Date Caramel
This 4-ingredient date caramel is smooth, creamy, and naturally sweetened with dates. A healthier alternative to traditional caramel that’s perfect for drizzling, dipping, or enjoying by the spoonful!
If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with dates. Actually, that might be an understatement. I use them in everything from energy balls to healthy desserts like these snickers stuffed dates and chocolate date caramels.
If you’ve tried dates before, then you know that naturally sweet, rich, caramel-like flavor they have, which makes them the perfect base for this homemade caramel! Once the dates are soaked and blended with just three other ingredients, they transform into the smoothest, dreamiest, creamiest caramel sauce.
It’s perfect for drizzling over your favorite healthy treats, dipping apple slices, or enjoying straight from the jar (which is exactly what I’m doing as I type this). Trust me, once you make this date caramel, you’ll find countless ways to enjoy it, and it’ll quickly become your new go-to sweet fix!
Why You’ll Love This Date Caramel
- Naturally sweetened with medjool dates
- Creamy, rich, and perfectly smooth (make it as thick or thin as you want!)
- Only 4 simple ingredients + ready in 15 minutes
- Vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free
- Drizzle it, spread it, dip it, or swirl it into your favorite recipes
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Medjool Dates: The star of the show! Medjool dates are soft, sweet, and have that natural caramel flavor. These are my favorite medjool dates to buy.
- Nut Butter: I like to add nut butter (such as peanut butter or almond butter) for extra richness and creaminess. But if you prefer to not add it, just replace it with more non-dairy milk.
- Non-Dairy Milk: Helps everything blend into a smooth, creamy texture. I recommend using an unsweetened milk so it doesn’t alter the flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: For a depth of flavor.
- Sea Salt: Optional, but highly recommended. A small pinch of salt balances the sweetness and really brings out the flavors.
How to Make Date Caramel
Scroll down to the recipe card to get the full recipe with measurements.
- Soak the dates: Add the dates to a bowl of warm water and soak for 5–10 minutes to soften. Then, drain, pat dry, and remove the pits.
- Blend the ingredients: Add the pitted dates, nut butter, non-dairy milk, vanilla extract, and sea salt to a food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, pausing to scrape down the sides as needed. If it’s too thick, add more milk 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Megan’s Tips
- Use fresh medjool dates: Fresh medjool dates are soft, gooey, and will blend much easier to achieve that smooth caramel texture!
- Choose a runny nut butter: Opt for an all natural nut butter (the only ingredients should be nuts and salt).
- Adjust to your liking: Want it thinner? Add a splash more non-dairy milk. Want it thicker? Use less milk.
- Don’t skip the salt: Trust me! A small pinch of sea salt gives it that delicious salted caramel flavor.
Ways to Use Date Caramel
Trust me, you’ll be wanting to put this date caramel on everythinggg! Aside from spooning it straight from the bowl, here are a few of my favorite ways to use it:
- As a dip with sliced apples, strawberries, or even pretzels for a sweet-salty combo
- Drizzle it over banana nice cream or on a stack of banana pancakes as a maple syrup alternative
- Spoon it on your favorite oatmeal (delicious on both warm and overnight oats!)
- Spread it on toast or rice cakes with sliced banana and a sprinkle of cinnamon
- Stuff it inside dates (double the dates, yes please)
Storage
Store your date caramel in an airtight glass jar or sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week. It will naturally thicken as it chills, so when you’re ready to use it again, just stir in some water or more milk.
let’s date! More Date Recipes
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and ★★★★★ star rating below letting me know how you liked it! This helps others find my recipes. I appreciate your support, as always. xo, Megan
Date Caramel
Ingredients
- 1 cup medjool dates
- ¼ cup nut butter
- ¼ cup non-dairy milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt, optional
Instructions
- Soak the dates: Soak the dates in warm water for 5–10 minutes to soften, then drain and pat dry. Remove the pits.
- Blend the ingredients: Add the pitted dates, nut butter, non-dairy milk, vanilla extract, and salt to a food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, pausing to scrape down the sides as needed. If it’s too thick, add more milk 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Equipment
Notes
- Use fresh medjool dates: Fresh medjool dates are soft, gooey, and will blend much easier to achieve that smooth caramel texture!
- Choose a runny nut butter: Opt for an all natural nut butter (the only ingredients should be nuts and salt).
- Adjust to your liking: Want it thinner? Add a splash more non-dairy milk. Want it thicker? Use less milk.
- Don’t skip the salt: Trust me! A small pinch of sea salt gives it that delicious salted caramel flavor.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. It will naturally thicken as it chills, so when you’re ready to use it again, just stir in some water or more milk.
Quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious! I love having this date caramel with sliced apples.