Indulge in the Ultimate Mile-High Medjool Date Caramel Apple Pie: A Refined-Sugar-Free Masterpiece
Elevate your dessert experience with an extraordinary creation: the luscious Mile-High Medjool Date Caramel Apple Pie. This show-stopping dessert transforms the beloved classic apple pie into an exciting, sophisticated, and surprisingly healthier treat perfect for any holiday gathering or special occasion. Prepare for a chorus of delighted ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ as your guests discover its irresistible charm. Encased within a perfectly crisp, flaky crust lies a generous filling of tender, chunky apples, all sumptuously enrobed in a rich, creamy Medjool Date caramel sauce. To crown this masterpiece, it’s mounded high with billows of maple-sweetened whipped cream, elegantly swirled with even more of that golden, gooey caramel. Every single decadent bite is sheer heaven, offering a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave a lasting impression.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Natural Delights Medjool Dates for sponsoring this post. Their support allows us to share this truly fantastic recipe and highlight one of our absolute favorite fruits, perfect for snacking, cooking, and baking.
I must confess: if I intend to bake this sensational Medjool Date Caramel Apple Pie, I often find myself having to strategically hide the container of Medjool Dates from my own reach. It’s a testament to their irresistible allure! Unlike leftover Halloween candy, which poses no challenge, or baking chocolate and ice cream, which I can typically resist, a container of sweet, wrinkly, sun-ripened Medjool Dates in the pantry is an entirely different story. I can’t help but sneak in and nibble one or two of these unique little fruits at every opportunity. I try to rationalize it by reminding myself of their abundant fiber and nutrition, but honestly, who am I kidding? It’s that unparalleled caramel flavor and deliciously gooey texture that consistently calls me to indulge.
The Wonderful World of Natural Delights Medjool Dates
Natural Delights Medjool Dates are far more than just a dried fruit; they are a fresh, sun-kissed fruit, carefully cultivated and packaged straight from nature. These exceptional dates thrive under very specific growing conditions, which are perfectly met in the Bard Valley of California. This small, unique region, nestled at the intersection of Arizona, California, and Mexico, offers the ideal climate and geography for producing these plump, flavorful gems.
Beyond Sweetness: The Nutritional Power of Medjool Dates
These incredibly plump and characteristically wrinkly brown fruits are a true superfood, packed with vital nutrients. They boast an impressive profile of 16 essential vitamins and minerals, making them a powerhouse of natural goodness. While rich in natural sugars, Medjool Dates are also exceptionally high in dietary fiber, which is key to their health benefits. This combination makes them a smart and healthy snack that delivers a satisfying sweet caramel flavor while providing the sustained energy you need to power through your day.
Unlike processed sugars, which are rapidly absorbed into your bloodstream, leading to unpleasant sugar spikes and subsequent energy crashes, the complex carbohydrates found in Medjool Dates are digested at a much slower rate. This gradual release of energy provides the body with a steady and prolonged fuel source, helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent those dreaded energy slumps. Incorporating Medjool Dates into your diet means enjoying a sweet treat that truly nourishes your body and supports your energy needs naturally.
But the goodness doesn’t stop there. Medjool Dates are also a fantastic source of potassium, which is crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure, and magnesium, vital for muscle and nerve function. Their fiber content aids in digestive health, promoting regularity and contributing to a feeling of fullness, which can be beneficial for weight management. Whether you’re looking for a quick energy boost, a healthier alternative to processed sweets, or a nutrient-dense addition to your meals, Medjool Dates are an outstanding choice.
From a culinary perspective, their naturally sweet, almost caramel-like taste makes them an ideal ingredient for a wide range of dishes, both sweet and savory. Their moist, chewy texture adds a delightful mouthfeel to everything from smoothies and energy bars to complex desserts like our featured apple pie. The convenience of their natural sweetness also means you can often reduce or eliminate refined sugars in your recipes, making them a staple for health-conscious cooks and bakers.
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Medjool Date Caramel? Absolutely!
