Caramel apples are symbolic of Autumn and the impending holiday season. However, it only takes a few bites to get knee-deep in a sugar coma. This caramel apple recipe swaps nutritionally-devoid white sugar for the natural sweetness of dates.

Paired with nut milk, nut butter and vanilla, this raw vegan caramel apple recipe is creamy, filling, and aromatic, making for the perfect complement to apples.

Caramel is essentially white sugar that has been melted. With the natural sugars of apple already there to satisfy your sweet tooth, the caramel often becomes one-too-many layers of icing on the cake. I love the way this caramel apple recipe tastes — reminiscent of traditional caramel but less of a hassle to eat. It harbors a hint of nutty overtones and is easier to digest. The result is entirely raw, vegan, and wholesome. Enjoy!

Raw, Refined Sugar-Free Caramel Apple Recipe

Serves a group of 3-4 snackers

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pitted dates
• 2 tablespoons nut butter
• 1/3 cup nut milk
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Dash of sea salt
• 2 apples
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts

Directions: Toss the dates, nut butter, nut milk, lemon juice and vanilla extract into a food processor. Blend until smooth. Add additional nut milk to reach desired consistency. The mixture should be thick.

Cut the apple into thin wedges. Use each wedge to scoop about 1 teaspoon of the caramel and then press the area covered by the caramel into a small bowl with chopped walnuts. The walnuts will stick to the caramel.

Repeat this process for each wedge until the caramel has finished. Serve as such or, alternatively, serve the sliced apples next to a small serving bowl of caramel sprinkled with the chopped walnuts. Either way, enjoy this sweet raw delight!

Related on EcoSalon:

3-Ingredient Vegan Caramel Recipe

21 Apple Recipes to Celebrate Late Summer and Early Fall

8 Things to Do With Dates (Ahem: The Fruit, Not Men)

Image Credit: GlowKitchen

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