Date Caramel

Name: Date Caramel
Ingredients: 15 dates, pitted; ½ cup full-fat coconut milk (use the solid part on top), plus more as needed; 2 teaspoons vanilla paste or extract; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon salt

Posted:July 27, 2022 | Categories: Recipes | Tags:date caramel dessert vegan

Date Caramel

Rated 3.6 stars by 44 users

Author:

Melissa Ben-Ishay

One morning, I was inspired to try making date caramel again. I’ve tried to make it many times, and it just never turned out quite the way I wanted it to. This time, though, it came together just as I imagined it—sweet from the dates, a smooth, caramel-like texture, and a subtle salty bite. I’ve been using it non-stop in baked goods and energy balls ever since, and I don’t think I’ll ever turn back. Scroll down to find those recipes and more!

If you store your date caramel in an airtight container (like a jar) in the fridge, it will last at least a week. (Trust me—it never really lasts that long!)

Cook Mode

Ingredients

15 dates, pitted
½ cup full-fat coconut milk (use the solid part on top), plus more as needed
2 teaspoons vanilla paste or extract
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt

Directions

Add the dates to a small bowl and cover with boiling water for 15 minutes to soften.
Using tongs or a spoon (or your hands if the dates are cool enough), transfer the waterlogged dates to a high-powered blender with the coconut milk. They don't need to be totally drained, but too much water will result in a thinner consistency than you want. Blend until smooth, adding more coconut milk if needed, and pour into a jar.
Stir in the vanilla, salt, and cinnamon.
Cool completely, then cover and refrigerate.

Recipe Note

What You'll Need

We selected these products because we love them, and hope you do too. Baked by Melissa has an affiliate relationship, so we may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Items are sold by the retailer, not Baked by Melissa.

Want to make different flavors of date caramel?

I shared snickerdoodle, chocolate, and tahini date caramels on Substack here. Let me know which one you love most.

How long will date caramel stay good?

If you store your date caramel in an airtight container (like a jar) in the fridge, it will last at least a week. (Trust me—it never really lasts that long!)

How to Use Date Caramel

One of the most common questions I get is, “Once I’ve made date caramel, how do I use it!?” Date caramel is a great alternative sweetener for many baked goods, eating on warm toast with cottage cheese, or stirred into coffee. Here are a few of my favorite recipes to use it: