This vegan date caramel sauce is sweet with a hint of saltiness. This delicious sauce is refined sugar free, gluten free, and paleo diet friendly. It’s quick and easy to make.
What to serve with this vegan date caramel sauce
I like to serve this sauce with apple slices for dipping. Or for an extra special treat, drizzle some of the sauce on this no-churn banana ice cream. You could also use the sauce as a topping for pancakes (like these hearty spelt flour pancakes). This sauce also makes a great nutritious addition to any dessert table.
Ingredients and substitutions
I like to use Medjool dates when making this vegan date caramel sauce, but any type of date will work. Medjool dates are particularly sweet and moist which makes them my top choice whenever possible.
Smooth almond butter adds richness to the sauce. You can substitute any other type of nut butter you prefer. Or for a nut-free version of this sauce, substitute pumpkin seed butter or sunflower seed butter.
Vanilla extract adds a lovely layer of flavor to this sauce. Be sure to use pure vanilla extract as opposed to artificial vanilla flavoring if possible.
A small amount of salt enhances the other flavors in this sauce. You can omit the salt if you prefer but I think it’s more delicious with the salt included.
How to make it
Start by adding the pitted dates to a glass bowl, then pour the boiling water on top, ensuring that the dates are fully submerged. Then let the dates soak in the water for 30 minutes.
After the dates have finished soaking, transfer the dates and soaking liquid to a food processor or blender. Add the smooth almond butter, pure vanilla extract, and salt to the food processor or blender.
Blend until smooth.
Optional additions
Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the sauce, if desired.
Storage and freezing
Store this vegan date caramel sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for up to six months, then defrost at room temperature or in the fridge before serving.
More recipes made with dates
- These peanut butter date cookies are soft, chewy, and delicious.
- These pecan stuffed dates have a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors.
- This list of date-sweetened desserts has got you covered if you’re looking for more yummy ways to use dates.
Vegan Date Caramel Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Food processor or blender.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates (tightly packed)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup smooth almond butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add the pitted dates to a glass bowl, then pour the boiling water on top, ensuring that the dates are fully submerged.
- Let the dates soak in the water for 30 minutes.
- After the dates have finished soaking, transfer the dates and soaking liquid to a food processor or blender.
- Add the smooth almond butter, pure vanilla extract, and salt to the food processor or blender, then blend until smooth.
Notes
- Store this vegan date caramel sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for up to six months.
- Optional additions include a pinch of ground cinnamon or pumpkin spice.
Nutrition
You might also like
- These Veganuary recipes are perfect if you’re considering trying a vegan lifestyle for the month of January or beyond!
- These spelt flour recipes are nutrient dense, filling, and delicious.
- These vegan spiced nuts are an easy and tasty snack.
- This blueberry freezer jam without pectin is a must try if you’re looking for refined sugar-free toppings for toast, pancakes, or waffles.