Sticky, sweet, and a little bit messy, these easy-to-make date caramel apples have all the delectable flavor as the classic county fair delight made so much healthier, without the refined sugar or dairy.

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It’s only just been made official, but autumn is a fleeting season, and as such, fall feeling in full swing happens like the flick of a switch. That flick happened this week, and with it all the cozy fall feels burst into flame like the gold on the moutain aspens. Warm cinnamon spice scents and flavors kick off a heady nostalgia that is absolute comfort.

Nostalgia can be a funny thing, though. You don’t have to make a tradition of going to county fairs to feel a familiar swell of childlike anticipation at the sight of festival preparations. So it is, for me, with rich, gooey, buttery caramel apples. I didn’t grow up eating them; in fact, I don’t think I’ve ever once had a bite of an authentic classic. Yet, just the idea of them brings on the fuzzies. So when F revealed how he’d yearned for one for years, I had to get on it.

A Healthier Alternative

It’s no secret, Medjool dates make for a gorgeous, gooey, wholesome caramel. The variations are endless, the results always irresstible. After soaking, you can blend them all on their own with a little plant milk, or you can add in extras: vanilla, cinnamon, nut or seed butter.

Date caramel apples have been a thing for a while now, with a whole lot of similar versions to draw from. I like using tahini versus nut butter or dates only in my mixture, though not a lot. The little bit of earthy nuttiness balances out the sweetness of the dates without overpowering. This year, I added a little psyllium powder, thinking it might enhance the stickiness. Did it, you might ask? The answer is, I don’t know—actually, I don’t really think any assistance is needed when it comes to coating the apples, making the experiment feel frivolous. But, while you can’t taste the psyllium, it adds some bonus fiber and more. Win!

Preparing these caramel apples

What really helps ensure a smooth coat of caramel isn’t actually down to ingredients but a healthy scrubbing of the apples. Make sure to remove any waxiness and allow to dry before applying the date caramel with a spatula. Then, roll gently in your favorite toppings. That’s a must—the one area in which date caramel can’t compete with the traditional version is when it comes to vying for that signature, glossy look. Toppings, however—chopped nuts, shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips—are transformative! Go to an extra level of decadent and drizzle melted chocolate over a nut or coconut-dipped apple. The results are delightully appealing!

With all the heaviness in the world right now, autumn feels all the more a haven. A season of ripe, red and golden hues to bask in. All the seasonal joys seem to extend cheerful invitations. These date caramel apples are no exception, and they’re exceptionally fun. Get playful with the process of making them. Maybe you’ll even fall in love.

Use code HAPPYAPPLE for 15% off Organic India psyllium!

Vegan Date Caramel Apples

Yield: 6-8

Author: Wendy McMillan

Sticky, sweet, and a little bit messy, these easy-to-make date caramel apples have all the delectable flavor as the classic county fair delight made so much healthier, without the refined sugar or dairy.

Ingredients

1 Cup pitted Medjool dates, soaked in warm water for about 30 minutes
3 Tablespoons tahini
1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
1 Teaspooon psyllium powder such as Organic India Cinnamon Spice Psyllium Pre & Probiotic Fiber (optional)
¼ Cup unsweetened plant milk
6-8 apples
Popsicle or kebab sticks
Toppings of choice, such as mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts

Instructions

Drain the dates, and then place them in a high-speed blender. Add the tahini, vanilla extract, psyllium powder (if using), and plent milk. Starting on low and increasing gradually to high speed, process until fairly smooth, pausing to scrape down the sides here and there as needed. A little chunkiness is ok--it's not easy to get a truly smooth consistency unless making a big batch, and you'll be adding toppings anyway.
Poke a stick in the top of each apple and place them on a tray or in a container lined with parchment paper. Working with one apple at a time, use a spatula to evenly coat the caramel around the apple, then roll gently in your toppings. Place in the fridge to let set for at least an hour before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

226

Fat

4 g

Sat. Fat

1 g

Carbs

50 g

Fiber

7 g

Net carbs

43 g

Sugar

39 g

Protein

2 g

Sodium

5 mg

Cholesterol

0 mg

Healthy Date Caramel Apples