Healthy snacks are a staple in any herbal tinkerer’s toolkit. One of my all-time favorites snacks has always been caramel apples! While they get the most hype around Halloween, I’ve created an oh-so-perfect vegan version that is too good to only enjoy for one season per year. This date-based alternative offers the sweetness and consistency of caramel with earthy undertones of mesquite and maca powders. And if there is a way that I like to get my herbs in, it’s blended perfectly in a sweet-treat like this!

This is a recipe that I’ve made for many occasions, and no occasions at all. Don’t let the number of steps scare you, as there are lots of variations included that you COULD choose to try. Once you get the recipe down, you’ll be able to whip these up in a pinch for some last-minute company, an impromptu hike, or a romantic picnic in the park. One of my favorite parts of this recipe (besides the caramel) is how much you can make it your own with the toppings that you choose. Goji berries will add some extra chew and texture while rose petals will offer a spring-like floral experience. I can honestly say I’ve never made this recipe exactly the same way twice!

To make this recipe, you’ll want to gather the below kitchen tools:

• Medium-large size bowl
• Several small bowls for toppings
• Melon scoop
• Food processor
• Double boiler
• Toothpicks
• Parchment paper
• Spoon or spatula

Gourmet Caramel Apple Bites

Optional Topping Ideas

• Organic hemp seeds
• Organic unsweetened coconut flakes
• Organic cornflowers minced to “sprinkle” size
• Chopped organic pumpkin seeds
• Organic goji berries
• Organic rose petals minced to sprinkle size
  
  

Optional Drizzle

• 1/4 cup organic cacao butter wafers
• 1/2 tsp. organic matcha tea powder or 1 tsp. organic cranberry powder

Gourmet Caramel Apple Recipe

Makes 3 apples.

Ingredients

• Juice from 1/2 squeezed organic lemon
• 2 cups filtered water
• 3 medium-sized organic apples (I like slightly tart varieties for this recipe)
• 15 pitted organic dates
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp. filtered water
• 1 tsp. organic mesquite powder
• 1 tsp. organic maca powder
• 1/4 tsp. organic vanilla bean powder or vanilla extract

Directions

1. Prepare your optional topping(s) of choice and set aside in bowls.
2. If making optional drizzle, melt cocoa butter wafers in a double boiler and whisk in matcha or cranberry powder. Set aside on a very low burner to keep warm.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
4. Squeeze juice from 1/2 lemon into a bowl and fill with about 2 cups of water. Set aside.
5. Using a melon scooper, create apple bite pieces.
6. Immediately place in bowl of water with lemon juice to prevent browning.
7. Place the dates into the food processor. Pulse until you make a paste.
8. Add maple syrup, 1 tsp. lemon juice, and water.
9. Pulse to combine.
10. While pulsing, add mesquite powder, maca powder, and vanilla bean powder.
11. Continue until the paste has a gooey caramel-like texture.
12. To test, dip a spoon or fork into the paste. Once it starts to drip nicely off the silverware just like caramel would, you have the right texture.
13. If still too thick, add another 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup until you reach desired consistency.
14. Remove apple pieces from bowl of water and dry with a tea towel or paper towel. This will help the caramel stick better.
15. Push a toothpick into each apple piece and dip in caramel.
16. To help fully coat, use a spatula to “fold” the caramel over the apples.
17. Dip caramel apple piece right away into optional topping of choice and set onto parchment-lined pan.
18. When all apple pieces are coated and on parchment sheet, you can add your optional drizzle of choice.
19. These apples are best to enjoy right away but will last in the fridge for a day or two!

Pro Tip

• Dates can vary in their consistency and moisture content, so you may have to adjust the recipe for the materials you are working with.

Want other herb-inspired creations by Stephanie?

Visit Her Website “My Tiny Laguna Kitchen”

You may also enjoy:

• Caramel Apple Slices with Herb Infused Chocolate Glaze 
• Maqui Berry Protein Bites
  
• Golden Milk Energy Balls