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Not Quite Jersey Caramels

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not quite jersey caramels

This slice is reminiscent of Jersey Caramels and Jersey Caramels are reminiscent of my Dad.

I suspect I gave him a bag of Jersey Caramels every Father’s Day for many, many years!! I would love to share my version with him, I know he would enjoy it. I think I will whip some up, chop it into cubes and pop it in the post. It will get to him in time for Father’s Day, perfect!

My Dad has never been the type to remember Father’s Day, or Birthdays, or Anniversaries. It is lucky he has a wonderful daughter to ensure his forgetfulness goes unnoticed. In his defence he is perhaps among the busiest men alive. My Dad does not like to stand still, nor does he like to be indoors. He is always helping, fixing, building, or maybe putting on a bet. The other day my daughter dropped her hairbrush, it snapped in half and she said “If only Poppy was here, he could fix it”. I think this sums him up well.

My Dad makes me laugh often, and other times I have no idea what he is talking about. He gave me a love of music and stories that I have passed on to my daughter. He has a carefree, easy going way that I admire, an appreciation of solitude that I too possess, and an unconditional willingness to help that fills me with respect.

There is so much that I love about my Dad and there is no way I can do him justice. So I will just thank him; for all the times he made me laugh and for all the times he didn’t go mad. For all the songs he taught me, for the drives he took me on, but most of all for being the funniest, craziest Pop that my kids could ever hope for. The adoration they have for him amazes me. They truly have a special glow that only comes out when Poppy visits. I still recall my daughter saying at her fourth birthday party that she wouldn’t need anyone else to come, just Poppy. This same little girl had never been jealous of her demanding little brother, she dotted on him, until Poppy visited, “Don’t talk to him” she instructed when Poppy stopped to peek in on the tiny baby boy. We all got such a shock. She could share everything; her Mum, her Dad, her toys, but not her Pop. As for my little man, I suspect he has been your biggest test yet, but you persevered, endured his cries, screams, and tantrums, and ultimately made him laugh louder and longer than he ever had before. You bring them so much joy Pop, and your gentle, accepting nature works wonders with me. I love you for all of this and for so much more. Enjoy your Jersey Caramels, good luck keeping them away from Mum. Have a great Fathers Day. xx

 

Not Quite Jersey Caramels 

  • 2 cups desiccated coconut (finely shredded dried coconut)
  • 12 medjool dates, seeds removed
  • 1 teaspoon concentrated natural vanilla extract
  • pinch of salt
  1. Place all of the ingredients into your processor and blend thoroughly, it may take a little while for the coconut to break down and the mixture to come together. Press the mixture firmly into a loaf tin lined with baking paper hanging over the sides. Refrigerate to set.
  2. Eat and enjoy!
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Recipe
Jersey Caramels
Published
Rating
4 Based on 26 Review(s)

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  • Jodie

    Bianca that is just beautiful, that brought a tear to my eye, your Dad sounds like a wonderful man, wish my Dad was still with us to spoil him on father’s day, Happy Fathers Day to all the wonderful man out there.
    This recipe is on my list to do, it sounds so yummy. Thanks again 🙂

    • bianca

      Thank you so much Jodie. I am sorry that your Dad is no longer with you, that must be very hard, especially at times like this. I think it is just as important to think of those without their Dad’s as it is to give thanks for our own Dad’s on Father’s Day. Wishing you well, Bianca

  • Danielle

    Hi, I just saw your link on the Thermomix page on facebook and would love to make these, but I only have pitted dates. This may be a really silly question but are they the same or can you use them instead of Medjool dates?
    Thanks

    • bianca

      Hi Danielle, you can use them, you may need to double the amount, however they will not be quite the same, it will still be nice, but the texture will be different and the will not be as caramelly. I hope this helps, Bianca

      • Danielle

        Thanks Bianca. Think I might wait until I go to the shop and get the right ones. Was just looking at your recipe and thinking could be good for lunchboxes tomorrow lol

      • Lynne Baillie

        Oops, should have read the comments first before trying this, as I just made it with the normal pitted dates and used just the 12. It has bound together and it in fridge right now, so will see how it comes out the other end, but yes, not very creamy! Almost like a cheesecake base texture. Smells great though!! 🙂

        • bianca

          Hi Lynne, I hope they are nice. Yes when using standard dates you may need to double it. Many thanks, Bianca

  • Aw, reminds me of my dad. I should figure out a way to make him his favourite dessert, pecan sandies! This recipe looks delicious (and simple)….I think I may just use coconut butter to speed up the food processing!

