3-Ingredient Vanilla Date Caramel Recipe

Introduction

This 3-Ingredient Vanilla Date Caramel is a simple, naturally sweet treat perfect for drizzling over desserts or enjoying by the spoonful. Made with just medjool dates, coconut cream, and vanilla, it’s a creamy, dairy-free alternative to traditional caramel.

Ingredients

• 10 large medjool dates, pits removed
• 1/4 cup coconut cream (solid part only)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pit the dates and place them in a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup. Cover the dates with water and microwave for 2 minutes to soften them.
2. Step 2: Drain the water and transfer the softened dates to a food processor or high-speed blender. Add the vanilla extract and coconut cream (solid part only).
3. Step 3: Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy, pausing occasionally to scrape down the sides to ensure everything is well combined.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh medjool dates for the best flavor and softness; if your dates are dry, soak them longer in warm water before blending.
• Adjust the creaminess by adding a little more coconut cream if needed, or a splash of water for a thinner sauce.
• For a twist, add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the caramel flavor.

Storage

Store the vanilla date caramel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Because of the coconut cream, it may harden when chilled; let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using to soften.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream instead of coconut cream?

Yes, though using regular cream will change the flavor and make the recipe non-dairy. Coconut cream adds a subtle richness and keeps it dairy-free.

Can I make this caramel without a microwave?

Absolutely. To soften the dates without a microwave, soak them in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes until soft, then drain before blending.

3-Ingredient Vanilla Date Caramel Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 93 reviews

This simple and luscious 3-Ingredient Vanilla Date Caramel is a naturally sweet and creamy sauce made from Medjool dates, coconut cream, and pure vanilla extract. It’s wonderfully easy to prepare and perfect for drizzling over desserts, yogurt, or fruit, delivering a healthy alternative to traditional caramel without any refined sugars.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 minutes
• Total Time: 7 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 3/4 cup caramel 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Vegan
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vanilla Date Caramel

• 10 large Medjool dates, pits removed
• 1/4 cup coconut cream (solid part only)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare Dates: Pit the dates and place them in a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup. Cover the dates with water and microwave for 2 minutes to soften them, making blending easier.
2. Drain and Blend: Drain the water from the dates and transfer them to a food processor or high-speed blender. Add the coconut cream and pure vanilla extract.
3. Blend to Creamy: Blend the ingredients until completely smooth, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides to ensure an even, creamy consistency.
4. Store Properly: Transfer the caramel to an airtight container and store it for up to a week at room temperature. Refrigerate for longer storage, but allow the caramel to soften at room temperature before using, as coconut cream may harden when chilled.

Notes

• Use Medjool dates for the best natural sweetness and texture.
• Coconut cream should be the solid part separated from the liquid; refrigerate a can of coconut milk overnight and scoop the cream off the top.
• Allow refrigerated caramel to come to room temperature before use to soften it.
• This caramel is naturally vegan, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free.
• Adjust vanilla to taste for more or less intensity.

Keywords: vanilla date caramel, vegan caramel, natural sweetener, coconut cream caramel, no refined sugar caramel, Medjool dates caramel