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Wife Mama Foodie

Making Healthy Taste Good

October 27, 2015

Easy Raw Caramel Apples

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Easy raw caramel apples with only a handful of healthy ingredients! The possibility for toppings are endless. Vegan and paleo friendly too!

Easy Raw Caramel Apples | Made with healthy ingredients. Paleo and Vegan Friendly!
I used to dread making caramel sauce. It was really temperamental and there were all these things that could go wrong. Cooking it too long would make it hard as a rock. Not melting all of the sugar completely would turn it into a grainy mess, and what I did on more than one occasion, burning it…such a bummer 🙁

Every once in a while the sugar mixture would actually turn out, which meant it was time to stir in a bunch of butter and heavy cream. Then I’d proceed to gain a few pounds after licking the spoon, which had what seemed like a bazillion calories 😉

Well, I found a much better way to get my caramel fix—raw date caramel! Is it the exact same as the caramel made with sugar, butter, and heavy cream?! No. But, I think that it’s pretty close. So close that if I had to choose between the two, I’d pick the one made with wholesome ingredients any day. It’s delicious AND much healthier. That’s always a winner in my book!

Easy Raw Caramel Apples | Made with healthy ingredients. Paleo and Vegan Friendly!Easy Raw Caramel Apples | Made with healthy ingredients. Paleo and Vegan Friendly!
The possibilities for toppings are endless! Chopped nuts, toasted coconut, and CHOCOLATE are always great choices…but really, when is chocolate ever not a good choice?! I mean, seriously, can’t even think of one. 

Easy Raw Caramel Apples | Made with healthy ingredients. Paleo and Vegan Friendly!
Easy Raw Caramel Apples | Made with healthy ingredients. Paleo and Vegan Friendly!They’re not only delicious, but they’re also super simple to make. I’m talking less than 5 ingredients and less than 5 minutes simple. Yeah, that means you could actually be eating this in just a few minutes…

Well, what are you waiting for? Go make you some and don’t forget to take a pic and tag me on Instagram so I can see your creation!

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Easy Raw Caramel Apples


  • Author: Joscelyn Abreu
  • Total Time: 10 mins
  • Yield: 4-6 apples 1x
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Description

Easy caramel apples with only a handful of healthy ingredients! The possibility for toppings are endless!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz. pitted dates
  • 4–5 tablespoons water, coconut milk, or almond milk (More liquid may be needed. Milk makes it a little lighter in color.)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • pinch of salt, to taste
  • 4 large or 6 smaller apples (granny smith, gala, or honey crisp are all good choices)
  • popsicle sticks or other sticks of choice, one per apple
  • Assorted toppings: chopped pecans, almonds, melted dark chocolate, cacao nibs, toasted coconut, flaked sea salt, mini chocolate chips, etc. (use dairy free chocolate, if needed)

Instructions

  1. Add dates to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until broken down. If your dates are hard, soak in water for a few hours and then drain for better blending. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water/milk and blend until creamy. Continue to add liquid as need, one tablespoon at a time until caramel reaches your desired consistency. I prefer my caramel to be thicker, like almond butter, because I find it stays on the apples better than a more runny caramel. Add vanilla and salt, to taste, and blend until creamy.
  2. Place a popsicle stick into the core of each apple. Use a butter knife or off-set spatula to spread caramel evenly over each apple. Cover with desired toppings—chopped nuts, cacao nibs, toasted coconut—and then drizzle melted chocolate over toppings, optional. A good trick to get a nice drizzle is to place melted chocolate into a sandwich baggie and cut a small tip off the bottom corner and use the baggie like a piping bag. Squeeze chocolate out of the small hole of the baggie to get a thin chocolate line, perfect for drizzling!
  3. Place apples, bottom down, on a parchment lined plate or tray and refrigerate for at least 10-15 minutes to get chocolate and caramel to firm, although apples can also be eaten right away. Wrap leftovers in plastic wrap/bags or an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3-4 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Category: Healthy, Dessert, Vegan

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Filed Under: All Recipes Tagged With: Apples, caramel, Dairy Free, Dates, Dessert, Easy, Fall, Gluten Free, Grain Free, Healthy, Paleo, Raw, Refined Sugar Free, salted, Vegan

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sina @ Vegan Heaven says

    October 30, 2015 at 2:31 pm

    Wow! These look absolutely delicious, Joscelyn! Your photos are STUNNING!!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wifemamafoodie says

      November 3, 2015 at 11:19 pm

      Aww, thank you so much, Sina!