    • bianca

      Perfect Sarah. I would attempt the pecan sandies for you but I have no idea what they are?????

      • Not surprised you don’t know them! They’re basically shortbread cookies with pecans. Here’s a recipe that sounds like it would yield similar results to the store-bought kind: http://www.bakeorbreak.com/2011/02/pecan-sandies/, but if you could find a way to re-create them “wholefoods style”, I would be very impressed (and thankful!). I’d bet almond flour would be a good replacement. They are similar to amaretti biscuits, with the addition of pecans.

        • bianca

          I shall add it to the list! Thanks Sarah!

  • anna

    I love your recipes Bianca! This is another winner. I love that it uses no nuts, so can be sent to school. I had to stop myself eating the mix before I put it in the fridge, it’s so tasty & exactly like a Jersey Caramel (but better!). Thanks!

    • bianca

      Thank you so much Anna!!!! Yes we also love this recipe for the exact reasons you mentioned above. I really appreciate you taking the time to leave your feedback! Many thanks, Bianca

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  • Oh this looks amazing! I have a sneaking suspicion I would like this even better than the real jersey caramels. Sign me up!

    • bianca

      Thank you Stacey, I hope you like it. Let me know if you get a chance to try it out. Bianca. x

    • bianca

      Thank you Stacey, if you get a chance to try it you will have to let me know what you think. Bianca

  • Natalie

    Made this today, so yum! Stronger caramel flavour and cheaper than the macadamia ‘fudge’ so very pleased with this recipe! I made it to put with some other healthy snacks for a couple of new mums, but really hoping it makes it to them, I’ve already pinched all the rough bits and my 2 yr old keeps asking, “Mum, can I please have another caramel?” “Just one more caramel please Mum?”

    • bianca

      Thank you Natalie, I am glad you have enjoyed it! It is lovely of you to share it around. Thanks for taking the time to write, I really appreciate it. Bianca

  • Monica

    Just wondering if you need to soak the dates? Thanks in advance!

    • bianca

      Hi Monica, I do not soak the dates, I hope you like it. Many thanks, Bianca

  • Anita

    Thanks for the recipe….just made a batch of them into balls using the normal dates (doubled the amount)and gave one to my non-date eating but caramel loving 13 year old. He loved it!!!!

    • bianca

      Fabulous Anita!! Thank you so much for writing, I really appreciate it. Enjoy, Bianca

  • Annmarie

    I think your Dad and my Dad sound so very similar and so do our kids. My daughter coped so well with everything when my son arrived apart from sharing the time her Pop had for her.

    I just whipped up a batch of these and I am incredibly disappointed that I only have enough coconut in the cupboard for one batch. They are SUPER yummy and I can’t wait to sneak a couple into my daughters morning tea tomorrow. I’ll take the rest for her and her friends to snack on after their ballet class tomorrow and see if all the others like it too.

    • bianca

      Thank you Annmarie, I am glad you like them I hope they have been well received by your daughter and her friends. Many thanks, Bianca

  • Sophie Dlp

    Oh my god, AMAZING!

    • bianca

      Thank you Sophie! Yes this one is fairly high on my list too. I am pleased that you liked it. It is lovely of you to take the time to write. Many thanks, Bianca

  • Donna

    Hello, I enjoy reading your newsfeeds. Have you tried making these with freshly grated coconut and fresh dates?

    • bianca

      Sorry Donna, I have not. I hope you like them. Bianca. xx

  • Wow! We made these Jersey Caramels today, and they taste absolutely delicious! Loved them so much, I couldn’t get enough of them! They’re so healthy, easy to make and only a few ingredients, thanks for sharing this with us! Will definitely make them again!

    • bianca

      Thank you for writing Riarna, I am glad you have enjoyed them. Bianca

  • Caitlin

    These are our new favourites! Love, love LOVE them!!! I used a whole vanilla bean instead of extract (I just scraped out the seeds) and the slice tastes amazing! I’m whipping up a batch now to take to a friends tomorrow night. Thanks for another great recipe.
    Caitlin. xx

  • Claire

    OMG these are absolutely divine! My first ever wholefood recipe, and I am just about to make a second batch so the kids have some left for school 😉 Thank you so much for sharing these!

    • bianca

      Thank you , I am glad you have enjoyed them, they are a favourite at our place. Bianca

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  • Kate

    I’m Finding some GREAT treat ideas for my dons 6th birthday party… Healthy but delicious. What more can we ask for in party food? Thanks for the inspiration!

