon of ghee or coconut oil in small sauce pan over medium-low heat.
- Prep the dates - break them in half with fingers and remove the pit and discard. Add the dates to the sauce pan and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Heating the dates is important, the heat softens them and the ghee or coconut oil brings out their natural caramel flavor.
- Pour the cooked dates into food processor fitted with the "S" blade. Pulse until dates turn into a paste, about 30 seconds.
- Line a baking sheet with unbleached parchment paper. Grease your clean fingers with coconut oil {water can be used on fingers too if you do not have extra coconut oil}. Using about a teaspoon or more, roll the date paste into tiny caramel centers - I make them into balls/circles, then form a flat bottom and then make a flat top, which I make a little smaller than the bottom. This should make about 12-14 caramel centers. Place the caramel centers on the lined baking sheet and pop them into the freezer to set for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Melt the chocolate and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a double boiler (if you don’t have one, use a heat-proof glass bowl over a small saucepan filled with about 1 inch of water – place the pan over medium heat and the glass bowl with the chocolate chips on top of the pan) stirring occasionally until the chocolate is fully melted and glossy. Remove from heat.
- Remove frozen caramel centers from the freezer. Working quickly, drop one caramel center into the melted chocolate - using a fork or spoon, fully coat the caramel with chocolate and set back onto the baking sheet. Repeat until all caramels are covered in chocolate. {For an extra touch, once the caramels are covered in chocolate, use a fork dipped in chocolate and quickly move the fork back and forth in the air above the chocolates to make chocolate drizzles. If you find it's not working, place the chocolates in the freezer for one minute to set, then remove and try again.} Place the chocolates in the freezer and freeze for about 1 hour or several hours for best texture.
- Serve the chocolate caramels frozen, right from the freezer. Make sure to freeze them at least 1 hour before eating for a more authentic caramel texture.
Notes
Note: Advance Preparation Required
You Will Need: Small Saucepan or Saute Pan, Food Processor, Unbleached Parchment Paper, Baking Tray, Double Boiler or Medium Size Sauce Pan and Medium Size Heat Proof Glass Bowl
Vegan Option: Use coconut oil instead of ghee.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 139Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 32gFiber: 2gSugar: 20gProtein: 1g
This nutritional information was auto-generated based on serving size, number of servings, and typical information for the ingredients listed. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, please calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients and amounts used, using your preferred nutrition calculator. Under no circumstances shall the this website and the author be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on the given nutritional information. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Are you on Pinterest? I pin lots of yummy real food recipes + more there. I have a board just for Gluten Free Treats too. Come follow along.
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Dean F
Can't wait to surprise my girlfriend with these! I like to trick her into eating something vegan (she almost always loves it)!!
Emily Sunwell
I hope she enjoys them. 🙂
Amber
Hi Emily,
These are FABULOUS!!!! Love the pictures too - so pretty. Can't wait to try these. What a fun spring celebration treat.
Hugs,
--Amber
Emily Sunwell
Hi Amber! Aww thanks, you're so sweet. Hope all is well with you and your "time off" is going wonderfully. Hugs to you too.
Michelle Trenholm
Saw this just in time for my sister's birthday. I am making this. So yummy looking. Hope I make it just as good.
Emily Sunwell
Oh good! Hope you enjoy them. Take care and enjoy the birthday.
GiGi Eats
OMG these look CRAZY addictive!!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
🙂 they're so yummy
linda spiker
Well I have now started my morning off with chocolate cravings! haha! PS that is not unusual for me. Just beautiful and that picture of the melted chocolate drizzled over the caramels....Mmmmmmm!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
lol sounds like me 😉 And thank you.
The Food Hunter
heading to the store to grab some dates...this sounds fabulous
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
🙂 I hope you get to make some
Jessica
These look fantastic! mmm!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thank you! xo
Renee Kohley
Oh this is too easy! They look fantastic! Thank you!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
They're such a fun treat 🙂
heather
These look decadent and delicious! YUM!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thanks 🙂 They're so yummy!
Megan Stevens
I'm so impressed with your fork drizzles! That photo is beautiful, too. I need to work on that technique. This recipe is lovely. Love the dates! Dates + chocolate! 🙂
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Aww thanks Megan xo 🙂
Megan Stevens
Love the copycat name, too, so catchy and inspiring!!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thanks Megan! xo They're so yummy 🙂
Tash
Yum! I wouldn't feel guilty at all eating these! Medjool dates are one of my favorite snacks...can't wait to try these!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
I love Medjool dates too 🙂 So yummy!
Lindsey Dietz
I love how minimalist these are. Very few ingredients and all nothing to be ashamed of!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Exactly 🙂 so eating a bunch of them is okay in my book 😉
Lindsey Dietz
Almost too pretty to eat... almost. 😉
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thanks Lindsey! 🙂 xo
Raia Todd
Those look so perfect, Emily! Just right for a mom to enjoy during nap time... 😉
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
LOL right?! There's no shame in keeping them all stashed aside for you xo
Tessa Simpson
I ADORE dates and their caramel flavor!! Pairing them with chocolate = a dream come true!! Beautiful!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Yes!!! The two together is so perfect 🙂
Jean
Would you believe I've never tried See's Candies treats before? Nevertheless, these look soooo amazing and I bet they are even more delicious than the original. That chocolate layer looks divine!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
You're so kind, thank you! 🙂 I've always wondered if they're a common treat everywhere or more of a CA thing, although I think they have stores throughout the country. I'm not sure though.
linda spiker
These make me swoon every time!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
🙂 thanks Linda!
Carol Little R.H. @studiobotanica
I've never heard of See's candies.. Enjoyed your story with you and mom with a knife ready!!
These look DECADENT and your pictures make me want to make them right now!
Who would not love these? YUM!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
I'm guessing they're a candy that's just made in the states (I'm not sure though). Thanks for the kind words Carol!
Melissa @Real Nutritious Living
I just died and went to heaven! YUM Emily!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
LOL 🙂 xo thanks Melissa!
Irena Macri
See's Candies are some of my favourites. You really nailed this recipe. I'm so excited to try this!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thanks so much Irena! 🙂
Cathy
I've never had See's Candies, but I would eat these any day! What a great family memory!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thanks Cathy, fun memories for sure. 🙂
yvonne
I remember See's candies too! They were my grandmother's favorite treat. Theses copycats look amazing.
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
So sweet that they were your grandmother's favorites too. 🙂
tina
Yum! Saving these for my next Chocolate Craving!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
🙂 I hope you get to make some!
Jo Romero
Couldn't pin these quick enough! They look amazing - definitely making them. Thanks!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Thanks so much for the pin and kind words! 🙂
Leslie-Anne
I am still laughing about the image of a box of chocolates with the bottoms all finger poked! I don't think I've ever had a Sees Candy, but I feel like I have after your awesome post. I'm always on the lookout for a good healthy chocolate recipe.
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
LOL my mom and I couldn't stand those finger poked chocolates! It made for fun memories though, and my mom spoiled us with our own boxes afterwards. 🙂
Katja
I'm drooling on my computer screen. YUM!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Aww 🙂 thanks Katja!
Gabby
haha I agree, who wants chocolate with a finger pushed into it! LOL These look delicious, and I love the ingredients. I'll have to make a batch for my chocolate-loving husband.
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
LOL right?! So gross. I hope you get to and that he enjoys them 🙂
Monique
I have never had a See's Candy but I won't need to now I have your healthier recipe! Aren't medjool dates just the most fantastic base for easy, healthy desserts!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
I hope you get to try some 🙂
Meredith
I grew up with Sees chocolates... my parents would get us our own small custom box for Valentine's day and other special events. Such happy memories! I am so excited to try your healthier paleo version! Though I still love chocolates, I don't love how I feel after eating the sugar-loaded "real" versions!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
I love that you got to experience custom boxes too, such a fun memory! 🙂
Cristina Curp
MMMm I bet the dates make this so chewy and delicious! Who needs See's Candies when you have these!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Right?! The dates make these so yummy 🙂
ChihYu
My husband and I both love chocolate. This recipe will perfect. Thank you !
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
I hope you get to enjoy some 🙂
Kari - Get Inspired Everyday!
Chocolate and caramel forever! I love that these are made with dates too, such a great healthier alternative to a childhood favorite!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
I'm right there with you, chocolate + caramel are everything 🙂
Kelly
I could kiss you! This recipe looks amazing and I love that you use dates! I"m going to make these for Christmas presents with my kids. I know my son will want to make extra for Santa too.
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
Aww, thanks Kelly! I hope you get to make and enjoy some. xo