Ingredients
Date Caramel
- 1 cup Medjool dates (approx. 10 to 12 dates), pitted
- ¾ cup milk of choice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla flavoring
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- Soften the Dates: Remove the pits from the Medjool dates and place them in a heat-safe bowl. Cover the dates with boiling water and let them soak for 10 minutes to soften and facilitate blending.
- Blend the Ingredients: Drain the soaking water from the dates, then add the softened dates to a high-speed blender. Pour in the ¾ cup of milk, add ½ teaspoon vanilla flavoring, and ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt. Secure the lid and blend until the mixture is smooth and the dates are fully broken down, about 1 minute. Stop and scrape down the sides as needed to ensure even blending.
- Adjust Flavor (Optional): Taste your date caramel and adjust the flavor as desired. To make it sweeter, add a tablespoon of maple syrup. For a richer, nuttier flavor that masks the date taste, add a tablespoon of peanut butter and blend again. Continue tasting and adjusting to your preference.
- Serve or Store: Serve the date caramel immediately as a dip for sliced apples, crunchy pretzels, or as a spread. Alternatively, transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The caramel will thicken slightly when chilled.
Notes
- Soaking the dates in boiling water helps soften them for smoother blending.
- You can use any milk of choice: dairy, almond, oat, or soy milk all work well.
- Add maple syrup for extra sweetness if desired.
- Peanut butter adds richness and can help mask the date flavor for different taste preferences.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge, and let it come to room temperature or stir before serving if it becomes too thick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce/Dip
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