    • bianca

      Thank you so much Kate, I hope they are a hit at the party, I would love to hear all about it. Many thanks, Bianca

  • Kerys

    I made these last night. Very nice, although I personally thought they didn’t need the salt. However they take a lot of chewing and the texture isn’t great. Not sure I would recommend them unless you have an industrial blender. I have a great blender, but even that just churned out hot coconut, rather than finer coconut.

    • bianca

      Hi Kerys, I am sorry they have not worked for you, I hope you find another recipe that you enjoy. Many thanks, Bianca

      • Kerys

        Actually the taste was lovely, I’m just wondering if you recommend a special type of blender for your recipes? I will try the coconut ice recipe next as that doesn’t need chopping. But I’d be genuinely interested to know what kitchen equipment you recommend as I’d love to try some of the other recipes too.

        • bianca

          Hi Kerys, I t is hard for me to recommend as everyone’s budget and needs are very different. I can tell you that many people make our recipes in good quality food processors with great success. You can also use a high speed blender such as a vitamix or thermomix. Every few weeks we ask this question on our facebook page and often get over 100 responses, if you are on facebook it might be worth scrolling back to when we last asked or keeping your eye out for when it comes up again. I have had some good reports on the target belini and the ninja, however I personally have not used either of these two. Many thanks, Bianca

          • Kerys

            Those blenders look amazing – I see why mine wasn’t up to the job. Incidentally, for anyone planning to make the recipe who doesn’t have one of these blenders, may I recommend a cheaper solution? I have just bought some macaroon coconut (Bob’s Red Mill brand). It has already been milled very, very finely. I’m off to make another batch! Thanks for all your advice.

  • Rebecca Sutherland

    These are AMAZING! So simple, so delicious and so addictive!
    For anyone getting a dry mixture, try processing the mixture for longer. I thought i may have the same problem but it all comes together perfectly if you have patience and wait a bit longer 🙂

    • bianca

      Perfect Rebecca, yes they do take a bit longer then expected but as you say a little patience does the trick. I really appreciate you writing, I am rapt that you have enjoyed them. Many thanks, Bianca

  • Rachel

    Yum! I have just this week started eating “clean” and this recipe helps hit the sweet spot but without all the processed gunk! Thanks for your recipes and website. 🙂

    • bianca

      Thank you so much Rachel, I am glad you like it. Many thanks, Bianca

  • Tricia

    Go really crazy and add the White Ones as the center of your Jersey Caramels. Girls in the office loved them. Tricia

    • bianca

      Love it!! Thank you. xx

  • Naomi

    I have just tried this recipe, it is the first from your website actually. I was so surprised at how good these taste. So sweet and yummy you would never imagine that it is actually all healthy.

    ** I actually added 3 extra dates because I thought my recipe was looking dry too **

    LOVE IT, cannot wait to try more recipes as we move away from processed and packaged foods.

    • bianca

      Thank you so much Naomi, I am glad you are enjoying them. I really appreciate you taking the time to write!! Many thanks, Bianca

  • Melissa

    Saw these on your Facebook page the other day and thought they look easy to make and wondered how much they would taste like a Jersey Caramel.. Earlier today I tried this and they seriously taste like the BEST Jersey Caramel’s I’ve ever had!!!

    • bianca

      Thank you so much!!! I am glad you liked them. B

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  • I have these setting in the refrigerator right now. I used a small square corning ware dish lined with parchment. I took a taste before I pressed it in dish – Amazing – needed to get it in the dish before I ate it all. You are a genius.

  • Teresa Smith

    Hi just wondering what the difference is between normal dates & medjool dates & where can I get them from? I noticed a lot of your recipes have them in it. Many Thanks

    • bianca

      Hi Teresa, medjool dates are a large, moist date found in the fresh produce section of the supermarkets, often near the strawberries. I hope this helps. Bianca

  • Tracey

    Mmm, love it. Killed the blender tho, would recommend using a food processor instead. I had to fight to get mine into the fridge though, only half made it. Yummo

  • Suzanne

    Mmmmmmm made this tonight. Quick and easy and best of all delicious. My first time using medjool dates. Looking forward to trying some more of your recipes. Thank you!

    • bianca

      Thank you. I am glad you liked it. x

  • Sally

    I just made these for the first time and they are setting in the fridge. I wonder if I let the mix go too far in the Thermomix as I ended up with a LOT of oil sitting on the top. I had to drain a little off (I know it’s healthy but it was SO much) otherwise it would have looked like thick white icing!! Is that normal? Otherwise they are yummy and will be a hit in the lunchboxes tomorrow!

