Healthy Caramel Apples 6 Ways!
Enjoy healthy caramel apples made with dates and coconut milk for a delicious treat.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces medjool dates (pitted (about 40 plump dates))
- 1/4 cup coconut milk (plus more if needed, any milk will work)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
- pinch salt
- 6 honeycrisp or granny smith apples
- 2 cups brown rice krispies
- 8 ounces dark chocolate (melted)
- flakey sea salt (for sprinkling)
- 2 cup toasted peanuts (chopped)
Instructions
- In a food processor or high-powered blender, combine pitted Medjool dates, coconut milk, vanilla extract, bourbon (if using), and a pinch of salt. Process until completely smooth and spreadable, about 5-10 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. Add more milk 1 tbsp at a time if too thick. The caramel should be thick but easily spreadable.
- Line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper. Insert twigs or wooden sticks securely into the tops of the apples.
- Prepare your desired toppings (brown rice krispies, chopped peanuts) so they are ready to press onto the apples.
- Working one apple at a time, use a butter knife to spread the date caramel evenly over the bottom and sides of each apple.
- Gently press your chosen toppings all around the caramel-coated apple. If using melted dark chocolate, you can drizzle it over the apple or dip the bottom half into the chocolate.
- Place the finished apples on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with flakey sea salt if desired. Refrigerate for 20-25 minutes, or until the caramel and chocolate are set.
Notes
- For the smoothest caramel, ensure your dates are soft and plump. If they seem dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before processing.
- Don't over-process the caramel; it should be thick and spreadable, not runny. Adjust with more dates or a touch more milk as needed.
- Press toppings firmly into the caramel while it's still slightly warm for better adhesion. Allergens: Milk, Soybeans. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.
- Don't over-process the caramel; it should be thick and spreadable, not runny. Adjust with more dates or a touch more milk as needed.
- Press toppings firmly into the caramel while it's still slightly warm for better adhesion. Allergens: Milk, Soybeans. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.