These chocolate caramel crunch apple “donuts” are such a fun little sweet treat! The homemade date caramel is SO good with the mix of chocolate and crunchy nuts. Bonus: there’s no baking required!
SERVING SIZE: 3
THE RECIPE:
Place the pitted dates in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, then drain. Soaking softens and rehydrates the dates so they break down into a smooth caramel instead of leaving fibrous flecks behind (it also means your blender won’t have to work as hard)!
Add the pitted dates, hot water, peanut butter, vanilla, and salt to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding a tiny splash more water if needed.
Cut the apples into round slices about ¼–½ inch thick. Use a small cookie cutter or knife to remove the center and create the “donut” shape.
Add the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil to a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and melted.
Spread a layer of date caramel over each apple slice, then drizzle or spoon melted chocolate over the top.
Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts while the chocolate is still melted so they stick.
Feel free to enjoy right away, but best served refrigerated for at least 20 min to let the chocolate set!
Chocolate Caramel Crunch Apple “Donuts”
Ingredients
- 2-3 apples
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- handful of pecans or walnuts chopped (candied or plain)
For The Caramel Sauce:
- 10 Medjool dates pitted
- ⅓ cup hot water
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Place the pitted dates in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, then drain. Soaking softens and rehydrates the dates so they break down into a smooth caramel instead of leaving fibrous flecks behind (it also means your blender won't have to work as hard)!
- Add the pitted dates, hot water, peanut butter, vanilla, and salt to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding a tiny splash more water if needed.
- Cut the apples into round slices about ¼–½ inch thick. Use a small cookie cutter or knife to remove the center and create the “donut” shape.
- Add the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil to a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and melted.
- Spread a layer of date caramel over each apple slice, then drizzle or spoon melted chocolate over the top.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts while the chocolate is still melted so they stick.
- Feel free to enjoy right away, but best served refrigerated for at least 20 min to let the chocolate set!
