Date Caramel Apple
This viral date caramel apple is a wholesome twist on classic caramel apples, made with only 3 simple ingredients: an apple, medjool dates, and chocolate. Add your favorite toppings for a sweet, chewy, chocolatey treat that’s ready in about 15 minutes!
The other day, a 15-pound box of medjool dates arrived, and my brain immediately went into recipe mode. Snickers stuffed dates? Homemade date caramel? Chocolate date brownies? A very good problem to have.
After seeing date caramel apples all over social media, I finally had to try it. It has all the nostalgic flavor of a caramel apple: crisp apple, chewy caramel-like dates, and rich chocolate. Kind of like my caramel apple date bark.
A few weeks ago my sister and I made one after dinner when we were craving something sweet. 5 minutes of prep + 5 minutes to let the chocolate set and we were slicing into it. As soon as I took that first bite I knew I had to share it on the blog.
Table of Contents
A Caramel Apple Makeover
Here’s why I love this spin on the classic:
- Only 3 ingredients: An apple, medjool dates, and your favorite chocolate. Couldn’t be easier!
- No caramel to cook: Soft dates add chewy texture and caramel-like sweetness without having to make sticky, sugary caramel.
- Make it your own: Add chopped nuts, flaky sea salt, or your favorite toppings.
- An easy sweet treat: Just a few minutes of prep, then refrigerate until the chocolate sets.
What You Need
You only need 3 simple ingredients to make this date caramel apple (well, 4 ingredients if you add a sprinkle of peanuts on top).
- Apple: I love using a Cosmic Crisp apple for its sweet-tart flavor and extra-crisp bite.
- Medjool Dates: Soft, sticky medjool dates wrap around the apple for a naturally sweet, caramel-like coating.
- Chocolate: Use your favorite vegan chocolate bar or chocolate chips. I dipped the entire apple in chocolate, but a drizzle works too.
- Optional: Peanuts for topping.
How to Make a Date Caramel Apple
- Step 1: Line a baking sheet with plastic wrap. Remove the pits from the dates and arrange them in a square, 3 across and 3 down, slightly overlapping the edges.
- Step 2: Cover with parchment paper and use a rolling pin to roll the dates into a flat, even layer.
- Step 3: Remove the parchment paper and place the apple in the center of the dates.
- Step 4: Gather the plastic wrap around the apple, pressing the dates firmly against it. Peel away the plastic wrap, then use your hands to smooth the dates and close any gaps.
- Step 5: Dip the date-covered apple into melted chocolate. For a lighter coating, you could also just drizzle the chocolate.
- Step 6: If desired, sprinkle with chopped peanuts (or your other favorite toppings) while the chocolate is still wet. Refrigerate until the chocolate sets, then slice and enjoy!
Megan’s Tips
- Use soft medjool dates: They’re easier to flatten and mold around the apple. If yours feel dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- Thin the chocolate if needed: If your melted chocolate is too thick for dipping, stir in ½ teaspoon of coconut oil for a smoother coating.
The Finishing Touch: Caramel Apple Toppings
Get creative with the toppings – you really can’t go wrong here. Chopped peanuts are my favorite topping for a little salty crunch. You can also use chopped pecans, sliced almonds, toasted coconut flakes, or crushed pretzels or graham crackers. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt is always welcome, too.
Making this with kids? Let them choose the toppings and sprinkle away. A little mess is part of the charm. 😂
Frequently Asked Questions
Store your date caramel apple in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 days for the best texture. Keep it whole and slice just before serving to minimize browning.
If you washed your apple, it may still be wet, or your dates aren’t sticky enough. After washing your apple, dry it thoroughly so the dates can stick to it. If your dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
I recommend medjool dates because they’re large, soft, and sticky, which makes them easier to flatten and wrap around the apple. Smaller, firmer dates will be harder to work with.
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and ★★★★★ star rating below. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations!
The Viral Date Caramel Apple
Ingredients
- 1 large apple, I use Cosmic Crisp
- 9 medjool dates
- ½ cup vegan chocolate chips
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts, optional, for topping
Instructions
- Flatten the dates: Line a baking sheet with plastic wrap. Remove the pits from the dates and arrange them in a square, 3 across and 3 down, slightly overlapping the edges. Cover with parchment paper and use a rolling pin to roll the dates into a flat, even layer.
- Wrap the apple: Remove the parchment paper and place the apple in the center of the dates. Gather the plastic wrap around the apple, pressing the dates firmly against it. Peel away the plastic wrap, then use your hands to smooth the dates and close any gaps.
- Add the chocolate: Microwave the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. Dip the date-covered apple into the chocolate, or spoon it over the top. For a lighter coating, add a drizzle. Place on a parchment-lined plate.
- Add toppings: If desired, sprinkle with chopped peanuts (or your other favorite toppings) while the chocolate is still wet. Refrigerate until the chocolate sets, then slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Use soft medjool dates: They’re easier to flatten and mold around the apple. If yours feel dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- Thin the chocolate if needed: If your melted chocolate is too thick for dipping, stir in ½ teaspoon of coconut oil for a smoother coating.
- Toppings: Get creative with the toppings: chopped peanuts, pecans, almonds, walnuts, toasted coconut flakes, or crushed pretzels or graham crackers. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt is always welcome, too.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 days for the best texture. Keep it whole and slice just before serving to minimize browning.
