Date Caramel
Last Updated on October 12, 2023 by Heather Reseck
This whole-food date caramel makes a delicious dip for apple slices. It also makes a yummy spread for toast or a sweetener for hot cereal.
The Best Dates for Date Caramel
This recipe works best with Medjool dates since they have a caramel flavor. You can substitute other types of dates, but the caramel flavor will not be as pronounced.
Medjool dates are usually softer and blend easier into a smooth dip consistency. If the dates are hard, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes. Then drain them and blend.
How to Make Date Caramel
Process dates, almond milk, coconut cream, water, lemon juice, and salt in a blender until smooth, stopping as needed to scrape down the sides.
I tried a blender and a food processor. I found that the blender produced a much smoother consistency, but I had to add more liquid. But it was still a good dip consistency.
How to Serve
- Serve with apple slices for dipping.
- Serve with sliced pears.
- Spread on toast.
- Stir into hot cereal.
- Stir into non-dairy ice cream.
Tip
- The fastest and easiest way to slice apples is to use an apple slicer (affiliate link), then cut the slices in half lengthwise to create thinner slices.
Date Caramel
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates packed
- 1 cup hot tap water
- ½ cup unsweetened plain almond milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Apple slices for serving
Instructions
- Place dates in a small bowl and cover with hot water. Let stand about 20-30 minutes, until dates are soft.
- Drain. If desired, save the liquid.
- Transfer dates to a blender.
- Add milk and salt. Process until smooth, stopping as needed to scrape down the sides.
- If needed, add additional date soaking water or milk at a tablespoon at a time until it is a smooth dip consistency.
- Serve at room temperature with apple slices.
- Makes about 2 cups. Refrigerate up to 1 week. Or freeze up to 6 months.
Notes
- Substitute another plant milk for the almond milk.
- Sprinkle with salt for a salted caramel flavor.
- Serve with sliced apples or pears.
- Stir into non-dairy ice cream. Or thin and drizzle.
- Spread on toast.
- Stir into hot cereal.
- This recipe works best with soft Medjool dates. Other dates may be substituted but the flavor will be less caramel-like and more liquid may be needed.
- Unlike refined sugar, dates contain fiber, magnesium, and B vitamins.
