Caramelised Date Sauce (Date Caramel)

Name: Caramelised Date Sauce (Date Caramel)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-479506H32M27S
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Global
Ingredients: 150g Medjool dates; 120ml full-fat coconut milk; ½ tsp vanilla extract; pinch of ground cinnamon; pinch of flaky sea salt

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Date Caramel is so easy to make and so delicious. It tastes of sweet caramelised dates with the creamy texture of caramel. So simple, just a handful of ingredients - it still blows my mind that you can create something so delicious with just 5 ingredients in under 15 minutes…

It’s simply softened dates blitzed together with coconut milk, vanilla, a little cinnamon and flaky sea salt - so simple but, oh my goodness, it’s so good. Once you’ve tried this easy Date Caramel, you will start enjoying it with everything… as a dip for apples, stirred into porridge, overnight oats or thick Greek yogurt, spread on toast, served with pancakes or ice cream - the possibilities are endless! It is just so versatile and tastes so good. If you loved my Granola Butter, you will love this creamy caramelised date sauce.

Why you will love this Date Caramel

It is quick and easy and is ready in under 15 minutes.
It requires no-cooking.
It is full of flavour thanks to the delicious combination of sweet dates and vanilla, warming, subtly spiced cinnamon and a pinch of salt. It tastes like caramelised dates.
It has no-added sugar and relies on the most delicious Medjool dates for sweetness.
It is vegan-friendly and dairy-free so perfect for plant-based friends or family.
It is so versatile and can be added to a whole host of breakfast, snacks and desserts.
It uses just 5 ingredients which you are highly likely to already have to hand.

Ingredients:

Medjool dates - these are like the queen of dates; plump, juicy and full of sweetness. They are slightly more expensive than regular dates but I promise they are worth it.

Coconut milk - opt for the full-fat version for the creamiest texture and best flavour.

Vanilla extract - this adds sweetness and a delicious vanilla flavour. Always use vanilla extract not essence (the latter will give a synthetic flavour which is not what we are going for here).

Cinnamon - this adds a subtle sweetness and warmth which is just so good.

Salt - a pinch of flaky sea salt creates the most beautiful sweet and salty caramel flavour that takes this Date Caramel to the next level. I recommend Maldon Salt Flakes.

Full recipe can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, just scroll down!

Substitutions and Variations:

Medjool dates - I really recommend using Medjool dates in this Date Caramel, they are so soft, sweet and sticky, giving the best ‘caramelised dates’ flavour. You could use regular dates but they will need to soak in the boiling water for longer to soften (normally around 30 minutes) - topping it up, as needed.

Vanilla extract - you could use vanilla bean paste, if you prefer, just not vanilla essence which is artificial and will ruin the taste of this Date Caramel.

Cinnamon - I love the warming, subtle sweetness of cinnamon in this recipe. You could omit it if you aren’t a fan or use ginger or mixed spice, if you prefer.

Directions:

Here's a step by step guide for what you need to do, but you can find the full recipe below for detailed instructions.

ONE: Soak the dates in boiling water for 10 minutes.

TWO: Drain and remove the stone.

Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy

THREE: Pop into a blender or food processor and add the coconut milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.

The most delicious sweet and salty spread

FOUR: Spoon into a bowl or jar, cover and store in the fridge.

Cooking Tips:

Soft dates: using soft and moist dates like Medjool make this Date Caramel super simple and quick - if you use regular dates (which are drier and harder) they will need to soak for longer (around 30 minutes) and be topped up with water.

A good blitz: you really need to blend well to form a creamy Date Caramel. Don’t skimp on this - keep going until you get a silky smooth texture.

1 ingredient wonder: if you use Medjool dates, you could actually make a one ingredient Date Caramel by just blitzing the softened dates. It won’t taste as creamy without the coconut milk, but is a quick and easy hack to have up your sleeve.

Adding cinnamon and coconut milk in blender

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Date Caramel?

One of the most delicious creations ever! In all seriousness, once you have tried Date Caramel, there is no going back - it is so addictive. It is probably the easiest ‘caramel’ you will ever make, requiring no stressing over heat or temperature. Essentially a very easy sauce that tastes like caramelised dates but is just a mix of soft dates, coconut milk, cinnamon, vanilla and a pinch of salt. All you need is a good strong blender and 15 minutes…

What can I serve with Date Caramel?

The possibilities are almost endless as this Date Caramel is just so good with so many things. I use it in my Peanut Butter and Yogurt Bowl with Date Caramel, but you could spread it on toast, swirl through yogurt or porridge and top with granola, nuts and/or berries, serve alongside pancakes or my Carrot Sheet Cake, or spoon straight from the jar…

Blitzing together dates with coconut milk, vanilla, a little cinnamon and flaky sea salt

Other recipes you might enjoy:

If you liked the sound of this Date Caramel, you will absolutely LOVE my Peanut Butter and Yogurt Bowl with Date Caramel. Imagine layers of peanut butter-swirled yogurt, juicy berries, sweet date caramel and intense dark chocolate - yum! Speaking of delicious nutty recipes, you must try my homemade Pistachio Cream - I now use it in so many recipes, from my Pistachio Croissants to my Pistachio Cream Brioche French Toast… Although, if you are looking for another super quick vegan-friendly sweet treat, my Protein Chocolate Mousse is another healthy twist on a classic and takes just minutes to blitz together in a blender.

Made this recipe and loved it?

I would love love LOVE if you could leave a review in the comments… I love hearing what you thought, any changes you made, the stories behind what made you try my recipes. Also, if you share a photo on Instagram, please tag me @desertislanddishes, it makes my day to see you making my creations!