Delicious & Healthy: Raw Vegan Cinnamon Spiced Salted Caramel & Ultimate Apple Nachos Recipe
Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! It’s an absolute joy to be back in the kitchen, experimenting with new flavors and sharing delightful recipes with all of you. After a brief hiatus, I’ve spent the past few mornings immersed in the wonderful world of recipe testing, and it truly feels invigorating. Getting back into the rhythm of blogging has been a gradual process, but I’m slowly working towards restoring normalcy while also tackling some behind-the-scenes projects that will soon bring exciting new developments to this space. Your patience and continued support mean the world to me!
Now, let’s dive right into the star of today’s post: this incredible “caramel”! Just look at that glistening, golden-brown hue – doesn’t it make you want to grab a spoon and dig right in? While it boasts all the richness and indulgence you’d expect from traditional caramel, I must clarify upfront that this isn’t your typical sugar-laden variety. This recipe creates a similar, wonderfully delicious consistency and flavor profile, but with a unique twist. If you’re accustomed to the intense sweetness and chewiness of conventional caramel, this raw, date-based version might surprise you with its distinct, wholesome character. However, if you share my adoration for dates, then prepare to fall head over heels for this raw vegan salted caramel! It’s naturally sweetened, incredibly flavorful, and completely dairy-free, making it a perfect treat for everyone to enjoy, regardless of dietary preferences.
One of the many fantastic aspects of this raw caramel is its excellent shelf life. Stored properly in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, it can last for quite a while, ensuring you always have a healthy, sweet topping on hand. This extended freshness allows for endless culinary creativity! I’m already envisioning countless ways to incorporate it into my daily meals and snacks. Imagine a generous drizzle over your morning oats, paired with sliced bananas for a wholesome and satisfying breakfast. Or, for a more elaborate treat, mix it with thinly sliced apples and a hint of other warm spices to create a delectable raw apple pie filling – perfect for a quick, guilt-free dessert. And of course, its simplest yet most irresistible application is as a dipping sauce for crisp apple slices, offering a delightful balance of sweet and tart with every bite. The possibilities are truly boundless, from enhancing smoothies to topping pancakes or even stirring into coffee for a healthier flavored latte.
Yum indeed! This caramel is not just a sweet indulgence; it’s a testament to how incredible healthy eating can be. Its creamy texture and rich, spiced flavor make it an instant favorite. The natural sweetness from Medjool dates, combined with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon, creates a complex and comforting taste that rivals its traditional counterpart, but without any refined sugars or dairy. The coarse salt adds that perfect touch of ‘salted caramel’ magic, balancing the sweetness beautifully. It’s an ideal choice for those following a vegan, raw food, or simply a healthier lifestyle. Plus, making it is surprisingly simple, requiring just a few ingredients and a food processor. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can transform simple dates into this luxurious sauce.
Speaking of delicious and healthy snacks, I also whipped up some fantastic apple nachos! If the concept of apple nachos is new to you, let me assure you, you need to make them immediately. I’ve shared them on the blog before, but my previous photos didn’t quite do justice to their appeal. So, I decided it was time for a reshoot and a fresh share, complete with updated ideas and gorgeous new visuals. Apple nachos are truly a game-changer when it comes to healthy snacking. They transform a simple, everyday apple into an exciting, customizable treat that’s perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or providing an energy boost. It’s an inventive way to present fruit, making it more appealing, especially for picky eaters or for those looking for a fun alternative to chips and dip.