    • bianca

      Hi Sally, I am glad you like them, thank you. Yes, it is normal and the longer you blend the more you will have. Enjoy, Bianca

  • Lili

    Hi Bianca

    I love your recipes! I have made these and they were so fabulous that I managed to eat most of them! I would really like to gift some to family, do you know how long they last (if I were to discipline myself) ?

    Thank you so much for all your beautiful recipes.

    Lili

    • bianca

      Hi Lili, I cannot say for sure but given they are made from dried products I think they would keep ok, you can also store them in the freezer if that helps? Thanks, Bianca

  • Toni Tricker

    I made these yesterday and OMG they are delicious. My son loves them. I used dried and pitted dates. Doubled the amount of medjool dates required and soaked them in water for 15 minutes before using.
    Thank you for a great treat we can all enjoy without added refined sugar.

    • bianca

      Thank you Toni, I am glad you liked them. Thanks for writing, Bianca

  • Elizabeth

    I made these just now and they are super delish! Thanks so much for the recipe! Any thoughts on other things I could add to make them somewhat lower in cals?

    • bianca

      Hi Elizabeth, I am glad you like them, thank you. I do not know much about calories sorry!

    • When I want a low calorie treat I work out the calories per batch and then put them in moulds, that way I know how many calories each treat has 🙂 I made this today from cute little star moulds.. I got 25 out of the batch at approx 50 calories each.. I am a weight loss consultant so always looking for yummy healthy treats to put on my facebook page for my followers, I will definitely be putting these up and mentioning Bianca once I get the photographs taken.. You are amazing Bianca, thank you so much 🙂 x

      • Thank YOU!!! I am glad you are enjoying the recipes. I hope your audience enjoys them. x

  • Charlene

    I just made these for the kids after-school snack – they LOVED them! Thankyou for your wonderful recipes, you are helping me switch my family to whole, natural foods and un-refined sugars without them feeling deprived 🙂

    • bianca

      Thank you. I am glad you like them. x

  • Anne

    This is an awesome recipe! I had no medjool dates on hand either, so I followed the previous poster who used pitted dates and soaked them for 15 minutes first. They turned out great! Even my (notoriously picky) 5yo son loved them, so thank you so much for this, and your other recipes, and keep up the great work 😀

    • bianca

      Thank you so much Anne, I am glad you liked it! I really appreciate you taking the time to write. Many thanks, Bianca

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  • Leanne

    I just took delivery of my thermomix and this is the first thing I’ve made. Thanks Bianca I can’t wait to try it. It’s currently setting in the fridge. It literally took twenty seconds to make!

    • bianca

      Thank you so much!! I hope you like it. x

  • Jocelyn

    Made these yesterday and we devoured them. They are delicious!! Thank you for providing delicious recipes that I don’t feel guilty of feeding my kids to much of!!

    • bianca

      Thank you so much Jocelyn, I am glad you liked them. I really appreciate you taking the time to write. Many thanks, Bianca

  • Jac

    I made these out of a desire for a chocolate-replacing snack and curiosity as to whether they would actually taste like caramels….And they do! No one I give them to believes they have no sugar or butter added. Thank you for your recipes, I will be buying your book after Christmas.

    • bianca

      Thank you so much Jac!! I am glad you like them. Thanks for writing. Bianca

  • Bernadette

    I was so happy to discover your website last year – have made quite a few of your recipes (kids love them as well). I received an omniblend for Christmas and am wondering if it would be fine to use to make recipes like this one & the peppermint slice (I’ve previously used a small food processor). All the recipes that came with my omniblend seem to have more wet ingredients. Thanks for all your wonderful recipes. Bernadette

    • Hi Bernadette, thank you!! I am glad you are enjoying the site. Other people have written on our facebook page that they make our recipes successfully with the omniblend. From what I have heard they are great! I hope the recipe works well for you. Bianca. x

  • Kerry

    Just made these to take away on holiday and let the kids taste test them. Mr 4, Mr 15 months and Miss 15 months absolutely loved them! Thanks for sharing your healthy recipes with us. I only had shredded coconut and not desiccated and they still worked out perfectly.

    • Fabulous!!! Thank you. I am pleased you are enjoying the recipes. I hope you have a lovely time away.

  • Helen

    Just had my first go at making this, I have been looking at your recipes for a few weeks now and decided that I really needed to try this one. Well this is amazing and has been a hit with my family. Thankyou and I will be finding the next recipe to try tomorrow.

