Whether they’re from Wockenfuss, Rheb’s or Krause’s, homemade dark chocolate caramels have always been my favorite indulgence since I was a kid.

I just love the rich, creamy, buttery taste of caramel!

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One of the unfortunate side effects of the typical deprivation and dieting mentality is that we feel like we have to “give up” anything that tastes sweet or satisfying.

At some point, we decided that “healthy” food just doesn’t taste good and that we have to settle for less flavor if something is deemed healthy.

Well, I refuse to give up flavor or sweets! When I cook and bake, I make sure that any recipes I prepare are delicious AND nourishing, even the sweet ones!

I came across this recipe for a raw caramel apple dip while I was on one of my favorite blogs, Nourishing Meals, and I just HAD to make it (and share it with all of you!).

Make it for yourself, your friends and family or bring it to a party or potluck. It has become one of my go to recipes for parties, and people often ask me to bring it back again. It’s super easy to make, too.

Dip your favorite fruit in it (we used some crispy, sweet organic Fuji apples), and enjoy!

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Ingredients
1 cup medjool dates, pits removed (about 8 to 10 dates)
1/4 cup 100% maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
pinch of sea salt

soaking water from dates, as needed

Here’s the full recipe from Nourishing Meals!

Just a few simple ingredients go into this tasty dip!

Just a few simple ingredients go into this tasty dip.

Soaked cashews serve as the creamy base. You would never guess it's dairy-free!

Soaked cashews serve as the creamy base. You would never guess it’s dairy-free!

Medjool dates. These are used to naturally sweeten foods and act like caramel in most of my sweet recipes!

Medjool dates. These are used to naturally sweeten foods and act like caramel in most of my sweet recipes!