I think it’s pretty clear that I have come down with a serious case of apple fever.
Did you catch my first apple recipe of the season? Did ya? Did ya?! You need to. I’ll stay here while you go check it out.
But you owe it to yourself to come straight back. Healthy Caramel Fudge Apple Slices are imminent.
I’m incredibly lucky that Mark’s wonderful parents grow apples in their backyard. Throughout the year, I buy $8-$10 worth of apples every single week.
I literally cannot get enough.
That crunchiness. That juiciness. That flavor. That sweetness. Apples are the ultimate fruit, in my not-so-humble opinion.
Now that it’s fall, it’s the ideal time to pluck one two…OK, ten…ALRIGHT, a dozen apples off of their apple trees and relish in the perfection that is fall and apple season.
Adding caramel and chocolate into the mix? Well, that’s a whole other ball game.
Hello, your new fav fall treat. These Healthy Caramel Fudge Apple Slices taste like pure.fall.magic.
When I was younger, fall was the time of year when we’d go to farmer’s markets, pick out our favorite pumpkins for carving, and buy a pack of their famous house-made fudge apples. I was absolutely obsessed with them, and the only way I could think of making them any better is to add a little caramel into the mix.
Date caramel, that is.
Yep, we’re turing dates into caramel. Again. Because it just worked out so well last time. ;)
A simple mixture of medjool dates, nut butter, and vanilla extract are whirled together into a smooth mixture, then smeared on our fresh, crisp apple slices. Can it get better than that?
YES. Because chocolate.
Creamy, rich dark chocolate covers our gooey caramel and sweet apples. I used my favorite homemade chocolate go-to here, but feel free to use chocolate chips if you’re not inclined to make it yourself!
Get your hands on some fresh apples, and indulge in these Healthy Caramel Fudge Apple Slices this fall.
Mark came home from work on the day that I made these, and the first thing out of his mouth was, “THESE are healthy?” Yes, dear boyfriend, they ARE healthy! Refined sugar free! Gluten free! Vegan! And, most importantly, made with whole foods!
I love when deliciousness works out like that.
PrintHealthy Caramel Fudge Apple Slices
Ingredients
- 8–10 medjool dates, pitted
- 1 Tbsp. nut butter*
- splash pure vanilla extract
- 1 medium apple
- 1 Tbsp. coconut oil
- 1 and 1/2 Tbsp. cocoa powder
- 1/2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Make your Caramel: Soak medjool dates in hot water for 5-10 minutes, or until completely soft. Drain and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Add dates to a blender and blend until smooth. Add nut butter and vanilla, and blend again. If you have a bigger blender, it may be helpful to double or triple this recipe so that it’s easier to blend. Extra caramel is never a bad thing.
- Cut your apple into 8 slices. Using your hands, smear your caramel onto half of each apple slice (see photos). It helps if you wet your hands slightly**. Stick in the freezer to set for 10 minutes.
- Make your Chocolate***: Melt coconut oil in a pan over medium heat. Add in cocoa powder and maple syrup and mix until smooth. Pour into a small bowl and set aside.
- Assemble your Healthy Caramel Fudge Apple Slices: Remove apple slices from the freezer and dip each into the chocolate. Set on a piece of parchment paper, and place back in the freezer to set, about 5 minutes. Re-dip if desired.
- These Healthy Caramel Fudge Apple Slices are best right after they’re made.
Notes
*I used cashew butter because it’s ultra buttery and really adds a caramel note to the date caramel, but any nut butter would do. Peanut butter would be insane…peanut butter caramel fudge apple slices anyone?!
**You may want to rub the exposed apple flesh with lemon to reduce the risk of browning. I highly suggest you eat these apples as soon as you make them, but if you wanted to wait a couple of hours, this lemon trick works.
***If you don’t want to make your chocolate, just use melted chocolate chips!
I’ve never tried making date caramel! But knowing how much I love dates, I think I’d love this.
Thanks, Dani! You’ll be OBSESSED with date caramel – definitely give it a time the next time you get your hands on some dates! :)
I just found you website. I have read it and looked at things. all I can say is that you are wonderful !!, and I think I love you !! keepin this site in my faves !!! thank you !!
Oh, Dana! Your comment made my night! I’m so glad you found my blog and that you enjoy it! :) Let me know if you try any of the recipes!