These maple and date bites are a light version of the caramel slice

I’ve always liked a snack after meals – whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

With that in mind, I present to you: Salted Maple Tahini Bites. They’re my take on the classic caramel slice, which is gluten-free and can be made dairy-free (they’re definitely not pleasure-free, trust me!).

So go ahead, give it a try – you just might find your new favorite everyday treat.

Chocolate squares, almond flour, coconut oil, maple syrup and salt on a kitchen counter, ingredients for date slice. — Opt for solid coconut oil instead of liquid to help the slice firm up in the refrigerator. (ABC news: Zain Ayup)

Tips:

Oven type: If your oven doesn’t have a fan, use the conventional temperature of a normal oven. Typically, these ovens have a heat source at the top and bottom. A fan oven uses a fan to distribute heat evenly, so it cooks faster and at a lower temperature. Most ovens can switch between the two modes, so you can choose whichever you prefer.
Go to whole dates: And remove the lumps yourself. Although it may seem like an extra step, whole dates are much juicier and more flavorful than pre-pitted ones – exactly what we want for these bites!
Use solid virgin coconut oil: Easily found in most supermarkets and sold in jars. Avoid the liquid version, as it can make the filling too liquid.
Rest time is essential: Let the slice cool for at least a few hours or overnight before slicing. This helps the coconut oil firm up and provides clean, precise slices.
This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free and can be vegan.