Healthier Caramel Apple Slices
These homemade caramel apple slices are made with vegan date caramel for a healthier option to traditional candy apples. They’re delicious, easy to make, and can be topped with so many fun ingredients! Recipe is vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
Were you a fan of caramel apples as a kid (or perhaps you still are to this day)? I remember they were always one of my favourite treats to enjoy at theme parks or at holiday markets – even though they always felt like you were going to lose a tooth eating them haha.
If you’re looking for a healthier option with the same great taste, you are going to love these homemade caramel apple slices made with a vegan date caramel. They’re so easy to make at home, and are such a fun treat for both you and your family.
As a dietitian, I’m happy to share that both apples and dates are filled with nutrition benefits. I will note that dates are a source of natural-occurring sugars, but they are totally fine to enjoy in moderation for most healthy individuals. Unlike real caramel, dates are also a source of fiber, minerals, and antioxidants.
In this post I’ve shared a few different ways you can serve these date caramel apples, as well as a number of fun topping ideas for you to choose from. Enjoy!
PS. this date caramel is WAY softer than hardened caramel – your teeth will thank you 😉
Ingredients Needed
All you need to make these healthy caramel apple slices are 4 simple ingredients, plus additional toppings as desired:
- apples (I used honeycrisp, they’re my favourite)
- medjool dates
- vanilla extract
- sea salt
Full ingredient measurements and detailed instructions are located in the recipe card at the bottom of this post!
Topping Ideas
Half the fun of caramel apples are adding toppings! Here are some ideas for you:
- chopped nuts, like peanuts, pecans, pistachios, or almonds would be the most nutritious option (I used raw peanuts in these pictures)
- mini chocolate chips
- shredded or desiccated coconut
- an extra sprinkle of cinnamon or apple pie spice, for all the fall flavours!
- a sprinkle of granola
- crushed pretzels
Ways To Serve Caramel Apple Slices
You can serve these caramel apple slices in a variety of different ways. Some ideas:
- slice them up and serve them on a “caramel apple board,” along with bowls of the date caramel dip and different topping options. This is a great idea for a Halloween party board, or for your kids to get involved in making their own!
- you can serve them on lollipop/cake pop sticks and then dip them in crushed toppings. This would more closely emulate traditional caramel apples.
- the apples can be sliced in different ways, either in the rounds I’ve shown here or in wedges.
- you can either spread the date caramel on top before serving, or serve with the date caramel as a dip!
Love the date caramel from this recipe? Check out the standalone post for my date caramel, where I share more tips + ways to use it HERE!
Go-To Food Processor (For Date Caramel)
Large Food Processor
This is my go-to large food processor from Cuisinart, and the one I used to make the date caramel. It’s a super quick and powerful way to create things like energy balls, dips, sauces, shredded cheese, veggies, and more!
If you don’t own a food processor, you can also try making the date caramel in a high-powered blender, like a Vitamix.
Apple Nutrition Benefits
Apples are an excellent source of dietary fibre. One medium-sized, unpeeled apple contains almost 5 grams of fibre, or 17% of your daily fibre needs.
This fall-favourite fruit is also a good source of micronutrients like vitamin C and potassium.
Apples are rich in various plant compounds that act as antioxidants, helping to prevent cellular damage.
Date Nutrition Benefits
Like apples, medjool dates are rich in dietary fibre (2 dates provide over 3 grams) and are a source of antioxidants like flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acid.
They’re also a source of essential micronutrients like:
- potassium
- magnesium
- copper
- manganese
- iron
- vitamin B6
Like other dried fruit, dates are a concentrated source of natural sugar and are not a low sugar food. Despite their sugar content, they also pack in a ton of nutrition benefits (as you can see above) and can be enjoyed in moderation – such as in this caramel apple treat 🙂
More Delicious Apple Recipes
- Healthy Baked Apple Nachos
- Apple Banana Smoothie
- Quinoa Porridge With Sautéed Apples
- Kale Apple Walnut Salad
- Sweet Potato & Apple Smoothie
Did you give this Healthier Caramel Apple Slices Recipe a try? Let me know by leaving a comment and recipe rating below!
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest – seeing your creations always makes my day. You can also subscribe to my email list to never miss a new recipe or nutrition education post!
Get the Recipe: Healthier Caramel Apple Slices
Ingredients
- 4 med-large apples (I used honeycrisp)
- 2 cups medjool dates
- 3 Tbsp water (warm or hot)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- Toppings of choice (see notes for ideas!)
Instructions
- Soak medjool dates in enough hot water to cover them. Let sit for 10 minutes to soften.
- Drain dates and remove pits. Place pitted dates in a high-powered food processor or blender.
- Add 3 tablespoons of hot water, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the food processor. Pulse until blended into a thick paste, scraping down the sides of the food processor or blender as necessary. You can add a touch more water if you'd like things thinner! Transfer date caramel into a small bowl or container.
- Slice apples into 1/2-inch thick rounds or wedges, removing pits and seeds as needed.
- Spread or smear date caramel onto each apple round, or serve apples with the date caramel as a dip. Add toppings as desired – see notes for details! Enjoy immediately 🙂
Notes
- chopped nuts, like peanuts, pecans, pistachios, or almonds would be the most nutritious option (I used raw peanuts in these pictures)
- mini chocolate chips
- shredded or desiccated coconut
- an extra sprinkle of cinnamon or apple pie spice, for all the fall flavours!
- a sprinkle of granola
- crushed pretzels
- slice them up and serve them on a “caramel apple board,” along with bowls of the date caramel dip and different topping options. This is a great idea for a Halloween party board, or for your kids to get involved in making their own!
- you can serve them on lollipop/cake pop sticks and then dip them in crushed toppings. This would more closely emulate traditional caramel apples.
- the apples can be sliced in different ways, either in the rounds I’ve shown here or in wedges.
- you can either spread the date caramel on top before serving, or serve with the date caramel as a dip!
Nutrition
As a dietitian, I create recipes with whole food ingredients that provide the nutrients needed for optimal health. My nutrition philosophy does not focus on numbers; however, I understand that this information can be helpful.
Do note that the nutrition info provided is an estimate and I cannot guarantee correctness of the displayed values. These numbers will differ depending on brands used, recipe modifications, and amount eaten. If you require specific nutrition information due to medical reasons, please consult with your dietitian or physician.
Did you make this recipe?
Let me know by leaving a recipe rating below, or by tagging @walderwellness on Instagram. I love seeing your beautiful creations!
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