Dates are naturally sweet, are high in fiber and antioxidants and can add wonderful flavor to things like smoothies, dips, and muffins. We use dates pretty frequently around our house.
Over the holidays, my mom made a deliciously fun dessert board that inspired me to make a Valentine’s Day snack board that needed a sweet dip…so I experimented with a few ingredients and this Date Caramel Sauce was loved by my entire family.
To make this Date Caramel Dip, you only need dates, water, vanilla extract and maybe a little salt. I find that my little ones really like to dump the ingredients in the food processor, so if you’re littles like to help in the kitchen like mine this is a great one for them to help with!
Ingredients in Date Caramel Dip
Dates Dates are a fruit that are naturally high in fiber and antioxidants and are very nutritious. Because they are a fruit, they are naturally sweet and give this dip a sweet, caramel-like flavor.
Water I add the water until I get just the right consistency. I find that it’s a little different each time I make the dip.
Vanilla extract The vanilla extract adds a creaminess and warmth to this dip.
Salt (optional) Despite salt not being sweet, I find that adding just the right amount to sweet recipes makes the recipe actually taste sweeter without adding extra sugar. If you are making this dip for very little ones, you can omit the salt completely.
How to Make Caramel Date Dip
To make the Caramel Date Dip, you start by soaking the dates for about 20 minutes in warm water. Once they are soaked and softened, drain the dates and put them in the bowl of a food processor. Add the water, vanilla extract and a little salt (if using) and process. Scrape down the sides as needed and continue to process the dip until very smooth and creamy.
If you have little ones helping you in the kitchen, they can easily help by dumping the dates into the food processor and pouring the water in.
Tips for Making Caramel Date Dip
Start with the listed amount of water, but add more as needed.
I prefer to purchase dates that are already pitted to save time, but if you can only find dates with the pit still in those work too!
You can adjust the amount of salt added to the dip based on your taste preference.
Soaking the dates in warm water is an important step because it softens the dates making them ready to be processed into a smooth and creamy dip.
Date Caramel Dip is made from just a few simple ingredients and is perfectly sweet (with zero added sugar!). We love adding this to snack boards, dipping pretzels in it, and spreading it on fruit.
Ingredients
Scale
20 pitted dates
¼ cup water (start here then add more as needed)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch salt
Instructions
Allow dates to soak in warm water for about 20 minutes.
Drain the dates from the water and dump the soaked and pitted dates into a food processor.
Add ¼ cup of water, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the soaked dates in the food processor.
Process the mixture until combined and smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides and add more water as needed. The end result will be a creamy, smooth caramel-like dip.
Enjoy immediately with sliced fruit, or store in the fridge in an airtight container for 5-7 days.
Prep Time:25 minutes
Category:snack
Method:no bake
Cuisine:american
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