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Date Caramel Recipe: A Sweet Treat You’ll Fall in Love With

A spoonful of creamy date caramel above a jar of the spread, with dried dates and sea salt in the background.
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This naturally sweet, creamy, and ridiculously easy-to-make caramel is a game-changer—whether you’re drizzling it over desserts, dunking apple slices, or sneaking a spoonful straight from the jar (no judgment!).

Ingredients

  • Medjool dates (12-15 large ones, pitted)
  • Warm water (or unsweetened almond milk for extra creaminess)
  • Vanilla extract (a teaspoon for that cozy flavor)
  • Salt (just a pinch to balance the sweetness)
  • Optional add-ins: A little cinnamon or maple syrup for extra depth

Instructions

1. Soak the Dates

First things first: Pit the dates and soak them in warm water for about 10-15 minutes. This softens them up and makes them blend like a dream. If your dates are super fresh and sticky, you can skip this step, but soaking ensures a smoother texture.

2. Blend It All Together

Toss the soaked dates into a high-speed blender or food processor. Add about ½ cup of the soaking water to start, then throw in the vanilla and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. If the mixture looks too thick, add a bit more liquid—go slow to get that perfect consistency.

3. Taste and Adjust

Give it a quick taste test. Want it richer? Add a splash of almond milk. Feeling adventurous? Toss in a pinch of cinnamon or even a little espresso powder for a caramel macchiato vibe.

4. Store and Enjoy

Transfer the caramel to a jar or airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to two weeks, though I doubt it’ll last that long.

Notes

  • Use fresh, plump dates. If your dates feel dry, soak them a bit longer or try steaming them for a few minutes.
  • Start with less liquid. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out. Aim for a thick, creamy texture that’s easy to spread but not runny.
  • Experiment with flavors. A splash of maple syrup, a dash of nutmeg, or even a hint of cocoa powder can take this caramel to the next level.

Nutrition

Keywords: Date caramel recipe, Homemade date caramel, Healthy caramel alternative

Find it online: https://recipesandchill.com/date-caramel-recipe/