Early on I came up with a recipe for a caramel sauce so my son could enjoy dipping apples in it while following a special diet. It evolved and led me to create more recipes with a caramel "candy-like" flavor and texture, like my caramel nut bars and candied apples. I simmer a few simple ingredients long enough to turn it into a thick sauce, or with a slightly longer simmer it develops a chewy candy texture.
Lately I'm interested in quick and easy recipes and I spotted some using dates with a variety of ingredients and measurements. I played around a bit to find the flavor and texture I like, and here's what I landed on.
Dates, coconut milk (or other milk), vanilla extract, and a bit of salt. I use Medjool dates that are soft and on the larger side. If your dates are on the dry or firm side, soak them in hot water for 20 minutes or so. If they're small you may need to add a few more to the recipe.
You can use any milk here. I just happen to have coconut milk on hand most of the time. I've also used coconut cream, but it's quite thick so I cut it in half with water to imitate coconut milk, using ½ cup of water plus ½ cup of coconut cream. Other options are almond milk, cashew milk, or any other non-dairy or dairy milk.
Caramel Date Sauce {quick & easy}
Equipment
- High speed blender
Ingredients
- 10 Medjool dates pitted
- 1 cup coconut milk or other milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a high speed blender and blend until smooth. You can start out adding about ¾ cup of milk and then add more as you go.
- Adjust the thickness as needed with more milk.
- Store in the refrigerator for a few weeks. Freeze for a few months and thaw slowly when ready to use.
Kata says
I love it. I was looking for an SCD caramel sauce without honey for ages. This is amazing!!!
Hi Kata, great to hear! Yes, I'm loving this as well.