I've always wanted to like caramel apples but I just never could.
I remember very distinctly going to an amusement park with my family as a young child. My mom loves caramel apples so she got one. She offered me a taste and I carefully took a bite. It stuck to the roof of my mouth and I couldn't get it off! My mom and dad laughed as I used my fingers to pry it off and I remember thinking after I finally swallowed that bite, "I don't even know what that tasted like." It certainly wasn't worth all the trouble.
Many years later, I gave caramel apples another shot. I had braces, but being a rebellious pre-teen, no authority figure, be it a parent or my orthodontist, was going to tell me what I could and couldn't do. My friend and I had been dropped off at an amusement park for the day and I decided to use some of the money my mom had given me for lunch to buy a caramel apple, studded with chocolate chips. I knew I should've just gotten the funnel cake, but no- I needed to do something different. I took one bite of that beautiful caramel apple and off popped one of my braces "brackets." After that, every bite was tainted with braces "cement" and dread of what my mom was going to say.
After that, I pretty much gave up on caramel apples. However, many years later, at a party as an adult, I hesitantly dipped an apple wedge into a bowl of caramel sauce and that went over way better with my tastebuds (and my teeth). I was actually able to taste what I assume everybody loves about caramel apples, without all of the hassle. I could see what all the hype was about. It was a pretty good flavor combo after all.
Now, about ten years after that party, I've finally found the easiest, most hassle-free way to enjoy that flavor combination. I combined a super-easy slow-cooker apple butter with an even simpler date-based caramel sauce and came up with the most delicious, velvety salted caramel apple butter. I absolutely love it on toast, bagels, sandwiches and pretty much everything else it touches.
If you love the taste of caramel apples (like me) but hate the way it hurts your teeth (also like me), then this spread is for you!
Ingredients
- 6-7 cups apple wedges (I cored each apple and cut them into eighths)
- water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 6 dates, pitted and soaked in water for at least an hour
- 2 tablespoons almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Place all of the apple wedges in the bowl of your slow-cooker. Pour in about 1/4-1/3 cup of water to cover the bottom (this will help prevent sticking). Cover and cook on high heat for about 4 hours. You will need to stir the apples occasionally and possible add a bit more water to prevent sticking.
- Meanwhile, you can make the caramel sauce. Combine all of the caramel ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Place in an airtight container until ready to use.
- Once the apples have cooked for 4 hours, transfer them to a high-speed blender, add lemon juice and cinnamon, and blend until smooth. Add in the caramel and blend until combined. Transfer the apple butter to an airtight container and once it has cooled, you can cover the container and refrigerate until ready to use. Serve on toast, bagels, or on anything else (it will be tasty on everything). Enjoy!
Are you a fan of caramel apples?
Photography by Chris Miller
Pixie
Candy apples and caramel apples - I never saw the point. The apples were always mealy and all the issues you mentioned with the teeth - just no. Give me the caramels instead! (If only there were comparable vegan ones...)
Emily - It Comes Naturally
This sounds (and looks) divine! I'm guessing caramel apples are what I would know as 'toffee apples' - luminous apples coated with crack-your-teeth hard sugar coating you get at the fair? I loved them as a kid, but couldn't get past their unhealthiness in recent years.
I was forever knocking off the brace brackets!
Caitlin
what a fabulous idea! i always loved caramel apples and miss them. this is a perfect dip for an autumn get together, or anytime!
Gabby @ the veggie nook
Ugh caramel apples are the worst! They are so difficult and I hate how the caramel sticks to your teeth! I think you found the perfect form to enjoy the flavour combo 🙂
I remember when I broke my braces as a kid- I wasn't eating anything but someone made me SO MAD that I clenched my teeth and popper 2 brackets off! I can totally relate to the dread of having to tell your parents. Luckily they were fairly understanding. I don't lose my temper that often so it must have been something worthwhile to make me break my braces over! Oh man, I do not miss those things haha
Shira
Wow this looks incredible Kristy! I've never been able to eat those sticky apples but LOVE caramel to no end. Looks amazing!
