Date Caramel
Published Sep 15, 2025
Easy date caramel recipe made with Medjool dates and hot water, blended with a little maple syrup and salt, takes just 5 minutes to blend!
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Make Your Own Date Caramel!
This date caramel is so easy to make because it just requires blending everything together until it becomes smooth and glossy. A little disclaimer, though… It’s not going to be drippy like a caramel sauce, but more dippy like a caramel date dip. So it works well for dipping apples, pretzel rods, filling inside chocolate, and even energy balls! I also like spreading it on top of toasted olive bread or any kind of bread, or swirling it into my oatmeal.
Date Caramel Ingredients
- Medjool dates: Use fresh, soft Medjool dates if you can. If your dates feel a little dry, don’t skip the soaking step; it makes blending much easier.
- Hot water: Start with ½ cup, but add more a tablespoon at a time until you reach the caramel consistency you like. Less water gives you a thick dip; more water makes it drizzle-able.
- Maple syrup: You can leave it out if your dates are extra sweet. Honey works as a swap.
- Salt: If you want more of a “salted caramel” flavor, add a bigger pinch to taste.
How to Make Date Caramel
Date Caramel Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups pitted Medjool dates about 10-12 dates
- ½ cup hot water adjust to desired consistency, plus extra for soaking
- ¼ tablespoon maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Soak the dates in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften, then drain and place them in a food processor.
- Blend the dates alone until they begin to break down into a paste.
- Gradually add the ½ cup of hot water, blending until well combined.
- Add maple syrup and a pinch of salt, then blend until fully combined, smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more water as needed until it reaches a caramel-like thickness. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Serving Ideas
Since it’s naturally thick and creamy, it works best as a dip, spread, or filling.
- Dip apple slices, pretzels, or graham crackers straight into it.
- Spread it on toast, pancakes, or waffles in place of syrup.
- Swirl into oatmeal, overnight oats, or yogurt.
- Stuff into pitted dates or sandwich between cookies.
- Add to smoothie recipes or blend with milk for a quick caramel-flavored drink.
Recipe Tips
- Use a strong blender if you don’t have a food processor. It works just as well as long as it’s not too big because you want to make sure all the ingredients touch the blade as it spins.
- Don’t half the recipe. If you don’t think you’ll use it all, you might be tempted to reduce the quantities, but it might give you trouble blending because there’s not enough volume
