Date Caramel Apple Bark
October is one of my favorite times of year - the air turns crisp (but not too cold), the leaves start changing, and there’s still a little daylight left to soak in. I love all the fall festivities, and Halloween always feels like the official kickoff.
This season calls for something cozy, festive, and a little indulgent, so I wanted to share this recipe! A healthier sweet treat featuring those apples you may have picked earlier this fall.
Date Caramel Apple Bark
INGREDIENTS:
For the Date Caramel:
1 cup Medjool dates, pitted and soaked
¼ cup coconut milk (full-fat)
Pinch of salt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Warm water as needed
For the Bark:
1½ cups dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon of coconut oil
1 green apple, diced and tossed with a squeeze of lemon
Flaky sea salt
DIRECTIONS:
Soak 1 cup pitted dates in warm water for about 10–15 minutes, until soft.
Drain the dates, making sure to reserve a few tablespoons of the soaking liquid.
In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked dates, ¼ cup coconut milk, pinch of salt, ½ teaspoon vanilla, and 1–2 tablespoons of the reserved soaking water.
Blend until smooth. It should be thick and spreadable - think: the consistency of peanut butter. If too thick (doughy) add some of the reserved water (about a tablespoon at a time) as needed. Set aside.
Melt 1½ cups dark chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. This can also be done in 30 second increments in the microwave stirring in between each time.
To assemble the bark, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and pour the melted chocolate onto the tray and spread into an even layer about ¼ inch thick.
Place in fridge until firm, about 5 minutes.
Spread a layer of date caramel over the now firm chocolate.
Sprinkle the apple pieces evenly over the top, pressing them lightly into the chocolate so they stick.
Drizzle with more chocolate and add flaky salt.
Chill until set, about an 1-2 hours and then break apart before serving. Store in the freezer until you plan to enjoy.
Tips and variations:
Dehydrated or freeze-dried apple pieces will make the bark last longer and add a fun crunch.
You can drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for contrast.
Add a drizzle of your favorite nut or seed butter before drizzling chocolate over top.
Add crushed pretzels or nuts for more texture as another topping.
Add a dash of cinnamon to the date caramel for a more autumnal flavor!