Caramel Honeycrisp Apples with Dates and Coconut Milk Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
