dairy-free caramel apples

caramel apples say fall like nothing else and they are especially exciting when they’re dairy-free, vegan and raw. during the fall months you’ll see the honeycrisp apple make a brief appearance. they are a total treat flying solo, but add this simple carmel sauce and it becomes an instant delicacy. you can also roll your dairy free, vegan, caramel honeycrisp apple in nuts, seeds or shredded coconut for additional variations.

dairy-free caramel

1/2 cup coconut butter

1/2 cup dates, pitted

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

note–the dates i use tend to be juicier than dry. if your dates are more dry, pit them and soak them in the water to soften. use the water they were soaked in for the recipe itself.

place everything in a food processor and run until well mixed.

for the caramel apple

3-4 medium honeycrisp apples

dairy-free caramel (see above)

lollipop or popsicle sticks

1. chill apples in refrigerator or freezer 10-15 minutes prior to caramel application.

2. remove chilled apples and place the lollipop or popsicle sticks in the top of the apple.

3. you can roll the apple through the caramel or apply with a knife as it spreads easily. cover the apple well and place on a parchment paper covered plate. roll and repeat with the remaining apples.

4. the caramel apples are ready for consumption immediately, or personally, i like to place it back in the refrigerator to allow the caramel to harden to the apple more. store uneaten caramel apples in the refrigerator.

(optional) roll in chopped nuts, seeds or shredded coconut