Tami @Nutmeg Notebook
I do like caramel apples and this recipe is going in my to try pile!
Katie @ Produce on Parade
What a beautiful spread! I've made a caramel sauce out of dates before and it was amazing! This looks wonderful 🙂
Maria Tadic
I LOVE caramel apples!!! I don't mind the stickiness of them. But I've had my grandmother try to eat some of mine and out popped on of her false teeth!!! It was hilarious - but shows that eating them doesn't get easier with age!
Sarah
This sounds delicious! Definitely going to make this for my 2 year old (and myself) once we go apple picking this fall!
Emma
caramel and apples in dip form! This sounds the best. I never tried caramel applesbut I'm sure I'd like your take much more anyway.
I broke my braces once too. I was at school and remember having a piece of wire sticking out of my mouth for the rest of the day! Not fun.
I bet this caramel apple butter would be amazing over non-dairy vanilla ice cream!
luminousvegans
OMG! And I definitely do not use that acronym lightly. This looks amazing!
Andrea
This looks like a caramel sauce I can really appreciate. Wow. Caramel was the one candy I liked as a child and teenager — in spite of its sticky, braces-wrecking nature. Just thinking about it now makes my teeth tingle a little.
Katie
Sounds like a delicious recipe Kristy! Quick question: should the apples be peeled before going into the slow cooker?
Bobbie {the vegan crew}
Caramel apples were always a favorite of mine (although now that I think about it, I think I only had them a handful of times); but, yes, they are a challenge to eat. This version seems much more practical and versatile. I love the simple ingredient list and will have to save this recipe away for when we go apple picking this fall.
Richa
Yes and yes.. to date caramel and apple butter. sounds like a perfect topping on so many things.
Tina Jui
Perfect timing for this recipe. Can't wait to go apple picking so I can make this!
K Seatter
Could this be canned??
keepinitkind
I'm sure it could, but I have absolutely no experience in that realm so I can't say for sure. I apologize.
Hadas
The Apples need to be pilled first? let me know - i want to try it out!
keepinitkind
You can peel them if you want to, but it's not necessary. I left the peels on mine. 🙂
Heather
I am a fan of my own caramel apples that have a really soft caramel coating- not the impossibly hard traditional candy apple coating- I always hated how it stuck to my teethe, there is no elegant way of eating or enjoying a caramel apple!
Apple Butter is totally on my list to make this year- never thought to make a caramel version- absolutely brilliant!
Tatiana - From France
Can't wait to try making that recipe.
But, could you please tell me how long I can keep this butter in the fridge ?
Thanks,
keepinitkind
It should keep for about a week or so. Mine never lasted that long, though. 😉
Miss Polkadot
Mmh, this sounds just perfect. Apples, salted caramel the healthy way ... The only problem is that there's no slow-cooker in my student kitchen. Do you know if there's any way to prepare it without one?
keepinitkind
Thank you and thank you for sharing on your blog!
I would put the ingredients in a large pot turn the heat on medium-low. Cover and cook until apples are tender. I'm not sure how long it will take and you'll have to stir it occasionally, but I think this should work. Enjoy! 🙂
Shannon
Soo. I've had this recipe bookmarked since you posted it, because, well just look at it!
This weekend it was finally time for apple picking and I was so excited to finally make this. I must say, it COMPLETELY lived up to the hype I had been giving it. Totally divine and I totally don't feel guilty eating it straight out of the jar. Awesome recipe!
keepinitkind
Wonderful! I'm just thrilled that you liked it! I can't wait to whip up another batch too. 🙂
Courtney
I am going to make this tomorrow--I am drooling just looking at it! Question, though...did you use medjool dates for the caramel? Do you think it matters?
Thanks!
Courtney
Cindy
Where can I find whole pitted dates. I have only been able to find diced sugared dates.
keepinitkind
I buy medjool dates whole, with their pit, and then slice them open and remove their seed myself.
Fern
Made this this afternoon. It is absolutely wonderful. I will be encouraging others to make this.