My family loves apples! This time of year is full of inspiration for wonderful, delicious apple treats.
Here is a healthier “caramel” apple recipe, in which the main ingredient of the “caramel” is figs or dates. So yummy, super easy, and easy for my 3-year-old and 1 1/2 year old boys to help with. If you wish, this recipe is also easy to make organic and free of dyes, preservatives, or other yucky stuff.
“Healthy” Caramel Apples Recipe
Ingredients:
1/2 cup figs and/or dates
1/2 cup milk of your choice
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 T almond butter
3 T maple syrup
1-2 tsp xantham gum (for thickening)
Toppings:
Chopped nuts of your choice
Dark chocolate chips
Supplies:
Cookie sheet/pan
Wax paper
Microwave-safe bowls
Saucepan
Blender/emulsifier
Instructions:
Add milk to a saucepan and begin to heat on low.
Rough chop figs as well as dates, if you choose, and add them to the milk. Allow them to stew until soft which is just a few minutes.
Add the rest of the ingredients except the xanthan gum and continue to heat on low while stirring. Blend all ingredients and add xanthan gum slowly until desired consistency is achieved. Remember, the “caramel” will continue to set as it cools. Be careful not to add too much xanthan gum.
It is possible to tweak the milk and maple syrup to alter the consistency. I like to use an emulsifier to blend, which saves on dishes and is quick and easy!
While the “caramel” is cooking, slice apples into the desired shape/size. We did slices because they were easier for little hands.
Prepare toppings by placing in bowls and set up on a table for kids to access when the slices are ready. Fair warning: this may get a bit messy for little hands, especially with the chocolate!
Melt a portion of chocolate chips in the microwave and set aside. On wax paper, drizzle a layer of melted chocolate approximately the size of your apple slices. This layer will keep the “caramel” from sticking. Dip or spread “caramel” onto apples. This is best done while warm before it thickens! Place the apples onto the individual layers of chocolate and drizzle chocolate on top. Coat with additional chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or whatever sounds yummy!
Cool in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and enjoy!