      Reply
  2. Mary says

    October 29, 2015 at 1:49 pm

    This is awesome! I’ve never made date caramel before…genius! I too have experienced the annoyances and stinkiness of burned sugar! Boo. And. I seriously heart that cake stand! Give meeeeeee! 😉

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wifemamafoodie says

      November 3, 2015 at 11:18 pm

      Girl, you must try it sometime! Date caramel is too yummy not to enjoy on a regular basis 🙂 I LOVE my new cake stand! Found it at Marshall’s. Give me all the wooden kitchen items, haha! Thanks for stopping by, sweet friend! Have a lovely week!

      Reply
  3. Lori Hill-Smith says

    October 29, 2015 at 10:15 am

    I love, love, love caramel apples! These look delicious and your photographs are beautiful!!

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wifemamafoodie says

      November 3, 2015 at 11:12 pm

      Me too, Lori! Thank you for the sweet compliment! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Harriet Emily says

    October 29, 2015 at 5:52 am

    I love caramel apples!!! These sound so delicious – and such a great healthy alternative too! The chocolate drizzles on top looks so beautiful <3

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wifemamafoodie says

      November 3, 2015 at 11:11 pm

      Thanks, Harriet! Caramel apples are so yummy aren’t they?! I love that I can still enjoy them with healthier ingredients too! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Keating says

    October 28, 2015 at 11:13 pm

    These look amazing!! I love caramel and candied apples this time of year. They’re my favorite fall treat.

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wifemamafoodie says

      November 3, 2015 at 11:07 pm

      Me too, Keating! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  6. Sowmiasgalley says

    October 28, 2015 at 6:06 pm

    Fallen in love with these caramel apples… Amazing clicks..

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wifemamafoodie says

      November 3, 2015 at 11:04 pm

      Thank you so much! Really appreciate the compliment!

      Reply
  7. Marielle says

    October 28, 2015 at 5:35 pm

    Oh my goodness, these look amazing! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wifemamafoodie says

      November 3, 2015 at 11:03 pm

      Thanks, Marielle!

      Reply
  8. Emily, The Innovative Mama says

    October 28, 2015 at 3:36 pm

    I had no idea you could use dates this way! Love your pictures, they are gorgeous!

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wifemamafoodie says

      November 3, 2015 at 11:03 pm

      Thank you, Emily! I know, dates are so versatile!

      Reply
  9. Danica says

    October 28, 2015 at 3:35 pm

    Hi Joscelyn! Love this like always! Looks sooo delicious!

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wifemamafoodie says

      November 3, 2015 at 11:01 pm

      Thank you so much, Danica!

      Reply
  10. Shann Eva says

    October 28, 2015 at 3:10 pm

    These sound delicious. Your pictures and your apples look gorgeous too. Pinning.

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wifemamafoodie says

      November 3, 2015 at 11:00 pm

      Thank you, Shann Eva! I appreciate the pin too!

      Reply
  11. Erika Agostino says

    October 28, 2015 at 2:32 pm

    Yummm… such a great way to spice up a simple apple out there! I love how it turned out 😀

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wifemamafoodie says

      November 3, 2015 at 10:59 pm

      Thank you, Erika! They were really delicious!

      Reply
  12. Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says

    October 28, 2015 at 8:24 am

    Wow! These raw caramel apples are fanstastc, Joscelyn. Love the substitute. And these clicks are seriously making me drool. I so want to grab 3-5 of these stunning apples right away. 🙂

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wifemamafoodie says

      October 29, 2015 at 11:27 pm

      Thank you, Anu! That’s how I feel about your pictures too! 😉

      Reply
  13. Zan says

    October 28, 2015 at 8:21 am

    Ha, had no idea you could use dates for this! I bet they were delish as they look! And I hear you on the melted caramel struggle/ Last week, I made some for a caramel apple bar; they turned out well, but hardened super fast before I could put it on some of the apples!

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wifemamafoodie says

      October 29, 2015 at 7:12 pm

      Yes, caramel is so temperamental, isn’t it! Frustrating when it hardens too fast!

      Reply
  14. kushi says

    October 28, 2015 at 12:37 am

    WOW! In love with this. Beautiful clicks.