    • Fabulous! Thank you. I am glad you liked it. Be sure to let me know how you go with whatever comes next. x

  • Colette

    Hi Bianca

    I simply love this recipe and have made it a few times. I made a fresh batch for Valentines Day and used a miniature cookie cutter to shape them. Everyone time I have one of these teeny hearts – I smile. Thank you for your lovely recipes.

    • I love these!!! Thank you so much!

      • Debbie

        Hello, I am new to the site and am looking forward to trying this recipe first. Can I just ask when you say Medjool dates do you mean fresh dates or dried? Thanks

        • The medjool dates are in the fresh produce section often near the berries. I hope this helps.

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  • Bec

    So first my processor died making your amazing caramel mudcake and just then my hand held blender died as I was trying to make this yummy recipe. I don’t think the cooking gods like me:( that or they are telling me to buy better quality machines!! Anyway it died halfway through processing these treats so I had to add some macadamia oil in order for them to come together by hand but otherwise they were still super yummy 🙂 but they didn’t make enough for the baby shower I was intending to serve them at tomorrow 🙁 Any ideas for some yummy treats that don’t require a processor or too much blending power? I have a blender but it couldn’t cope with this recipe, the ingredients just stayed at the bottom. Thank you!

    • Hi Bec, perhaps try things like the coconut macaroons, coconut ice, vanilla cupcakes, date and orange muffins, apricot and ginger muffins. I think you will find all of those quite good.
      I hope this helps.
      Bianca

  • Felicity Griggs

    A picture I posted on my Facebook page – Felsco Health. Hubby loves them, and they are a great nut free alternative for school. Love your recipes!

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  • Donna

    Hello… I absolutely love your food…. Who knew you could make such yummy treats with no sugar 🙂 I was wondering if you had Calories of any of your foods? I would love to have a copy if available.
    Cheers
    Donna

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  • Tracey

    Yummo…. Jersey caramels were my favourite lollies as a child. With the first batch I made, I kept them hidden away as my little treat :-). I have since made more and kindly shared them :-).

    • I love this, thank you. I am glad you enjoyed them. xxx

  • Elysia

    Thank you for sharing your beautiful recipes. Never once have I been disappointed and these caramels are no exception. I had to stop myself from eating the mixture out of the bowl.

    • bianca

      Thank you!!! I really appreciate that. Be sure to let me know how you go with anything else that you try. x

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  • A Re-Examined Life

    I love your website, and recipes. I made these jersey caramels on the weekend and can’t believe how much they taste the like the original sweets. I also can’t believe how easy this (and so many of your other) recipes are! I also love that, for the recipes I have tried so far, there is no sweeteners required, just those amazing dates. Keep up the great work 🙂

    • Thank you so much!!!! I really appreciate the feedback and I am rapt that you are enjoying my little site. Be sure to let me know how you go with anything else that you try. x

  • Janet Y

    Read your comments on Thermomix facebook to unhappy customers 🙁

    • I am sorry I do not understand this message. I do not follow Thermomix Facebook. I think I must be missing something.

  • Narelle

    These taste just like the store bought kind! I have a recent egg allergy and have been loving all your recipes, I have tried quite a lot! Thanks!!

    • That is great to hear! Thank you. I hope you fid many recipes that you enjoy, be sure to let me know. x

  • Tina Nutter

    These are delicious! I put them in zip lock bags, perfect for Thank You party bags for my son’s Construction theme 2nd birthday party 🙂

    • Great idea!!! Sounds like a fabulous party!! Thank you. xx

  • Kylie

    Another kindred spirit. My sisters and I used to give our Dad a bag of jersey caramels every birthday and fathers day. I loved reading the first line of your blog when you said they reminded you of your Dad. Unfortunately my Dad passed away five years ago now but we actually do buy jersey caramels and these are part of our day of remembering his passing. Miss him every day.

    • Oh Kylie I am so sorry to hear that. I cannot imagine how hard it must be for you. I hope reading the post offered a little comfort and filled your mind and heart with happy memories. xx

  • Vicki Mcarthur Greeves

    I love your site have tried many recipes and they are so yummy going to make your almond butter and yes these jersey caramel

    • Thank YOU!! That is great to hear! I am glad you are enjoying my little space. Be sure to keep me posted on how you are going with the recipes. x

  • Alex Sampson

    Dessicated coconut! That is where my caramel was going wrong! I was using coconut oil and it was too squidgy, even after being in the fridge! Can’t wait to try this caramel recipe! ;-)_

    • Oh no. I hope you enjoy them with the desicatted coconut. x

  • Mia Senadoza-Mantaring

    hi, is this okay for diabetics? thanks

    • I am not able to help with that sorry, diabetes isn’t something I know much about.