Have you tried date caramel yet? This easy-to-make caramel is gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free, making it good for everyone! Keep reading to learn all about this Simple Date Caramel Recipe.
Why You Need To Try This Date Caramel
It is a healthier dip than what we are used to. Rather than a lot of brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream, this uses no refined sugars, and no fat, other than peanut butter!
It is dairy-free. Our friends with food allergies, specifically dairy allergies can enjoy this date caramel with no problem- this recipe uses coconut milk instead!
This is so easy to make. You throw everything into a food processor or blender and let it do all the work. It is done in under 5 minutes!
You can use this as a dip for so many things! I featured it on a board with different fruits, cheese, nuts, and pretzels. It was delicious on all of these.
I added peanut butter, but you can use any nut butter you like or leave it out altogether.
Ingredients
This comes together with only 5 ingredients! Most of them you might already have in the pantry.
- Dates- You will want dates that are still moist. If they are dry, soak them first. They will blend much better if you do. I know Medjool dates are really popular to use, but they are also pretty expensive. I buy the pitted dates from Walmart and they work great.
- Coconut Milk- Do not skimp here. The full fat coconut milk blends up so much better and give the caramel a rich depth of flavor. Do not go with light!
- Vanilla- It only takes a little, but you will notice it if you don't use it! Make sure and use a pure vanilla if you can.
- Salt- Again, it only takes a small amount, but worth it. I like to use kosher.
- Peanut Butter- We love peanut butter in our house, but if you prefer another nut nutter, go for it! You can also leave this out if you prefer, but it adds good flavor and creaminess.
Making the Date Caramel
I cut my dates into chunks. This isn't necessary but makes it easier to blend. Also, if your dates are a little harder, you may want to microwave or soak them in water for 30 minutes.
Add the dates to your food processor or blender. It is important to have a food processor for this or blender. It makes it so much easier to do. I have used and love this Cuisinart Food Processor for a really long time and love it!
A touch of vanilla, salt, and coconut milk.
Pulse and add more coconut milk as needed. How much you add will depend on the consistency you are looking for.
It might take a while to get it smooth and creamy, so be patient. Mine took about 2 minutes.
Now, let me just say, the peanut butter is optional. It is optional, but it is so good! You can also use another nut butter if you prefer. Almond butter is really delicious in this step. Continue to mix until everything is well blended.
Notes On Making The Date Caramel Sauce
Moist dates are REALLY important. If yours have dried out a little, soak them in water for about 30 minutes or microwave them. Either method will help to soften them up. It will make it so much easier to blend!
There is a lot of nut butter that is really good in this - almond butter is one I keep in the pantry and it was really good. Cashew is also really good. You can add whatever type you like.
Although the amounts of vanilla and salt are really small, they make this dip. Do not leave them out!
Ways To Use The Date Caramel
There are so many ways to use this date caramel, I think you will be surprised.
Let's start with the obvious. Use it for dipping fruits. If you are looking for a healthier dip for those apples, this date caramel is it! The flavor of the 2 together is so good!
Use it on a charcuterie board as I did. Cheddar isn't my favorite cheese, but it is really good with this caramel and apples or crackers.
Topping toast in the morning. Or how about as a flavor add-in for your favorite yogurt or ice cream? Yep, it is good on all those as well!
I promise you are going to find a lot of ways to use this date caramel once you make it! You will be addicted just like I am!
The Finished Caramel Peanut Butter Dip
Below is the finished dip. Doesn't it look just like a regular, full dairy caramel? I think so too. Only this one is a million times easier, and so much healthier!
FAQ Date Caramel
In the fridge, in an airtight container, it will hold for up to 4 days.
Honestly, it is a lot like regular caramel. Make sure it is blended well and it is creamy and thick!
It isn't exactly like regular caramel, of course. It tastes like a milder version of caramel. Yes, you can taste the dates in it, but the flavor is not overpowering, especially when you add in peanut butter or other nut butter,
Other Clean Eating Recipes
- Pork Tenderloin Buddha Bowl
- Quick and Healthy Breakfast Hash
- Mediterranean Hummus
- Salmon Grain Bowl
- Broccoli and Cheese Bites
- Beet and Popped Quinoa Salad
Date caramel and peanut butter dip
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates, chopped
- ¼-1/2 cup coconut milk or almond milk Start with ¼ cup and add more as needed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Microwave your dates for about 30 seconds to soften and heat. Add them, ¼ cup coconut milk, vanilla, and salt to a food processor or blender. Blend really well. This might take a little bit of time, so don't stress. If you need to, add more coconut milk to get the consistency you want. I wound up using about ⅓ cup. Next add in your peanut butter and blend smooth again. That is it!! It is done. It is seriously so simple and so good!! I think you will love this!It is so good served with apples, pretzels, nuts or even chocolate wedges. If you don't eat the day you make it, this caramel will hold well for up to 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container. You will want to throw it in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute to heat the caramel if it is chilled. Now, sit back and enjoy. You deserve it!