Viral Date Caramel Apple with Peanut Butter (vegan)
I am loving this viral twist on the traditional caramel apple. Just as sweet and satisfying as the classic, this Viral Date Caramel Apple with Peanut Butter is made with simple, wholesome ingredients for a healthier fall treat that everyone will love.
When I first saw caramel apple dates going viral, I knew I had to try them. They looked fun, festive, and like the kind of snack my kids would actually get excited about.
But of course, I couldn’t resist putting my own spin on the trend. Adding peanut butter to the melted chocolate gave these dates the perfect sweet and salty balance, and quite honestly, I am a peanut butter lover.
Now they are a staple in my kitchen during the fall season. I love how easy they are to prep, and they always disappear as soon as I set them out.
Spotlight on This Viral Date Caramel Apple with Peanut Butter
- A healthier twist on a classic: This recipe captures all the flavor of a caramel apple but uses wholesome, plant-based ingredients instead of refined sugar and dairy.
- Completely vegan: Made with dates, apples, peanut butter, and chocolate, this dessert is dairy-free and perfect for anyone following a vegan lifestyle.
- Quick and easy: With no baking required, you can whip up these treats in minutes for a simple no-bake fall dessert or snack.
- Kid-friendly: Sweet, fun to eat, and made with better-for-you ingredients, this caramel apple recipe is a treat you can feel good about serving to kids.
- Perfect for fall gatherings: Whether it is a Halloween party, Thanksgiving, or just a cozy night in, these viral date caramel apple bites add a festive touch to the table.
- Naturally sweet: Dates and apples bring natural sweetness, while peanut butter and chocolate add richness and balance for the perfect bite.
The Ingredients
Granny Smith apple: Choose a large, crisp green apple without bruises for the best flavor and presentation. Granny Smith apples are slightly tart, which balances the sweetness of the dates and chocolate.
Medjool dates: Use fresh, soft Medjool dates for the base of this vegan caramel apple. Let them sit out at room temperature for 24 hours to soften and then flatten them easily.
Vegan chocolate chips: Pick your favorite brand of dairy free chocolate chips to melt down and coat the apple. Dark or semi-sweet varieties work beautifully in this healthy fall dessert.
Coconut oil: A spoonful of coconut oil mixed into the melted chocolate helps it harden into a smooth, glossy shell once the apple is coated.
Peanut butter: Optional but highly recommended. Stirring peanut butter into the chocolate adds a rich, nutty flavor that makes this vegan caramel apple even more delicious.
Toppings: Finish with fun toppings to customize your apple. Try dye free sprinkles for a festive look, or crushed peanuts, sea salt, or shredded coconut for extra flavor and crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Soft Medjool dates are the best choice because they flatten easily and have a rich, caramel-like flavor that mimics traditional caramel.
Granny Smith apples are ideal because their tartness balances the sweetness of the dates and chocolate, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples also work well.
Yes. Simply skip the peanut butter for a nut-free version.
These are best enjoyed the same day for the freshest flavor and crunch, but you can enjoy them 1-2 days later.
Try crushed peanuts, shredded coconut, sea salt, or cacao nibs.
Yes. They are naturally sweetened with dates and apples, dairy free, and fun to decorate, making them a kid-friendly vegan fall treat.
Yes. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The apple may soften slightly but will still taste delicious.
I like to use the warmth of my fingers to press together any stubborn pieces or holes. It works like a charm.
The Instructions
Step one: Press a skewer or popsicle stick into the center of a large Granny Smith apple. Line a small plate with wax paper or parchment paper.
Step two: Place 12 dates into a tight formation of four rows and three columns on a piece of parchment paper. Make sure to open up the dates. Add another piece of parchment paper on top of the dates and use a rolling pin to flatten them until a single sheet of dates has formed.
Step three: Place the apple into the center of the date sheet and gently wrap the dates over the entire apple. Use the warmth of your fingers to shape the dates and fill in any holes.
Step four: Melt the chocolate by adding chocolate chips, coconut oil, and peanut butter to a small to medium bowl. Microwave 20 seconds, stir, and continue until smooth and creamy. (This only took two rounds for me.)
Step five: Hold the caramel apple over the bowl of melted chocolate and use a spoon to spread an even coat of chocolate over the dates. Place it back onto the parchment paper-lined plate.
Step six: Immediately sprinkle the entire apple with your choice of toppings. I like sprinkles, but you could also use chopped peanuts. Place the apple into the fridge for at least an hour to harden. Then, cut the apple into slices and enjoy!
Storage
Once the chocolate coating has fully set, place the apple in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in parchment paper. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. The apple will stay crisp, and the chocolate will hold its shape.
Tips + Modifications
For the best texture, let the apple sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before eating. This allows the chocolate to slightly soften for easier slicing.
Granny Smith apples are the classic choice because their tartness balances the sweetness of dates and chocolate. For a sweeter twist, try Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala.
Make sure your dates have sat out on the counter for 24 hours and are very soft. Swap out firmer dates for the softer dates for best results.
This date caramel apple is best enjoyed the same day. If storing, refrigerate for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
More No-Bake Dessert Recipes
Copy Cat Girl Scout Caramel DeLites
5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Poppers
Viral Date Caramel Apple with Peanut Butter (vegan)
Equipment
- 1 skewer or popsicle stick
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 2 pieces of parchment or wax paper
- 1 medium glass bowl
- 1 small plate lined with parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1 large Granny Smith green apple
- 12 soft Medjool dates, pitted *leave on the counter for 24 hours
- ⅓ cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoons creamy, unsweetened peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- optional: sprinkles
Instructions
- Press a skewer or popsicle stick into the center of a large Granny Smith apple. Line a small plate with wax paper or parchment paper.
- Place 12 dates into a tight formation of four rows and three columns on a piece of parchment paper. Make sure the dates are opened into two halves. Add another piece of parchment paper on top of the dates and use a rolling pin to flatten them until a single sheet of dates has formed.
- Place the apple into the center of the date sheet and gently wrap the dates over the entire apple. Use the warmth of your fingers to shape the dates and fill in any holes.
- Melt the chocolate by adding chocolate chips, coconut oil, and peanut butter to a small to medium bowl. Microwave 20 seconds, stir, and continue until smooth and creamy. (This only took two rounds for me.)
- Hold the caramel apple over the bowl of melted chocolate and use a spoon to spread an even coat of chocolate over the dates. Place it back onto the parchment paper-lined plate.
- Immediately sprinkle the entire apple with your choice of toppings. I like sprinkles, but you could also use chopped peanuts. Place the apple into the fridge for at least an hour to harden. Then, cut the apple into slices and enjoy!
