Healthy Caramel Peanut Butter Apple Slices

Healthy caramel peanut butter apple slices. A healthy take on the classic caramel apples. These apple slices are made with date caramel for a fruit-sweetened snack. Add some peanut butter, chopped almonds, chocolate, shredded coconut or cacao nibs for extra toppings.

We went apple picking last weekend and I’m finally sharing my first apple recipe of the season: Healthy Caramel Peanut Butter Apple Slices.

This is a recipe that I had in mind since last year, but of course I wanted to save it for fall. It’s my take caramel apples, but easier to make and eat. If you’re looking for a chocolate apple recipe, you can find my recipe here.

These caramel apple slices are perfect for a nutritious fall snack or dessert. You can keep it simple with the date caramel or add more toppings. Chocolate and peanut butter are especially delicious.

How to Make Date Caramel Apple Slices

It all starts with the date caramel. All you need to do is toss some pitted Medjool dates with coconut milk (or other plant-based milk) and vanilla in a food processor, then process until you get a smooth caramel. The Medjool dates are key here for a delicious caramel taste and texture. I find that the cheaper dates (deglet noor dates) are dry and not as sweet. If you want though, you can soak these in warm water for 30 minutes or so until they soften. It may not give you the same result, but it does work in a pinch.

When you’re done with the caramel, you can start cutting the apples. I suggest doing this step right before assembling the caramel apples as they do brown with time. Note that they are still delicious the next day when stored in the fridge in an airtight container. You can also add a bit of lemon juice to slow down the browning.

Each apple should make 4 good slices. Make sure they’re thick enough to insert a Popsicle stick. I usually just cut two slices on two opposing sides of the apple. I recommend cutting the rest of the apple into sticks and dip them into the date caramel (plus peanut butter!).

Once you’re done cutting the apples, add a thick layer of date caramel. I’ll admit that the date caramel is a little hard to spread on the apples evenly as it doesn’t stick to the apple. Do as best as you can. My messy caramel layers were perfectly delicious, pretty or not! Finally, add any other toppings you like and enjoy.

Suggested Toppings:

Melted chocolate drizzle
Chopped nuts
Shredded coconut
Cacao nibs

This isn’t a specific recipe, other than the date caramel. Feel free to switch the toppings to your liking and have fun with it! I’m sure kids would have fun decorating their own. I hope you had some time to go apple picking this season. If so, I can’t think of a better way to use those fresh apples. Well, this and a good apple crisp (my favorite).

Healthy Caramel Peanut Butter Apple Slices

Course Snack

Cuisine vegan, vegetarian

Prep Time 20

Total Time 20

Servings 8

Ingredients

2 apples, sliced
8 tablespoons date caramel, (recipe below)
8 teaspoons peanut butter

Suggested Toppings

Dark chocolate
Nuts, chopped
Shredded coconut

Instructions

Line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper.
Start by slicing the apples. You should be able to make 2 slices on 2 opposing sides of the apple (4 slices total per apple). Make sure the slices are thick enough to insert a Popsicle stick. Insert a Popsicle stick in each slice and line them on the prepared sheet.
Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of date caramel on each apple slices, more or less depending on the size of the slice.
Then, spread 1 teaspoon of peanut butter on each slice.
Top with a drizzle of melted chocolate, chopped almonds or other desired toppings. Press the toppings into the caramel/peanut butter, making sure they stick.
Place the apples in the refrigerator until the chocolate has hardened and the caramel has set, approximately 20 minutes.

Notes

The recipe uses approximately 1/2 of the batch of date caramel. However, I don’t recommend making a half batch as it won’t process as well in the food processor in smaller quantities. Use the leftover date caramel for dipping apples or add it to oatmeal, desserts, etc.

Store in the fridge in an airtight container. These are best eaten immediately as they can brown with time. However, they’re still delicious a day after.

Date Caramel

This easy caramel is made from dates and coconut milk, making this treat high in fiber and nutrients. Plus, it’s done in less than 5 minutes using a small food processor! Add it to desserts, oatmeal and more!

Course Snack

Cuisine vegan, vegetarian

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings 4

Ingredients

1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
1/4 cup low-fat coconut milk, canned
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

In a small food processor, add the dates, coconut milk and vanilla. Process for 2-3 minutes until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. The caramel should be thick, yet easy to spread.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks.

This recipe makes 1 cup of date caramel.

If you make these caramel peanut butter apple slices, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from you guys. And of course, if you try this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram!

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