Viral Caramel Date Apple

This Viral Caramel Date Apple is a viral recipe for a reason – instead of using sugary caramel, it swaps it out for soft, chewy, caramel-y dates, for a recipe that is both healthy AND delicious. If you are looking for a better-for-you take on the classic caramel apple recipe, then look no further because this easy, five-ingredient recipe is it!

Friends, if there’s one festive treat that my boys simply cannot get enough of, it’s a caramel apple. I don’t know what it is about kids and caramel apples, but they can’t seem to get enough of them! Maybe it’s the combination of sticky caramel, sweet chocolate, and a perfectly crunchy apple that makes for the ultimate flavor combination. Or, it’s the excitement of this sweet apple placed upon a popsicle stick that makes for such a fun eating experience. No matter the reason, I think we can all agree that caramel apples are a fun, festive, and delicious treat, which is why I’m so excited to be sharing this recipe!

This caramel apple is made healthier, and that’s because we’re swapping out the traditional caramel sauce for sweet, sticky dates. Dates are a true superfood that have been enjoyed for centuries. Not only are they packed with fiber and antioxidants, but they have a sweet, caramel-like flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate. Trust me when I say that you won’t even realize anything is missing!

Plus, this recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan-friendly, meaning that it’s perfect for anyone. All you need are five simple ingredients: an apple, medjool dates, chocolate chips, coconut oil, and crushed peanuts. It’s perfect for whipping up as a fun and nostalgic holiday party treat, or even as a treat for a classroom Christmas party! When my youngest son, Hunter, had his classroom holiday party recently, I prepared these apples and sliced them thin, so that the kids could easily enjoy them. They were satisfied, and their parents loved that their kids were enjoying a healthier option. No matter how you decide to enjoy it, you can’t go wrong!

What You Need to make This “Better-For-You” Caramel Apple

This caramel apple couldn’t be any easier! With only five ingredients, it’s simple, easy, and perfect for whipping up as a healthy treat, after school snack, or holiday party dessert!

• Apple: Of course, you’ll need one whole apple in order to make this recipe. I personally recommend using a Fuji or Honey Crisp apple, but any variation of apple will do the trick!
• Medjool Dates: In order to get that sweet, sticky, caramel flavor, this recipe relies one of my favorite ingredients: dates! Medjool dates have a very sweet, caramel-like flavor that adds a delicious touch to this apple, without the extra refined sugars. Plus, dates are filled with fiber, making them a true superfood.
• Chocolate Chips: Pick your favorite chocolate chips and use them in this recipe! This is what will form the thick, chocolate coating.
• Coconut Oil: A little coconut oil combines with the chocolate to help it melt in to the perfect consistency.
• Roasted Salted Peanuts: This caramel apple has a delicious crunchy coating, thanks to the chopped peanuts. Don’t skip this!

How to Make This Dairy-Free Caramel Apple

To make this caramel apple, start by preparing the dates. Remove the pits from the dates (if not already pitted) and line them up, side-by-side, on a sheet of plastic wrap. Place a sheet of parchment paper on top of the dates, then use a rolling pin to gently roll over the dates, until they are as flat as possible.

Once the dates are flat, remove the sheet of parchment paper and place the apple in the center. Fold the dates tightly around the apple, until the entire apple is covered in the dates. Then, gently remove the plastic wrap. You may need to use your hands to squish the dates into place, so they’re fully covering the apple. Place a popsicle stick in the center of the date-covered apple and set it aside.

Next, melt the chocolate. Add the chocolate chips and coconut oil to a small, microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 2-3, 30 second increments, stirring in between, until the chocolate is smooth and creamy. You can also do this over the stove, by using the double-boiler method. While the chocolate is melting, chop the peanuts and add them to a small bowl.

Finally, prepare the caramel apple. Dip the apple into the bowl of chocolate, until the chocolate fully coats the dates. Then, roll the apple into the crushed peanuts, until they stick to the chocolate.

Place a small sheet of parchment paper onto a plate and place the apple on top of it. Transfer the plate to the fridge for 15 minutes, or until the chocolate hardens. Once the chocolate has hardened, remove the apple from the fridge. Cut it into slices, then serve and enjoy!

Other Holiday Party Recipes You’ll Enjoy

If you’re looking for other recipes to make and serve at your next holiday gather (alongside this caramel apple, of course), here are some recipes that you and your family will love!

• For the perfect appetizers: If bite-sized finger foods are on the menu, then you’ll love my Whipped Ricotta Avocado Crostinis or my Roasted Boursin Stuffed Dates. Yum!
• The ultimate comforting main dish: There is nothing that screams “the holidays” to me quite like a slow-roasted beef tenderloin, and this Ultimate Easy Beef Tenderloin is the perfect main dish.
• A cocktail with a twist: My Spiced Cranberry Orange Margaritas are fun, festive, and perfect for the holidays!

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