Date Salted Caramel is a delicious dip for fresh fruit or ice cream topping. Plus it's easy to make, with no cooking required and can easily be made vegan.
1/2cupfresh pitted datescoarsely chopped (see note)
1/4cupmaple syrup
1/4cupevaporated milk, half and half cream, or heavy whipping creamor use your favorite dairy free cream alternative to make this recipe vegan and dairy free
1/4teaspoonvanilla extract
pinchsaltoptional - skip if you don't want your caramel to be slightly salted
Place dates, maple syrup, and cream in a microwave safe 2 cup measuring cup. Microwave on high for 1 minute to soften the dates. (Or you can simmer over medium low heat in a small saucepan for about 5-10 minutes until the dates soften).
Transfer the date mixture to a blender or food processor (it's okay to use a mini one if you have one, since we're dealing with a small amount). Process until the mixture is smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Add the vanilla and salt, and process again until completely mixed. The mixture will be thick and spreadable. If you want a thinner sauce, add more cream to reach your desired texture. Use immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week.
Notes
Look for soft, fresh dates in plastic containers in the produce section. The dried dates you can buy in the baking aisle won't work as well here.