If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional caramel dip, then look no further because I’ve GOT YOU! My 4-ingredient Date Sweetened Caramel Dip is a delicious, creamy dip that is made with just four ingredients: dates, ilk, vanilla extract, and sea salt. This dip is free of refined sugars and full of fiber and antioxidants. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and can be served with your favorite fruits, on top of smoothie bowls, or even on top of your favorite toast!
When it comes to the world of health foods, dates are truly a star ingredient. Not only are they deliciously sweet, but they have a TON of different health benefits as well. They are high in fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion and keep you feeling fuller for longer. Dates are also a great source of antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Additionally, dates are a good source of potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure.
One of the best things about this dip is that it’s also free of refined sugar! Many traditional caramel dips are loaded with sugar, which can spike your blood sugar levels and lead to energy crashes later on. By using dates to sweeten this dip, you can enjoy a sweet treat without the crash later on.
And as if this dip couldn’t get any better, there are also so many delicious ways to enjoy it! Of course, you can enjoy it by the spoonful, but I love serving it alongside sliced apples, drizzling some over a bowl of oats, or eating it on toast. Yum!
4 Ingredients to Make This Delicious, Sweet Caramel
- Dates: Of course, you’ll need dates in order to make this date sweetened caramel! You’ll want to ensure that your dates are soft and pitted. If they aren’t soft, follow the directions below in order to soften them.
- Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt ensures that this caramel doesn’t end up being too sweet.
- Vanilla Extract: A little bit of vanilla extract adds the perfect flavor to this caramel!
- Milk: Pick your favorite milk and use it in this recipe! I personally love using almond milk, but both dairy and non-dairy milk work well here. 🙂 And if you want to really go the extra mile, why not try using some homemade oat milk?!
How to Make This Simple & Easy Sugar-Free Caramel
To make this Date Sweetened Caramel, start by pitting and softening your dates by removing the pits and soaking the remaining dates in boiling water for 30 minutes. Then, rinse the liquid off. If your dates are already pitted and softened, you can skip this step!
Next, add your dates to the bowl of a food processor or high-speed blender alongside the sea salt, vanilla extract, melted coconut oil, and 3/4 cup of the warm milk. Process or blend until the mixture is smooth and there are no chunks of dates. You may need to stop the blender or food processor a few times and scrape down the sides, in order to make sure that all of the ingredients are fully incorporated. This may take some time, but trust me, it is worth it!
Finally, once your mixture is smooth and all of the ingredients are combined, add in your remaining 1/4 cup of warm milk and blend / process until the caramel has thinned out to your desired consistency. Once done, serve alongside your favorite fruit, oatmeal, toast, and enjoy! Transfer any remainders to an airtight container or glass jar and store in the fridge for up to two weeks.
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.
** Photography by Tanya Pilgrim
Equipment
- 1 Food Processor I love this one by Cuisinart
Ingredients
- 1 ½ Cups Medjool Dates, softened and pitted; this should be about 16 dates
- 1 Teaspoon Sea Salt
- 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- ⅓ Cup Coconut Oil, melted
- 1 Cup Milk of Choice, warmed
Instructions
- Start by pitting and softening your dates by removing the pits and soaking the remaining dates in boiling water for 30 minutes. Then, rinse the liquid off. If your dates are already pitted and softened, you can skip this step!
- Next, add your dates to the bowl of a food processor or high-speed blender alongside the sea salt, vanilla extract, melted coconut oil, and 3/4 cup of the warm milk.
- Process or blend until the mixture is smooth and there are no chunks of dates. You may need to stop the blender or food processor a few times and scrape down the sides, in order to make sure that all of the ingredients are fully incorporated. This may take some time, but trust me, it is worth it!
- Finally, once your mixture is smooth and all of the ingredients are combined, add in your remaining 1/4 cup of warm milk and blend / process until the caramel has thinned out to your desired consistency.
- Once done, serve alongside your favorite fruit, oatmeal, toast, and enjoy! Transfer any remainders to an airtight container or glass jar and store in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Rate & review
SELECT A RATING and tell me what you think!
What others are saying
Somehow this came out more liquidy than caramel-y. I think I would only do 1/3 cup milk to start.
I loved this – one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. I have made it twice. The second time, I used a half cup of milk and it felt and tasted much better. 1 cup of milk might be too much.
I am so happy to hear that! Thank you so much for your review!
I love dates, but I’m sensitive to coconut oil. How would leaving it out affect the recipe?
Hi Rae, unfortunately this recipe will not work the same without the coconut oil.