Imagine sinking your fork into a decadent dessert that tastes like pure indulgence but is actually packed with wholesome ingredients and zero added sugar. This Sugar Free Caramel Apple Dessert is about to revolutionize your sweet tooth cravings, proving that healthy eating doesn't mean sacrificing flavor. With a magical transformation of simple apples into a caramel-like sensation, this recipe will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about guilt-free treats!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples, sliced
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the apples by washing them thoroughly and slicing them into uniform thin wedges, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Remove the core and seeds.
- In a medium-sized skillet, spread the apple slices evenly across the surface. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the apples to soften and start to caramelize slightly.
- Add the unsweetened applesauce to the skillet, stirring gently to coat the apple slices. Sprinkle cinnamon over the mixture, continuing to stir occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and let the apples simmer for an additional 5-6 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the apples to become tender but not mushy.
- Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle almond butter over the warm apple mixture. Gently fold the almond butter into the apples, creating a caramel-like coating.
- Transfer the caramelized apple mixture to serving dishes. If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts over the top for added texture and crunch.
- Let the dessert cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. Can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Select firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best caramelization and flavor balance.
- Slice Uniformly: Ensure all apple slices are roughly the same thickness to promote even cooking and consistent texture.
- Watch the Heat: Medium heat is crucial - too high will burn the apples, too low won't achieve that beautiful caramelization.
- Almond Butter Technique: Add almond butter off the direct heat to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy coating.
- Optional Crunch: The chopped nuts are not just a topping but add a delightful textural contrast - don't skip them if you can!
- Serving Suggestions: This dessert is incredibly versatile - serve warm for a comforting treat or chilled for a refreshing summer dessert.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
