Chocolate cups are filled with naturally sweet Paleo caramel made from dates! This is a decadent candy that you can feel good about eating!
Don’t you just want to reach out and grab one of these gooey, sticky, caramel filled cups? Tempting, right? I have a container of these in the fridge right now, and I’m having a hard time not running in there to grab another one.
These Paleo caramel chocolate cups came about this weekend when I just had this urge for something with caramel. It may be because I’m planning to bring caramel corn to a party next week…I have caramel on my mind, I guess! Anyway, I didn’t want to fuss and make a bunch of sugary caramel on the stove, so naturally I thought of date caramel.
I can’t even express how much I love making caramel out of dates. Some dates, a dash of water, and a pinch of salt, and a good whirl in the food processor, and suddenly you have awesome, healthy, sticky caramel. I just love simple things like that.
This time a few of my dates were on the drier side, so I did go ahead and soak them in warm water for about five minutes. That bit of soaking really made it much easier to puree them. If your dates seem dry, definitely take the few minutes to soak them, it will be worth it.
I made a simple refined sugar free chocolate based on Melissa’s recipe. This chocolate does melt rather easily, so you definitely want to store these caramel cups in the refrigerator.
I love a good healthy dessert. These are grain free, vegan, and allergy friendly. Plus, dates are a good source of magnesium and potassium as well as fiber. These are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth or chocolate craving!

Paleo Caramel Chocolate Cups.
Ingredients
For the chocolate:
- 5 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 5 Tablespoons coconut oil solid
- 2½ Tablespoons maple syrup
For the caramel:
- 8 Medjool dates pitted*
- 2-3 Tablespoons water
- big pinch of sea salt
Instructions
-
Line a muffin tin with 9 paper liners.
-
Place the coconut oil in a bowl and microwave for about 20 seconds or until melted.
-
Whisk in the maple syrup and the unsweetened cocoa powder.
-
Spoon some chocolate into each paper liner, then refrigerate for about 15 minutes or until firm. You should have half of the chocolate left over.
-
Make the date caramel: Place the pitted dates, sea salt, and 2 tablespoons water in a mini food processor. Process until the dates are pureed and very smooth. If needed, add more water.
-
Spoon some date caramel into each paper liner.
-
Spoon some more chocolate on top of the caramel in each cup, and use the back of a spoon to smooth it out.
-
Place in the refrigerator to chill for at least one hour before eating. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Recipe Notes
*If the dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 5-10 minutes, then drain before placing them in the food processor.
WOW! This Paleo dessert is mouthwatering. Definitely sharing this. Hope you can guest blog for us in the future. Best of luck.
Yup, I want to reach out and grab that whole plate, lol! These cups look absolutely amazing! It’s been years since I’ve made homemade chocolate cups, and I’m loving the idea of using a date caramel for the center. So brilliant and delicious!
I still haven’t tried date caramel yet and something tells me I need to and asap!!! These cups are absolutely right up my alley and I’m kinda wishing I had one or two for breakfast. ;)
Mmm you had me at chocolate and caramel! These cups sound so delicious! I love the bite-sized form!
I love dates and chocolate together so this looks like the perfect treat! Yum!