Healthy Caramel Apples

This Healthy Caramel Apples recipe is made with  dates, pure maple syrup, a wee bit of almond milk,  almond butter and coconut oil, and a splash of vanilla.  These homemade caramel apples are incredibly easy to make and they make a delicious healthier take on a favorite fall treat.

These healthier caramel apples are a fun twist to a favorite fall classic.  The caramel sauce is naturally sweetened with dates and pure maple syrup.  The first time I made them, we devoured them before I was able to take a single photo.  So now whenever I make them, I always double the batch.

Fall is my favorite time of  year.  I love it when my house is decorated and something warm and cozy is simmering on my stove.  I love the cooler crisp weather and I love to bundle up and take my dogs for long walks.  And of course, I love the colors of leaves changing. As for these apples…I wish I had this recipe when Kyle was little.  I love making heathy twists to sugary classics.  We have never been big on sugary treats (candies, cookies and cakes, etc), so that’s why I especially love these Healthy Caramel Apples.  They’re rich and decadent tasting without the sugar rush.

Homemade Caramel Apples Recipe

These homemade caramel apples are so good, your whole family will love them!

• Apples. Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp or whatever favorite apple you like.
• Craft Sticks. Also called popsicle sticks. If you don’t have craft sticks on hand to make these caramel apples, just simply slice up a bunch of apples and serve with the caramel sauce for dipping.  
• Dates. We use fresh medjool dates for this recipe.
• Almond milk. Use almond milk, oat milk or another nondairy milk that you like.
• Coconut Oil. You’ll need 2 heaping tablespoons of it.
• Almond butter. We use almond butter for this recipe.
• Pure maple syrup. You’ll need 3 – 4 tablespoons of it.
• Pure vanilla extract. Adds a rich flavor to the caramel sauce.  
• Salt. You’ll need just a pinch.
•  Toasted nuts. Use almonds, pecans, walnuts or peanuts (toasted and chopped). 

Find printable recipe with the measurements below.

How To Make Healthy Caramel Apples

1. Prepare a baking sheet with a silpat or wax paper.  Set aside.
2. Place lightly toasted chopped nuts in a bowl and set aside.
3. Add the dates to a small pot.  Cover with water and bring to a boil on the stove.
4. Reduce heat to low, and simmer the dates for about 10 minutes.  Remove from heat and drain the water from the dates.
5. Combine all of the ingredients for the Caramel Sauce in a food processor or blender.  Blend until the caramel sauce is smooth,  If the sauce is too thick, add another tablespoon or two of maple syrup and.or non-dairy milk.
6. Pour the sauce in a small bowl for dipping.
7. Insert a craft stick into each apple
8. Roll the apples around in the caramel sauce.
9. Set the apples on the prepared baking sheet.
10. Place the caramel apples in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to set.
11. Then dip the bottoms of the apples in the chopped toasted nuts.
12. Return to the refrigerator to set for another 10 minutes or until serving.

Best Apples To Use For Caramel Apples

There are so many varieties of apples to choose from to make homemade caramel apples with. Granny Smith is a common type of apple used for making caramel apples, but use your favorite apple (mine is Honeycrisp).

• Granny Smith. They are very tart and firm.
• Honeycrisp.  Sweet, juicy and crunchy.
• Fuji. These are very juicy and sweet.
• Jonagold.  Similar to Honeycrisp (sweet, crisp and juicy) but with more apple flavor.
• Cortland. This variety is crisp, juicy and sweet with a little tartness. 
• Jazz. These are sweet and crisp.

How To Toast Nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon baking mat (Silpat). Sprinkle the measured amount of nuts on the cookie sheet. Toast the nuts in the oven keeping a close watch so they don’t burn for 3-7 minutes or until they start to turn golden brown and become fragrant. Stir the nuts a couple of times so they get evenly toasted.

Looking For More Dessert Recipes?

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Print

Yield: 4 servings

Healthy Caramel Apples

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Additional Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

The caramel sauce for these Healthy Caramel Apples is made with  dates, pure maple syrup, almond milk, almond butter, coconut oil and a splash of vanilla.

Ingredients

• 4 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 4 craft sticks
• 10 medjool dates, chopped
• 3 - 4 tablespoons almond milk (or another nondairy milk such as coconut milk)
• 2 heaping tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 heaping tablespoons almond butter
• 3 - 4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• 1 cup toasted nuts (almonds, pecans or walnuts), chopped

Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with a silpat or wax paper.  Set aside.
2. Place lightly toasted chopped nuts in a bowl and set aside.
3. Add the dates to a small pot.  Cover with water and bring to a boil on the stove.
4. Reduce heat to low, and simmer the dates for about 10 minutes.  Remove from heat and drain the water from the dates.
5. Combine all of the ingredients for the Caramel Sauce in a food processor or blender.  Blend until the caramel sauce is smooth,  If the sauce is too thick, add another tablespoon or two of maple syrup and.or non-dairy milk.
6. Pour the sauce in a small bowl for dipping.
7. Insert a craft stick into each apple
8. Roll the apples around in the caramel sauce.
9. Set the apples on the prepared baking sheet.
10. Place the caramel apples in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to set.
11. Then dip the bottoms of the apples in the chopped nuts.
12. Return to the refrigerator to set for another 10 minutes or until serving.

Notes

How To Toast Nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon baking mat (Silpat). Sprinkle the measured amount of nuts on the cookie sheet. Toast the nuts in the oven keeping a close watch so they don’t burn for 3-7 minutes or until they start to turn golden brown and become fragrant. Stir the nuts a couple of times so they get evenly toasted.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 653Total Fat: 30gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 131mgCarbohydrates: 98gFiber: 13gSugar: 77gProtein: 10g

theharvestkitchen.com attempts to provide accurate information, however, this nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. The nutritional information provided comes from online sources and calculations. See full disclaimer on About page.