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–+ servings

Date Caramel

Whip up a batch of heavenly date caramel in under 30 minutes with this easy recipe, ideal for making the most of those extra dates in your pantry. Featuring ONLY 3 ingredients, like Medjool dates and a hint of vanilla, it's a fantastic way to elevate your desserts or enjoy as a decadent dip. Quick to prepare and dare I say better than regular caramel, this date caramel will soon become a favorite go-to for all your sweet cravings.
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Yields6 to 8
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Servings6 to 8

Ingredients

  • 20 pitted Medjool dates
  • 2/3 to 3/4 cup hot whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • pinch of sea salt, optional

Instructions 

  1. Soak the Dates: Place the pitted dates in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for about 15-20 minutes. This will soften them, making it easier to blend them into a smooth caramel.
  2. Drain the Dates: After soaking, drain the dates of the water.
  3. Blend: Transfer the soaked dates to a blender or food processor. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt if desired. Start blending on low speed and gradually increase to high. Blend until the dates form a smooth and creamy paste. You may need to scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor a few times to ensure everything gets evenly blended.
  4. Adjust Consistency: If the caramel is too thick, add a little bit more milk or water, a tablespoon at a time, and continue blending until you reach your desired consistency. If you prefer a thinner caramel, add more liquid; if you prefer it thicker, use less liquid.
  5. Taste and Adjust: Once you've achieved the desired consistency, taste the caramel and adjust the sweetness and saltiness as needed. You can add more dates for sweetness or more salt for flavor balance.
  6. Serve or Store: Your date caramel is now ready to use! You can use it as a topping for desserts like ice cream, pancakes, or oatmeal, or as a dip for fruit slices. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 to 2 weeks.

Did You Make This Recipe?

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