In this Instructable, I will show you how to make caramel with dates. This easy healthy caramel substitute recipe is amazing! It is pretty crazy how close pureed dates taste to real caramel. There are obviously texture differences, and this is thicker, but it is so good and a great substitute for people who would like to be healthier, but also still want a bit of sweetness in their life, haha. If I can do it, you can do it. Let's get started!

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Follow the easy steps below or watch the video tutorial, or do both!

Step 1: Ingredients and Tools

Ingredients:

2 cups of pitted dates, roughly chopped (Deglet Noor, Medjool Barhi, etc.)(175g)
2 Tbsp of coconut oil, or use vegetable, olive, etc. (30ml)
1/8th tsp of salt (less than 1 g)
3 Tbsp to 1/2 cup hot water (45ml to 120ml)

*Note: These ingredients don't have to be exact, you may need more oil, more or less water, etc. Or maybe you want to add a bit more salt.

Tools:

Food processor
Spatula
Knife

Step 2: Blend Up Those Dates

This recipe is super easy. But it may take a little time depending on the type of dates you are using. Some dates are naturally softer than others and blend up easier in the food processor without help.

Add the dates to the food processor, along with half of the oil to start. Then add in the salt. And blend!

Now if the dates just move and shake around inside the food processor and are not breaking up, then you will need to do the next step, which is common, so don't worry about it if it happens. Or you can start with the next step first.

Step 3: Cut Up the Dates

Add the dates to a cutting board and cut them into chunks, then add them to the food processor along with the salt and oil then blend.

NOTE: You can also soak them in water for 10 to 15 minutes or longer to soften them up before trying to blend them. Just drain them before putting them in the food processor.

Step 4: Water, Blend, Scrape

Now add hot water a little at a time to get the consistency that you want. Use a spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl once or twice. Then blend again, etc. Until you have a thick or thin date caramel.

It is really that easy, no cooking, no candy thermometers, etc.