Neither caramel nor fudge are on my list of sweet treat favs.  When it comes right down to it, I think I’d rather pass on either of the two in any given situation.  As a child, I did enjoy caramel candies – I liked Milk Duds at the movie theater.  This is so bizarre to me, given my dislike (in general) for chocolate (particularly the cheap, artificial non-chocolate out there) and the fact that noshing on an item that possesses the sole purpose of sticking my teeth together in a gooey mess seems utterly outlandish!

Anyway, although these chewy-gooey bites have been given a title with both caramel and fudge descriptives, the truth is that they are neither.  They are simply good.

Caramel Fudgey Bites

1/3 c. sunflower seed butter
1/4 c. coconut oil
2 Tbs. coconut butter or creamed coconut
1-2 Tbs. raw honey
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. real sea salt
1/3 c. dark chocolate chips (soy-free and gluten-free)

In a small pot, over very low heat, combine the sunflower seed butter, coconut oil, coconut butter and honey.  Warm the mixture, until just melted and smooth, stirring constantly.  The coconut butter will burn if heated to much or too rapidly.  Pay close attention – no multi-tasking here…
Once fully melted, remove from heat and add vanilla and salt.  Stir to combine.  Pour the mixture into an 8×8″ greased (with coconut oil) baking dish.  Chill for 5-10 minutes.  Once cool, stir in chocolate chips to evenly distribute. Return to refrigerator to set.
These treats are best stored in the icebox or fridge, as they definitely will melt in your mouth AND in your hand, if you manage to keep them on your fingertips for very long at all…not likely!

Enjoy.