Caramel apples are one of my favorite Fall treats! Unfortunately, they're usually packed with sugar, cream, and preservatives. I decided to try and make my own caramel apples at home with healthier ingredients! These caramel apples can be eaten on a stick just like a traditional caramel apple or the caramel can be used as a dip for apple slices. They're gluten-free, dairy-free, and guilt-free! I honestly cannot believe how good these caramel apples turned out, you will not miss the store-bought ones this Fall season, I can promise you that!
Ingredients:
4 apples of your choice (I used Honeycrisp)
10 pitted dates
1 tbs honey or maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbs creamy almond butter
1 tbs coconut oil
a sprinkle of sea salt
Optional: chopped almonds, chopped peanuts, chopped chocolate candies
Instructions:
In a small saucepan cover the dates with water and heat over low heat for 5-8 minutes or until dates are fork-tender.
Once dates are soft, drain the water and add the dates to a high-speed blender
Go ahead and add the remaining caramel ingredients: honey, vanilla, almond butter, coconut oil, and a sprinkle of sea salt. Blend on high speed until nice and creamy!
Pour the caramel into a bowl and dip your apples into the soft caramel. If you don't have wooden sticks you can stick a fork in the top of the apple and twirl it in the caramel.
Feel free to then roll the apple in any additional toppings of your choice.
Place in the refrigerator for an hour to let the caramel harden up and enjoy! :)