I have one thing to say to you-
THINGS WILL GET BETTER.
Raw Mocha Caramel Slice
This raw mocha caramel slice is the perfect decadent treat, so delicious that you won't know it's healthy, gluten-free, and vegan!
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 Cup Raw Buckwheat Groats
- 1/2 Cup Walnuts
- 1/2 Cup Dates pitted
- 2 Tbs Raw Agave
Caramel
- 1 Cup Dates pitted, covered in warm water
- 1 Cup Dates pitted, set aside
- 1/4 Tsp Vanilla Extract
Mocha
- 1/3 Cup Raw Coconut Oil melted
- 1/4 Cup Raw Agave
- 3 Tbs Raw Cacao Powder
- 1/2 Tbs Espresso Powder
Instructions
Crust
- Add buckwheat and walnuts to the food processor and process until a semi-fine meal is formed.
- Then, add in dates and agave, and process until a sticky dough is formed.
- In a small pan lined with parchment paper (I used a bread loaf pan), press crust down evenly.
Caramel
- Add dates to your 1-cup measuring cup, and cover them with warm water until just covered. Pour the whole thing into the food processor.
- Add the second cup of dates to the food processor. Do not cover these with water!
- Then, add in the vanilla extract and process until a smooth caramel is formed.
- Pour caramel into pan over the crust and smooth into an even layer.
Mocha
- In a bowl, combine melted coconut oil, agave, cacao and espresso powder. Pour mocha layer into the pan over the caramel layer.
Putting it All Together
- Put mocha caramel slices into the freezer for 2 hours to set. Cut into slices and serve. Note - the caramel doesn't harden entirely, so use your sharpest knife to cut them (just be careful!).
- Mocha caramel slices can be kept in the refrigerator for one week.
P.S.
If you make this recipe and post it on Instagram, be sure to tag me @wellandfull and #wellandfull so I can see! I love seeing your takes on my recipes :)
51 Comments
Meredith | Earth & Oven
March 22, 2017 at 1:55 pmHi Sarah, thanks for sharing this today. While I am not brimming with positivity this week either (having one of those ‘whats the POINT’ weeks…bleh. Just remember a) you are young and this shit is TOUGH for a twenty-something, it will smooth out! b) you are AWESOME period. and have so many skills (singing, photography, making bomb ass smoothies) c) When you do feel good again, you will truly FEEL it because you know what its like to be down and out. <3 from chilly Toronto -Mere
Sarah
March 22, 2017 at 2:22 pmThank you so so much for your sweet note, Meredith. It means a lot <3
dixya @food, pleasure, and health
March 22, 2017 at 2:04 pmim so sorry about your situation…sometimes it seems like hurricane is never ending and is exhausting on health & wellbeing..i hope it will pass very soon. if there is anything i can do cheer you up, please let me know. you are always welcome to visit fort worth and stay over if you need a change of scenery.
…and on a different note, i cant stop drooling at that caramel layer.
Sarah
March 22, 2017 at 10:06 pmAww thank you so much for your note, Dixya, it means so much to me <3
Karlie
March 22, 2017 at 3:31 pmSending you so much love <3 can't imagine what you're going through but I know you'll make it through.
Sarah
March 22, 2017 at 10:03 pmThank you so much Karlie <3
Maria
March 22, 2017 at 5:31 pmExtra good vibes coming your way!! I put too much faith in something that completely fell apart as well this year. It was such a devastating feeling of “Whats next?” What am I even doing?” I just want to say that you will get through it and undoubtedly will come out stronger on the other side.
These bars look absolutely delicious, although considering what you shared, it almost feels inappropriate to comment on the delicious food.
Sarah
March 22, 2017 at 10:04 pmThank you for your sweet note, Maria. And for your compliment on the bars :) It feels nice knowing that someone else can understand what you’re going through, even one aspect of it.
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health
March 22, 2017 at 9:00 pmSarah, this hurts my heart to read. I’m so sorry to hear you are in a difficult place right now. I’ve certainly been there before, feeling like there is no light at the end of the tunnel. I promise there is. This is just a season in your life, a period of time that will pass. You will look back on it and be glad it is over. In the meantime, all I can say is try to focus on doing things that bring you joy. Spending time with friends or family, getting outside for a walk, snuggling your pup. Everything else will eventually fall into place. Sending you hugs and love. <3
Sarah
March 22, 2017 at 10:05 pmThank you so much Sarah <3 Sending hugs back to you as well
Emilie @ Emilie Eats
March 22, 2017 at 11:06 pmI totally understand feeling like you’re stuck in a whole. That was a large part of my 2016. It was dark and hopeless at times, but things really do get better. You know you can always email me to chat about anything. <3
Sarah
March 23, 2017 at 9:15 amThank you so much Emilie <3
Tieghan
March 23, 2017 at 12:31 amHang in there and try to stay positive! Good days are ahead, just keep pushing through! Sending all the good vibes!
Sarah
March 23, 2017 at 9:15 amThank you Tieghan <3
kelli winter
March 23, 2017 at 12:55 amHi there Sarah,
I am sorry you are going through a rough patch right now. But, as bad as it seems today, it will end. You will find happiness again. You are so young, you have so many days to fill, things change along the way, and sometimes it is hard.
I am almost twice as old as you. I had a soul mate, someone I was going to grow old with. After 13 years together I finally realized it was no longer healthy to be together. I got in my car with my dog and as many of my things as I could fit in the car and drove clear across the country. From NYC to Seattle. At 38 I had to move back in with my mom. I figured my life was over. I had completely failed. Fast forward through a year of floundering, moving from job to job and my mom and I are still living together, we own a bakery work together and most importantly are both happy where our lives have led us. We are successful and happy.
Long story short, this too shall pass. You will make it out the other side. And the exciting part is, who knows where you will end up and with who.
Life is long, there are lots of good parts to come!
On a totally different note….
With all of the dates and agave in your recipe, is it really sweet?
Sarah
March 23, 2017 at 9:18 amThanks so much for sharing a bit of your story with me, Kelli… it really does make me feel better! I think I get really caught up in where I “should” be in my journey, based on what I see in social media. But I always forget that Facebook is a highlight reel, not the outtakes!
Also, I’m super sensitive to sweets, and I didn’t find these bars to be too sweet at all! Dates are “sweet” but not overly saccharine… they act as more of a binder in this recipe :)
kelli winter
March 23, 2017 at 10:00 pmI am glad I could help.
And these days with social media, it can be hard. That is why I tend to follow more people who post both the good and the bad. Everyone goes through tough times, even if they don’t share it.
Make it your mantra. Every single human has struggles at some point.
Maybe write it down and put it somewhere where you can see it every day.
You are exactly where you should be.
Marta @ What should I eat for breakfast today
March 23, 2017 at 2:40 amI send a lot of super positive energy your way! Big love <3
Sarah
March 23, 2017 at 9:19 amThank you Marta <3
Sophie MacKenzie
March 23, 2017 at 3:11 amSending you lots of love and a BIG hug xox
Sarah
March 23, 2017 at 9:19 amThank you Sophie <3
Nenad
March 23, 2017 at 8:41 amI’m new here….Sorry to hear you are in a difficult situation at the moment. I can’t fully understand what you are feeling, but I can offer my compassion and a big hug. You’re not alone in this…
Sarah
March 23, 2017 at 9:19 amThank you so much, Nenad… sending a big hug back.
Crystal
March 23, 2017 at 8:45 amSorry to hear this Sarah! I’m sending lots of positive energy your way!
Sarah
March 23, 2017 at 9:20 amThank you Crystal <3 <3
Hannah
March 23, 2017 at 10:28 amHi, Sarah! I have only recently come across your blog, and I love it so much! Everything I’ve made so far has been wonderful! (I’m still swooning over those Vanilla Earl Grey Donuts.) I am so sorry to hear that you’re having a tough time right now, and I’m sending all the good vibes I can muster your way! Life is so darn hard sometimes. Hang in there, and hold onto hope that it will get better. It will! xoxo
Sarah
March 23, 2017 at 10:35 amThank you so much for your sweet note, Hannah <3
Ashley
March 23, 2017 at 10:30 amYou’ve got my support, Sarah. Sending so much love. <3 <3 <3
Sarah
March 23, 2017 at 10:35 amThank you Ashley <3 <3
Katya
March 23, 2017 at 10:56 amDear Sarah, I’m sending lots of good vibes your way. Good moments will come again, feeling bad won’t last forever, trust me. You have created a wonderful community here and every single one of us is supporting you through your struggles and understands your pain. Stay strong, dear!
Sarah
March 24, 2017 at 10:26 amThank you so much Katya <3
jacquie
March 23, 2017 at 10:58 amsending lots of warm white healing light your way.
and if it is any help please no that you are not alone in your exhaustion and grief. I too have experienced the loss of home, significant other and financial security. and I am much older than you so have less in terms of time to recoup in terms of loss. so while I do wish I could offer some concrete advice and have none, please do know that you are not alone in the dark.
hugs.
Sarah
March 24, 2017 at 10:27 amI’m sorry to hear that you’ve had similar struggles too, Jacquie :( But I appreciate you telling me because it’s nice to know you’re not alone. <3
Victoria
March 23, 2017 at 5:10 pmI’m so sorry to hear you’re having such a rough time. If I was there I’d give you a BIG hug. You provided some kind words and advice to me not long ago and I’m glad I have the opportunity to reciprocate by listening to you and reminding you, like so many others here, that you’re not alone. Oh my, I’m getting teary-eyed. I’m such an emotional soul! I’m sending lots of feel-good, think-good vibes your way. I know it can be hard but try to steer your mind to the positive and find warmth and healing there. Life is indeed a rollercoaster. Buckle up and hang on. Have faith that more ups are on the way! :) <3
Sarah
March 24, 2017 at 10:28 amAwww thank you Victoria. I was happy to help, you’re so sweet! Thank you so much for your note <3
Maya | Spice + Sprout
March 24, 2017 at 7:35 amSending lots of love and hugs, girl <3
Sarah
March 24, 2017 at 10:31 amThanks so much Maya <3 <3
Traci | Vanilla And Bean
March 24, 2017 at 1:44 pmOh Sarah. Life is a constant contrast. There are moments of pure exhilaration, bliss and joy, only to be pulled down by life’s challenges. When I was a little girl, everything was rosy. I never realized adults had struggles, ups and downs… days when the weight of the world was on their shoulders. It all looked quite easy. As an adult I had to learn ways to cope with the world, life’s challenges, the injustices and unfairness… the nagging questions. Tough times… which have been plenty and I know, there are more to come. I allow myself to feel the sadness, pain… cry the tears (long walks in the arms of nature helps). This quote resonates with my realization that everyone struggles: “be kind; everyone is fighting a hard battle.” And I love what Victoria said above “Life is a roller coaster.. buckle up and hang on!” A former colleague said, “when you’re at the end of your rope, tie another knot!” Better times are ahead. They are. You are a strong young lady with so much life and wonder ahead. Believe it. Tight hugs, courage and peace to you Sarah. xo. You are not alone.
Sarah
March 24, 2017 at 4:10 pmThank you so much for your kind note, Traci… Life is definitely a roller coaster but I had no idea there was a huge drop ahead! But this is where the test of my faith comes in, and knowing that God is there as my seatbelt during the ups and downs. He is also present in the friends make me feel less alone <3
Sara
March 24, 2017 at 3:26 pmSorry :-( Going through the same thing here. 2 years of bad luck also – financial, moving, job loss, you name it. We have to just try to keep our chins up, I guess! Hard to do, I know! Not sure when it will end, but hoping soon. And I hear we’re not the only ones. It’s been a horrible two years for a LOT of people. Wonder what’s going on… Hang in there and try to stay positive and have faith that there’s a reason everything happens the way it does. That’s what I’m trying to do. I’m with you in thoughts and prayers :-)
Sarah
March 24, 2017 at 4:13 pmSounds like we’re going through almost the exact same thing, Sara! I don’t know if other people feel like this but I definitely feel better knowing that other people understand. I hope things work out better for you too, and that our two years of struggle turn into a lifetime of happiness! <3
Bek | The Floured Kitchen
March 25, 2017 at 12:34 amSo sorry to hear that you’re going through this Sarah :( I feel like it’s the kind of thing that a lot of 20-somethings go through (myself included!) :( It’s a hard time, trying to find our place in the world. Financially, in relationships, work, our purpose etc. All of a sudden we’re on our own trying to make sense of everything… I always thought everything would just work out and be wonderful as an adult, and though in some aspects this has been true, more often than not everything just feels like a constant battleground. Everything up in the air, in a constant state of flux. Maybe you can find comfort in knowing that you are in no way alone, because you’ve built a wonderful community here who can support you. Your blog is beautiful (and this recipe looks incredible – it’s on my to make list!) and you are obviously a talented, kind and generous person – you will make it through this tough time and be so much stronger because of it. You’ll be okay! <3
Sarah
March 25, 2017 at 9:27 amThank you so much for your sweet note Bek <3 I know a lot of twenty-somethings are going through similar problems, but I definitely don't see them as much in my personal life... for example, my ex-boyfriend had just bought his first investment house at 23!!! It's just seemed like everyone has been doing so much more than me :/ Maybe I need to shift my perspective...
Bek | The Floured Kitchen
March 26, 2017 at 12:51 amAh that’s so hard feeling like you’re the only one :( (also surely owning an investment house at 23 is some kind of magic? I sincerely hope this isn’t normal because if so i’m way behind hahah!). If it makes you feel better i often feel the same as you… that everyone else my age (24) is way ahead. Maybe it is just a perspective thing like you say. Changing how we see things can be so hard though… also, from the outside you seem like you’ve got everything all sorted out! so maybe it’s just that we generally only see the sparkly outside of everyone’s lives and not the messy insides. Just try and do anything that makes you happy – the little things! They’ll add up and hopefully make you feel like you have a little sunshine in your life…it’s what i try to do when everything big seems to be failing me. It helps <3 <3
A Really Good Vegan Carbonara | Well and Full
March 26, 2017 at 12:03 pm[…] is such an amazing community. I asked for support, and you went above and beyond in your answer. The emails, messages, comments… not only did […]
Sarah
April 10, 2017 at 10:34 amHey Sarah,
I’m sorry you’re going through such a hard time. I actually can relate a lot. I’ve been dealing with similar type health issues ever since my divorce, I think the amount of stress I went through took a HUGE toll on my body. In relationship ways I can relate, too. I say that so that you know you are not alone. And I also know you will rise out of this! I’m here for you if you need anything. Seriously.
Sarah
April 10, 2017 at 6:11 pmIt’s crazy what stress can do to the body :/ But it’s nice to know you’re not alone <3 Thanks Sarah.
Samantha Moore
April 14, 2017 at 3:10 pmAt this very moment, I don’t want to be the girl to just simply say “i felt sorry for you” instead what I’m gonna do is to really push you to release those worries, stressors, and pains. If you need to shout, be mad, break some stuff (except those valuables you have there at home) or yell till your hearts content, then do it. Allowing self pity to enter your doors also means that you welcome depression to get in and eat you inside out.
You are a warrior that influences women plenty of optimism and that is evident from the contents you share here in your blog.
You can get over it, and once you do, you’ll just laugh and brush it off easily.
Can I give you a virtual hug right now Sarah?
Sarah
April 15, 2017 at 11:22 amI actually really appreciate this… sometimes I feel like there’s such a focus on getting better IMMEDIATELY that there’s no time to actually feel angry or sad. But life isn’t like that… people get angry and sad!! It just happens! And I want to feel like that’s OKAY! So thank you for your encouragement <3 Sending a virtual hug right back to you <3
Jason
January 18, 2018 at 4:51 pmWhat a treat, thanks for sharing the recipe!
Sarah
January 19, 2018 at 12:06 amThank you Jason! :)