Description
This Caramel Apple Date Bark is a delicious autumn-inspired treat that takes the viral date bark trend and combines it with the flavors of caramel apples and chocolate bark. This easy sweet Fall dessert features layers of carmelly dates, dairy-free rich dark chocolate, tart green apple, a luscious homemade peanut butter caramel, and chopped peanuts & pecans for the perfect balance that's reminiscent of a caramel apple in every bite!
Ingredients
- 20 large dates
- vegan caramel sauce (below)
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 1 large green apple (2 cups chopped)
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- chopped peanuts & pecans
- Salt, for garnishing (optional)
Vegan Peanut Butter Caramel
- 3 tablespoons vegan/plant butter (may sub with coconut oil instead if you wish)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, optional to give it a more caramel color
- 2 tablespoons oat milk (or other creamier plant milk like cashew or coconut)
Instructions
Make the caramel first. In a small saucepan, melt the plant butter/coconut oil over high heat. Once melted, whisk in the maple syrup, vanilla and pinch of salt. Next, whisk in the nut/seed butter, whisking continuously until the mixture starts to thicken. Remove from heat and whisk in the baking soda (if using) and oat milk until it’s smooth and silky like caramel sauce!
Chop the apples and place in a bowl with the water and lemon juice. This will keep them from browning. Let them soak for 5-10 minutes then drain.
While the caramel cools and the apples soak, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, place another piece of parchment paper over the pitted dates and smash them with the bottom of a glass, you want them as flat as possible.
Next spread a layer of the caramel over the dates, reserving some for drizzling over top.
Melt the chocolate chips with the teaspoon of coconut oil and then spread that completely over the dates from edge to edge. You can do this in the microwave or by using the double broiler method, just be careful not to burn the chocolate. Spread the melted chocolate with a spoon over the caramel layer.
Add the chopped apples evenly over top of the melted chocolate.
Sprinkle with the chopped peanuts and/or pecans over top and drizzle with the remaining caramel. Sprinkle with salt if desired. Then place into the freezer for 20-30 minutes. Slice and enjoy! Keep stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and in the freezer for up to a week.
Notes
* for allergy friendly you may use sunflower seed butter in the caramel and omit the chopped nuts.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Additional Time: 0 hours
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert