Date Caramel with Almond Butter
Date Caramel with Almond Butter is a sweet, rich, and decadent alternative to traditional caramel, offering all the flavor without the guilt. Made from naturally sweet dates, this creamy caramel is gluten-free and dairy-free. It contains no butter, no cream, just wholesome ingredients like dates, vanilla, and a touch of almond butter. It’s the perfect treat for anyone looking to enjoy indulgence the flexitarian way!
Why I Made This Sauce
I’ve always loved smoothies with a touch of date caramel as a garnish, so I decided to create my own! Here’s why I love this recipe:
- Simple and Quick: Easy to make with just a few ingredients.
- Versatile Uses: Perfect for smoothies, apple slices, oatmeal, yogurt, cookies, brownies, or ice cream.
- Natural Sweetness: A spoonful in my smoothies adds just the right amount of sweetness.
This date caramel has become a go-to in my kitchen for elevating everyday treats!
Ingredients for Flexitarian-Friendly Date Caramel Sauce
- Pitted dates: Naturally sweet and full of fiber, these form the base of the caramel.
- Almond butter: Adds a creamy, nutty richness while keeping it dairy-free.
- Hot water or almond milk: Choose almond milk for extra creaminess or hot water for a lighter option.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the caramel flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates the flavor.
How to Make Date Caramel Sauce
1. Prepare the Dates
- Remove any pits if the dates aren’t already pitted.
2. Soften the Dates
- Place the pitted dates in a heatproof bowl.
- Pour hot water (boiling works best) over the dates to cover them.
- Let the dates soak for 15–20 minutes to soften, making them easier to blend.
3. Blend the Ingredients
- Transfer the soaked dates and their water to a high-speed blender or food processor.
- Add almond butter, vanilla extract, and kosher salt.
- Start blending at a low speed, gradually increasing to high speed.
- Scrape down the sides as needed and blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Adjust the Consistency
- If the caramel is too thick, add more hot water or almond milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
FAQ (Ask A Dietitian!)
Which type of dates tastes like caramel?
Medjool dates taste like caramel. They are sweet, rich, soft, and chewy.
Are dates good for health?
Dates are a good source of essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6, and fiber. They are naturally sweet making them an excellent substitute for refined sugar in recipes and snacks. Dates are used in smoothies, baked goods, and other dishes.
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Date Caramel with Almond Butter
Equipment
- 1 high powered blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted medjool dates
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
Prepare the Dates
- Remove any pits from dates if not already pitted.
Soak The Dates
- Place the pitted dates in a heatproof bowl.Pour the hot water over the dates to soften them.Let the dates soak in the hot water for 15-20 minutes. This will make them easier to blend into a smooth caramel.
Blend the ingredients
- After soaking the dates, transfer them along with the soaking water to a high-speed blender, then add the remaining ingredients to the high-speed blender. Blend at a low speed and gradually increase to high. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the blender.
Adjust the Consistency
- If the date caramel is too thick, you can add more hot water 1 tbsp at a time.
Nutrition
Hi, I’m Sarah Harper, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist passionate about cooking, eating, and sharing all things food! At The Addy Bean, you’ll find a variety of flexitarian recipes designed to inspire and empower you to explore the delicious world of plant-based eating. My mission is to make plant-forward meals approachable, enjoyable, and part of your everyday life!
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