Date Caramel

Name: Date Caramel
Cook time: P0Y0M0DT0H10M0.000S
Total time: P0Y0M0DT0H30M0.000S
Yield: 1 2/3 cups (about 6 to 8 servings)
Ingredients: 20 pitted dates (about 2 cups); 3/4 cup plant-based milk (such as almond, oat or soy); 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

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Level: Easy

Total: 30 min (includes soaking time)
Active: 10 min

Yield: 1 2/3 cups (about 6 to 8 servings)

Dates are naturally sweet and the perfect ingredient for making vegan caramel. Instead of using butter, sugar and cream like a conventional caramel, we call for just dates, vanilla and plant-based milk. The ingredients are puréed in a blender for a surprisingly sweet, creamy and decadent treat you can use on desserts and more. Serve it as a dip for pretzels or fruit, drizzle it over pancakes or waffles or swirl into brownie batter for a caramel twist.

Level: Easy

Total: 30 min (includes soaking time)
Active: 10 min

Yield: 1 2/3 cups (about 6 to 8 servings)

Ingredients

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20 pitted dates (about 2 cups)

3/4 cup plant-based milk (such as almond, oat or soy)

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

Special equipment:

a high-speed blender or food processor

Bring 1 1/2 cups water to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from the heat and add the dates. Soak, uncovered, until softened, about 20 minutes.
Drain the dates and add them to a high-speed blender or food processor. Add the plant-based milk, vanilla and salt. Start blending on the lowest speed; if the blender stops, turn it off and use a rubber spatula to stir the mixture (see Cook’s Note). Continue to blend, increasing the speed as the mixture loosens, until you have a smooth, creamy mixture, about 4 minutes total. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve at room temperature.

Cook’s Note

The caramel is very thick. It may take a few pauses, loosening and scraping the blender carafe or food-processor bowl with a rubber spatula, until you get a silky-smooth purée.