Caramel Honeycrisp Apples with Dates and Coconut Milk Recipe

Introduction

Caramel Honeycrisp is a naturally sweet and creamy apple caramel sauce made with fresh Honeycrisp apples and medjool dates. This slow-cooked recipe delivers rich, smooth flavor without refined sugar, perfect as a topping or dip.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs Honeycrisp apples, stemmed, cored, and roughly chopped
• 1 cup medjool dates, pitted and roughly chopped
• 1 cup water
• 3 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 to 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup canned coconut milk (lite or full fat)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine the chopped apples, dates, water, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in the slow cooker. Cook on high heat for 3 to 4 hours or on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, until the mixture is soft and tender.
2. Step 2: Carefully transfer the cooked mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until completely smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: Stir in the salt and canned coconut milk until fully incorporated. Adjust salt to taste.

Tips & Variations

• For a thicker consistency, reduce the cooking time slightly or cook uncovered during the last 30 minutes to evaporate excess liquid.
• Substitute maple syrup for dates if you prefer a different type of natural sweetness.
• Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger for a warm spice twist.
• Use full-fat coconut milk for creamier texture or lite coconut milk for a lighter version.

Storage

Store the caramel Honeycrisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave before serving, stirring well to restore the smooth texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other apple varieties?

Yes, while Honeycrisp apples give a sweet and tart flavor, you can use apples like Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady. Adjust sweetness if needed depending on apple tartness.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe is vegan since it uses plant-based ingredients like coconut milk and dates for sweetness, with no dairy or animal products.

Caramel Honeycrisp Apples with Dates and Coconut Milk Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 87 reviews

This Caramel Honeycrisp recipe transforms fresh honeycrisp apples and medjool dates into a luscious, naturally sweet caramel sauce with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon. Slow-cooked to perfection and blended until smooth, it serves as a deliciously wholesome alternative to traditional caramel, ideal for drizzling over desserts or enjoying as a dip.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (high) or 7 hours (low)
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (using high heat setting)
• Yield: Approximately 3 cups of caramel sauce 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 3 lbs Honeycrisp apples (stem & core removed and roughly chopped)
• 1 cup Medjool dates (pitted and roughly chopped)
• 1 cup water
• 3 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2–1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup canned coconut milk (lite or full fat)

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: Place the chopped apples, medjool dates, water, vanilla extract, and cinnamon into a slow cooker. This combination of ingredients lays the foundation for the rich and flavorful caramel sauce.
2. Cook in Slow Cooker: Cook the mixture on high heat for 3-4 hours or on low heat for 6-8 hours until the apples and dates are very soft and fully cooked, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
3. Puree the Mixture: Carefully transfer the contents of the slow cooker into a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth, creating a velvety caramel consistency.
4. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the salt according to your taste preference and add the canned coconut milk. Mix thoroughly to achieve a creamy caramel sauce with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Notes

• Adjust salt between 1/2 to 1 teaspoon based on desired flavor intensity.
• Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer sauce or lite coconut milk for a lighter version.
• This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• The caramel sauce pairs wonderfully with ice cream, pancakes, or as a dip for fruit.
• Ensure dates are pitted to avoid any surprises while blending.

Keywords: caramel sauce, honeycrisp apples, natural sweetener, slow cooker caramel, medjool dates caramel