4.58 160 Published Sep 13, 2024 It’s one of my favorite ways to showcase the natural sweetness of Medjool dates. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly versatile. You can drizzle it over banana ice cream, mix it into your morning oatmeal (like with this salted caramel oatmeal), or use it as a dip for apple slices. Trust me, once you make this date caramel, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy it! It’s SO good!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Naturally Sweet – This date caramel is naturally sweet without any refined sugars, making it a healthier option for satisfying your sweet tooth. It definitely still has sugar, but I love that the dates are able to provide the rich sweet caramel flavor along with fiber and a host of other vitamins and minerals. Versatile – Whether you’re drizzling it over pancakes (these apple pancakes would be delish!), stirring it into yogurt bowls, or using it as a dip for fruit, this date caramel can be used in so many different ways. Quick & Easy – With only four ingredients and a blender or food processor, you can whip up this caramel sauce in minutes. It’s perfect for when you want something sweet but don’t have a lot of time. Dairy-free & Gluten-free – There’s no heavy cream or butter involved so this caramel is dairy-free and vegan. Boom! You could even make it nut-free by switching the almond milk to something like oat milk.
How to Make Date Caramel
Ways to Enjoy Date Caramel
This date caramel is the perfect companion to so many snacks and desserts. Luckily for you, I’ve already tested it in a variety of recipes, and it pairs beautifully with everything from pancakes to apple nachos. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
Spiced – For a warm, spiced caramel, try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even pumpkin pie spice to the blend. It’s a fun way to give the caramel a cozy, seasonal flavor that pairs well with all those fall treats. How good would it be drizzled over my applesauce cake?! Chocolate – If you’re a chocolate lover, try adding a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder or melted dark chocolate to the mixture. Nutty Caramel – Blend in a tablespoon of your favorite nut butter, like almond or cashew, to add a nutty richness to the caramel. This variation pairs beautifully with sliced apples or bananas.
Drizzled Over Pancakes – Add a sweet caramel touch to your banana pancakes by drizzling this date caramel on top. It’s a delicious alternative to traditional syrups and adds a natural sweetness to your breakfast. Top Your Oatmeal – Stir a spoonful of date caramel into a warm bowl of pumpkin oatmeal or use it in my salted caramel oatmeal. It’s a great way to naturally sweeten your morning oats and add a hint of caramel flavor. Apple Nachos – The combination of crisp apples and creamy caramel is a match made in heaven. These apple nachos are a go-to after school snack for the kids! Apple Slices with Date Caramel – Use this caramel sauce to make my date caramel apple slices. Apples, chocolate, caramel, and coconut come together for a healthy version of those Girl Scout Samoa cookies we all love! Chocolate Caramel Ice Cream Bars – For a cool and creamy treat, use the date caramel as a layer in chocolate caramel ice cream bars. The natural sweetness of the caramel pairs perfectly with the chocolate and creamy ice cream, making these bars irresistible.
How to Store
Store your date caramel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The caramel will likely thicken as it chills, but you can easily bring it back to a smoother consistency by stirring in a little more milk before using. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Portion the caramel into small containers or ice cube trays and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the caramel in the fridge overnight and stir well before serving. You may need to add a bit more milk to achieve the desired texture after freezing.
More Medjool Date Recipes
Vanilla Overnight Oats (MUSH Copycat) Date Bark Frozen Banana Snickers 4-Ingredient Healthy Date Shake Vegan Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
