This creamy and very sweet caramel makes the perfect anytime treat! It makes for the perfect addition to any sweet eat – especially apples [Hehe, it turns out I am a poet and didn’t even know it ;)]. It is made in under 10 minutes and does not require any fancy sugar thermometers [phew!]. This dip brings me back to my childhood of caramel dipped apples but much creamier and without the sugar crash. To be honest, I will take a raw, creamy caramel with hints of sea salt, lemon, cinnamon and vanilla any day over a hard, crunchy caramel dipped apple!
The secret ingredient used in this creamy, raw, sweet caramel dip is dates – and no this dip does not remind me at all of a date square. Does it taste a bit like dates though? I would be lying to you if I said that it didn’t taste a little bit like dates. I mean the main ingredient used is dates so you can taste hints of them but dates are super sweet and full of natural sugars so they make the perfect caramel dip!
How do dates get turned into this oh so sweet dipping sauce? By soaking them in very hot water for an hour or two before processing them in the food processor. This assures that the dates are easily broken down and turned into this beautiful dip that will leave you craving your mid-afternoon apple snack 😉
Dates are basically a superfood in and of themselves. They are full of fiber, vitamins and natural sugar – people have been using them for centuries to provide them with long lasting energy. I did some reading up on them and they also help with maintaining a sharp mind throughout the day – I need all the help I can get this time of year! Dates are also great for maintaining digestive health (Read more about the health benefits of dates here).
I’m in the middle of writing essays, studying and preparing for when I go home for Christmas in a couple of weeks. I cannot believe that it is already December and the first semester of my Master’s is almost done (only 3 left and 1 thesis left to go!). I have lots of work I am in the middle of doing but I wanted to share with you this little gem of a recipe that will be sure to provide you with a great burst of energy to get you through this busy season! 🙂
By the way, I got the Ceara’s Kitchen facebook page up and running on facebook a couple weeks ago – it would mean the world to me if you clicked here and liked it! 😀
By the way, I got the Ceara’s Kitchen facebook page up and running on facebook a couple weeks ago – it would mean the world to me if you clicked here and liked it! 😀
Raw Caramel Dip (with dates)
Author: Ceara
Serves: 1
Ingredients
- 1 cup cored dates (the type doesn't matter, as long as they fill one cup)
- 2 cups very hot water
- ⅔ cups warm milk of choice (I used cashew but coconut or almond would also work well!)
- 2-3 tbsp lemon (juice of half a medium sized lemon)
- ½ tsp cinnamon (or to taste)
- ½ tsp sea salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla (optional)
- 1 tsp maple syrup or honey (optional - I find it helps bring out the caramel taste)
Directions
- If your dates are not already cored of the pit, cut a slit down the middle of the date with a knife (be careful!) and remove date pit. Soak dates in large bowl of hot water for an hour or more (dates should be fully covered with water). The dates should be softened up considerably.
- Drain dates, toss in food processor with warm milk. Process until almost smooth. Add lemon, cinnamon, sea salt, optional vanilla and honey. Process until very smooth (about 4 minutes).
- Voila! Enjoy over apples or your preferred treat!
- Store the caramel dip for up to 5 days sealed in the fridge.
Notes
Nutritional Benefits: No cholesterol, high in B6, potassium, and fiber.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 524 Fat: 4g Saturated fat: 2g Unsaturated fat: 1g Carbohydrates: 125g Sugar: 110g Sodium: 1277mg Fiber: 11g Protein: 8g Cholesterol: 13mg
I love sweet dips – caramel dips, cookie dough dips, chocolate dips, raspberry glaze dips (the list goes on!). I have to say that caramel and chocolate dip are two of my favourites…
If you were stranded on a desert island (not dessert…) and you could only have chocolate or caramel dip – which would you choose?
2 comments
This looks seriously good! I love the idea of serving it up on apples too 🙂
Thanks so much, Natalie! It makes such a yummy dip and spread!