Date Caramel

Looking for an alternative to traditional caramel? This simple date caramel is not exactly the same as a sugar-and-cream salted caramel sauce, but it is surprisingly luscious, sweet and sticky. The sweet paste contains no added sugar and can be used to craft healthy desserts for kids or anywhere else you want to add some extra sweetness. It’s also a snap to make and contains dairy-free, vegan-friendly ingredients.

How to Make Date Caramel

This four-ingredient date caramel is made by pureeing dates, hot water, vanilla extract and salt. We found that a food processor is the best tool for breaking down fibrous dates into a smooth puree. You could use a high-powered blender, but the caramel has a thick consistency, so you’ll want to make sure to scrape the sides and possibly add additional liquid to get it to blend correctly.

Ingredients for Date Caramel

• Dates: Dates are naturally sticky and sweet, so they’re a perfect choice for making dairy-free caramel. We recommend using pitted dates to make the prep work easier.
• Hot water: Hot water helps soften the dates so they’re easier to process.
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract infuses the caramel with complex flavor.
• Salt: Just a bit of salt heightens the natural date sweetness.

Directions

Step 1: Soak the dates

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Place the dates in a bowl, and cover with hot water. Let sit for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Blend the caramel

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Place the dates and water in a food processor, then add the vanilla and salt. Puree until smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Thin with additional water, if desired.

Editor’s Tip: Depending on the moisture content of your dates, you may end up with a thick paste. If you want a thinner, more sauce-like consistency, add a little additional water.

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Date Caramel Variations

• Use milk instead of water: To make a creamier caramel, use milk instead of water. You can keep it vegan by using nondairy milk alternatives like almond or coconut milk. Each type of milk will yield a slightly different taste and texture, so experiment and see what you like!
• Make chocolate caramel: Before pureeing the ingredients, add cocoa powder to make a chocolate caramel.
• Add sugar and spice: Warm up the caramel with cozy baking spices like ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice or cardamom powder. These additions will turn your caramel into a fall-inspired treat.
• Stir in nut butter: If you want to turn the caramel into a spread for topping toast, try adding your favorite healthy nut butter to the food processor before pureeing.

How to Store Date Caramel

Store date caramel in a jar with a tightly fitted lid. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can you freeze date caramel?

You can freeze date caramel for up to three months. For easy portioning, freeze the caramel in ice cube trays, then transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe zipper top bag once frozen solid. Thaw in the refrigerator when ready to use.

Date Caramel Tips

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What are the best dates for caramel?

There are a few different varieties of dates, and all will make a lovely, rich-tasting caramel. The most important part is finding dates that are still soft and sticky. Older dates have less moisture and won’t blend easily into a soft caramel. If your dates are slightly dry, increase the hot water soaking time from 10 to 30 minutes to help rehydrate them for smoother processing.

How can you use date caramel?

We like to eat date caramel with a spoon straight from the jar, but there are several other delicious ways to use this recipe. Dollop it over ice cream, swirl it into hot oatmeal, layer it in a yogurt parfait with quick stovetop granola, use it as a dip for apple slices or spread it onto pumpkin pancakes. (Come to think of it, maybe you should double the batch!)

How do you make a pourable date caramel?

Depending on your dates, the caramel may be a thick, spreadable paste, but you can make it pourable by thinning it with additional water. If you really want a sauce you can dribble and drizzle, consider adding 1/2 cup of a sticky sweetener like date syrup, coconut nectar, honey or brown rice syrup. This addition will increase the caramel’s sugar content, but it will also turn it into a true date caramel sauce.