Caramel Honeycrisp Apples with Dates and Coconut Milk Recipe
This Caramel Honeycrisp recipe transforms sweet honeycrisp apples into a luscious, caramel-like apple puree using natural sweetness from medjool dates and a hint of cinnamon. Cooked slowly in a slow cooker, blended to smooth perfection, and enriched with creamy coconut milk, this comforting and vegan-friendly dessert sauce can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping for various treats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: About 4 cups 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit
- 3 lbs honeycrisp apples (stem & core removed and roughly chopped)
- 1 cup medjool dates (pitted and roughly chopped)
Liquids and Flavorings
- 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
- Prepare the slow cooker: Combine the chopped honeycrisp apples, medjool dates, water, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in the slow cooker. Ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed to allow even cooking.
- Cook the mixture: Set the slow cooker to high heat and cook for 3-4 hours, or set to low heat and cook for 6-8 hours. The apples and dates should become very soft and ready to puree.
- Puree the apple mixture: Carefully transfer the cooked mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker. Puree until the mixture is completely smooth and no lumps remain, creating a silky caramel-like texture.
- Finish the caramel sauce: Stir in the salt and canned coconut milk to the smooth apple puree. Adjust salt to taste and mix until fully combined, enriching the sauce with creamy coconut flavor.
Notes
- For a thinner caramel sauce, add extra water while blending.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer texture and flavor.
- This sauce is vegan, gluten-free, and free from added sugars.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Great as a topping for ice cream, pancakes, or oatmeal.
Keywords: caramel sauce, honeycrisp apples, slow cooker recipe, vegan caramel, natural sweetener, date caramel, apple puree