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wifemamafoodie says

      October 29, 2015 at 6:25 pm

      Thank you so much, Kushi!

      Reply
  15. Kimberly/TheLittlePlantation says

    October 27, 2015 at 4:37 pm

    I love this idea and have not seen it anywhere before. YUMMY! We’re actually away at my parents’ for Halloween, but I may still try and make these if I have a chance. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wifemamafoodie says

      October 29, 2015 at 7:09 pm

      Thank you, friend! I hope you all enjoy the holiday with your family!

      Reply
  16. Minna says

    October 27, 2015 at 3:53 pm

    Woah! When I saw your shot on Instagram, I wasn’t expecting date caramel- such a cool idea! And so true about making real caramel- half of it would make its way into my mouth before whatever I was making it for…oops. Thanks for sharing! I’ll need to try this on some other fruit 🙂

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wifemamafoodie says

      October 29, 2015 at 7:07 pm

      Aww, darn those food allergies! I’m not sure if you’re allergic to pears as well, Minna, but it’s good on those too 🙂 Thank you for your sweet words, dear friend!

      Reply
  17. Maggie says

    October 27, 2015 at 1:57 pm

    What a great substitute! Have you tried it in other recipes?

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wifemamafoodie says

      October 29, 2015 at 6:42 pm

      I usually make date caramel as a dip for fruit, but I’ve seen dates used a lot in baking too!

      Reply
  18. The Iowa Farmer's Wife says

    October 27, 2015 at 1:29 pm

    Love love love these! I think I may make chopped Apple versions tonight!

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wifemamafoodie says

      October 29, 2015 at 6:41 pm

      Thank you so much! I hope you like them!

      Reply
  19. Andele says

    October 27, 2015 at 11:57 am

    Umm, yes please!!! This post is SO great! How inspiring to eat a delicious treat all while using healthy ingredients! Truly brilliant! They look insanely delicious *drool*

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wifemamafoodie says

      October 29, 2015 at 6:41 pm

      Thanks, girl! I remember that giant caramel apple you shared with all of us that one time long ago. It was so good 🙂

      Reply
  20. Annie @ Annie's Noms says

    October 27, 2015 at 11:08 am

    These are so cool! And so pretty. I almost wouldn’t want to bite into one!!

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wifemamafoodie says

      October 29, 2015 at 6:40 pm

      Aww, thank you, Annie!

      Reply
  21. Stacey @ Stacey Homemaker says

    October 27, 2015 at 11:02 am

    Joscelyn, I love this! I didn’t know you could make caramel sauce from dates! I usually make caramel apples for Halloween, but I didn’t this year because I didn’t want the temptation around. These are perfect, I can’t wait to try the recipe! My fiance will be very happy too!

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wifemamafoodie says

      October 29, 2015 at 6:39 pm

      Thank you, Stacey! Yes, I know, I tried date caramel for the first time last year and was amazed at how delicious it was! Much better to have around since it’s all natural and full of fiber and other nutrients too. I hope you and your fiancé like it! 🙂

      Reply
  22. Marvina says

    October 27, 2015 at 10:46 am

    They look good 🙂

    Reply
    • Joscelyn | Wifemamafoodie says

      October 29, 2015 at 6:27 pm

      Thank you, Marvina! They were really good!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Salted Caramel and Chocolate Popcorn Clusters - Wife Mama Foodie says:
    October 31, 2017 at 12:29 pm

    […] Easy Raw Caramel Apples […]

    Reply
  2. 40 Paleo Caramel Desserts and Drinks - Your Herbal Health Shop says:
    September 30, 2016 at 9:23 pm

    […] 30. Easy Raw Caramel Apples Do you kids love caramel apples? Do YOU love caramel apples? Good news! You can make these raw caramel apples with dates and toppings of choice, like chopped pecans, almonds, melted dark chocolate, cacao nibs, toasted coconut, flaked sea salt, or mini chocolate chips. […]

    Reply
  3. Vegan Caramel Macadamia Nut Bites - Wifemamafoodie says:
    March 15, 2016 at 2:17 pm

    […] Easy Raw Caramel Apples […]

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Hello! My name is Joscelyn and I love to share recipes that are healthy and delicious. Many of them are also free of dairy, gluten, and refined sugar! Pick out a recipe and let's get cooking! Read More…

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