Enjoy the natural sweetness of this simple date caramel recipe. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients—medjool dates, almond milk, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt—this date caramel sauce offers a delightful alternative to traditional caramel, without any refined sugar.
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It's perfect for drizzling over fresh fruit, stirring into yogurt bowls, or adding to baked goods for an extra touch of indulgence.
Caramel sauce was always a treat growing up that felt luxurious and decadent. We had a squeeze bottle of salted caramel that we drizzled over everything! This homemade version, using fresh medjool dates, brings the same creamy texture and deep sweetness, but in a more natural, wholesome way.
The star ingredient, medjool dates, gives the caramel a rich, almost toffee-like flavor that pairs beautifully with a hint of vanilla extract and a touch of sea salt, like in these pecan caramel brownies recipe.
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Why You'll Love This Date Caramel
- Natural Sweetness: This date caramel sauce recipe is made with juicy dates, creating a caramel that’s both rich and naturally sweet, and better than traditional caramel dip.
- Simple and Quick: With just four main ingredients and no cooking time, this homemade date caramel comes together effortlessly in a high-speed blender.
- Versatile: Enjoy it drizzled over apple slices, added to caramel nice cream, or spread on toast for a quick, sweet snack.
- Plant-Based and Dairy-Free: Perfect for those looking for a vegan caramel sauce or following a plant-based diet.
Recipe Ingredients
You'll need the following ingredients to make 4-ingredient date caramel:
Ingredient Notes:
- Medjool Dates: The main ingredient providing a natural caramel flavor. Make sure your dates are soft. If not, soak them in warm water for 30 minutes and drain before using.
- Almond Milk: Adds a smooth consistency to the sauce. You can use any non-dairy milk like oat milk or soy milk for a similar result and nut-free sauce.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and adds a touch of warmth.
- Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the depth of flavor.
See recipe card below for all ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Date Caramel Sauce
- Step 1: Blend Ingredients: Place the pitted medjool dates, almond milk, vanilla extract, and sea salt into a high-speed blender or food processor. If your dates are not soft, soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes, then drain before adding them to the blender.
- Step 2: Blend Until Smooth: Process until you achieve a smooth texture, scraping down the sides of the blender as needed. Add more almond milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, for a thinner sauce if desired.
- Step 3: Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the date caramel to a glass jar or airtight container and enjoy at room temperature or chilled.
Expert Tips
- Soften the Dates: If your dates aren't soft, soak them in hot water for about 30 minutes before blending for the best texture.
- Adjust Consistency: For a thicker spread, use less almond milk; for a thinner drizzle, add a bit more dairy-free milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Enhance the Flavor: For a richer flavor, blend in 1 teaspoon of coconut oil, maple syrup, peanut butter, or melted dark chocolate.
Common Questions
Yes, but you may need to soak them longer as they are firmer and less sweet.
Date caramel is perfect for drizzling over yogurt, using as a dip for fresh fruit, or adding to baked goods for a natural sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
- Dip for Fresh Fruit: Serve this dreamy date caramel with apple slices or pear wedges.
- Spread for Toast: Enjoy it as a sweet spread on warm toast or these buckwheat pancakes.
- Drizzle Over Desserts: Add a touch to flourless chocolate cake or almond flour brownies for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Topping for Ice Cream: Spoon over banana nice cream or your favorite non-dairy ice cream to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Bring to room temperature before using for the best texture.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
More Recipes To Add Date Caramel Sauce
Recipe
Date Caramel
Equipment
- 1 blender or high-speed blender for a smoother caramel sauce
Ingredients
- 15 medjool dates, pitted, (about 220 grams / 1½ cups)
- ⅔ cup (167 grams) unsweetened almond milk, or other non-dairy milk, plus extra to thin if desired
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- Place the pitted medjool dates, almond milk, vanilla extract, and sea salt into a high-speed blender or food processor. If your dates are not soft, soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes, then drain before adding them to the blender.
- Process until you achieve a smooth texture, scraping down the sides of the blender as needed. Add more almond milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, for a thinner sauce if desired.
- Transfer the date caramel to a glass jar or airtight container and enjoy at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
- Adjust Consistency: For a thicker spread, use less almond milk; for a thinner drizzle, add a bit more dairy-free milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Bring to room temperature before using for the best texture. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
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