You’ll simply have to take my word for it and try these. They are an awesome, effortless way to dress up a regular apple, turning it into a vibrant, textural, and flavorful experience. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably already adding peanut butter or other spreads to your apple slices, so this creative “nacho” presentation isn’t a huge leap – it’s an elevation! Plus, they are incredibly fun for kids to make and eat. The interactive nature of assembling their own apple nachos, choosing from a variety of toppings, encourages healthy eating habits in a playful way. It’s a fantastic after-school snack, a quick breakfast, or even a light dessert. The combination of crisp apple with creamy drizzles and crunchy sprinkles offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
The beauty of apple nachos lies in their versatility. While I’ve provided a base recipe, the true fun begins with customizing your toppings. You can make them as simple or as elaborate as you like, catering to different tastes and dietary needs. For a truly healthy option, stick to natural nut butters, seeds, and unsweetened dried fruits. If you’re looking for a more decadent treat, a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or a touch of whipped cream can turn them into a delightful dessert. The key is to experiment and find your favorite combinations. This snack encourages creativity in the kitchen and offers a great way to use up those extra apples in a exciting new format. Get your family involved in the topping selection process – it’s a great activity that leads to a delicious reward!
If you have tried apple nachos before, what are your favorite healthy toppings to include? Share your creative ideas in the comments below!
That’s what I call an awesome, nutritious, and incredibly fun after-school snack! These apple nachos, especially when generously drizzled with our homemade Cinnamon Spiced Raw Vegan Salted Caramel, are a delightful way to infuse more fruit into your diet. They are vibrant, customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re seeking a quick energy booster, a healthy dessert alternative, or a creative way to enjoy apples, this combination offers everything you could ask for. Enjoy crafting and devouring these scrumptious treats!
Cinnamon Spiced Raw Vegan Salted Caramel
Ingredients
- 2 C loosely packed Medjool dates pitted
- 1/2 C + 2 tbsp water
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 – 3/4 tsp coarse salt
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
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Add the pitted Medjool dates to a food processor and pulse until they are broken up into small, crumbly pieces. Then, add the water, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Blend this mixture until it becomes completely smooth and creamy. This process might take approximately 7-8 minutes, so be patient. Remember to scrape down the sides of the food processor bowl periodically to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated. Once the mixture reaches a velvety smooth consistency, you can add the coarse salt and maple syrup, if desired, to enhance the flavor profile. Blend again for a final minute until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Transfer your delicious Cinnamon Spiced Raw Vegan Salted Caramel to a clean, sealed jar and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for several weeks, ready to elevate any snack or dessert!
Apple Nachos with Cinnamon Spiced Raw Vegan Salted Caramel
Ingredients
- 1 large apple cored and thinly sliced and arranged on a plate
Instructions
Prepare your apple by coring it and slicing it thinly. Arrange the slices artfully on a plate, creating a base for your “nachos.” Now for the fun part: customizing your toppings! Here are some ideas for drizzles and sprinkles to get you started:
Drizzles:
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Natural Nut Butters: Opt for creamy peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or any other favorite nut butter for a protein boost. For a nut-free alternative, sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter works wonderfully.
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Sweet Sauces: Our Cinnamon Spiced Raw Vegan Salted Caramel is the perfect choice! You could also use chocolate syrup, melted dark chocolate, or a touch of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
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Fruit Spreads: A drizzle of your favorite jam or a lower-sugar fruit spread, such as homemade chia seed jam, adds a fruity tang.
Sprinkles:
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Nuts: Add crunch and healthy fats with whole or chopped, raw or toasted nuts like peanuts, walnuts, pecans, cashews, pistachios, or hazelnuts.
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Seeds: Boost nutrition with raw or toasted seeds such as sunflower seeds, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), or chia seeds.
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Dried Fruit: Scatter a colorful mix of dried fruits like raisins, dried cranberries, dried blueberries, chopped apricots, chopped dried plums, chopped dried banana, or sweet or tart dried cherries, and chopped dried mango.
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Other Fun Toppings: Experiment with unsweetened shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips (dark chocolate for a healthier option), or a pinch of warming spices like cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or apple pie spice. For extra crunch, try a sprinkle of granola or even crispy rice cereal.
Dips:
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Instead of drizzling, you can also serve your apple nachos with a side dip. Vanilla or honey-flavored Greek yogurt makes a fantastic creamy dip. Alternatively, create your own by mixing plain Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup and a splash of vanilla extract.