Beyond their merits as a wholesome snack, Natural Delights Medjool Dates are incredibly versatile in the kitchen, proving to be a delicious fresh ingredient for both cooking and baking. And now, I’m going to let you in on a little secret that will change your dessert game forever: they make the most astonishingly amazing caramel! You simply need to purée these magnificent Medjool Dates with hot water to create a lusciously smooth, rich, and naturally sweet caramel paste. A touch of salt and pure vanilla extract further rounds out their inherent flavor, transforming them into something truly magical.
This exquisite Medjool Date caramel paste is unbelievably decadent. Imagine it spread generously on warm toast, dolloped over a comforting bowl of porridge or fluffy pancakes, stirred into creamy yogurt for a delightful snack, or, as we’ll explore today, used to transform a humble apple pie into a sensational, special-occasion dessert. The best part? Ta-da! You’ll achieve an absolute showstopper of a pie to serve at your next gathering, and the entire creation is completely refined-sugar-free! As an added bonus for those with dietary restrictions, if you opt for the gluten-free pie crust recipe provided, this extraordinary dessert becomes entirely gluten-free, too!
Now, feast your eyes on that beautiful bowl of Medjool Date caramel. You’d be entirely forgiven if you found yourself wanting to dig in with a spoon immediately. In fact, I highly recommend making at least a double batch so you can have some on hand for enjoying on its own and for various snacking purposes. And for those times when you absolutely must hide it from yourself (because, let’s be honest, it’s that good), you’ll be pleased to know that Medjool Date Caramel freezes exceptionally well, ready to be thawed and enjoyed whenever a craving strikes.
If you’re looking for other ways to enjoy the rich flavor of Medjool Dates, especially in a chocolate version, you absolutely must try this irresistible Chocolate & Medjool Date Spread – many say it’s even better than Nutella! And for another stunning, extra-special company or holiday dessert featuring Medjool Dates, this ultra-decadent Chocolate Ganache Tart with a Medjool Date & Nut Crust is not only breathtakingly beautiful to behold but also boasts a flavor profile that’s equally captivating and memorable. These recipes truly highlight the incredible versatility and natural sweetness of Medjool Dates.
Crafting Your Special Mile-High Medjool Date Caramel Apple Pie
Alright, let’s be realistic – this pie isn’t actually a mile high, nor even a kilometer. However, it certainly stands significantly taller and prouder than your average apple pie, living up to its “mile-high” aspiration in deliciousness and visual appeal. This magnificent dessert is a harmonious blend of carefully chosen components, each playing a vital role in creating its unforgettable character.
The Components of Perfection:
- The Perfect Crust: The foundation of this spectacular pie is a pre-baked crust. This crucial step ensures that your crust remains wonderfully crisp and flaky, providing a delightful contrast to the soft filling. You have the option to craft your own from scratch using the recipes provided below (including an excellent gluten-free version), or for convenience, you can use a high-quality ready-made crust – just be sure to check for any unnecessary added sugars. A perfectly golden-brown crust adds both structural integrity and a buttery flavor note.
- Decadent Date Caramel: The first step in creating this pie’s signature flavor is to prepare a batch of that exquisite Medjool Date Caramel. This natural sweetener not only imbues the pie with a rich, complex sweetness but also offers a healthier alternative to traditional caramel. Be sure to set aside a portion of this glorious caramel for the impressive topping; the remainder will be generously folded into the apple filling. (This is precisely why a double batch is always a wise decision!)
- The Apple Filling: The heart of any apple pie! We start with fresh, flavorful apples, peeled and diced into chunky pieces. These are gently cooked until they reach a tender, yielding consistency, allowing their natural sweetness and slight tartness to shine. The cooked apples are then expertly thickened and combined with a generous amount of the prepared Medjool Date Caramel. To further enhance and deepen the rich caramel notes, a small dollop of pure maple syrup is added. We’ve deliberately kept the traditional pie spices to a mere whisper – just enough cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to offer a comforting nod to classic apple pie, ensuring they act as a supporting cast, allowing the magnificent caramel flavor of the dates to truly take center stage.
- The Mile-High Whipped Topping: No “mile-high” pie would be complete without an equally impressive crown. A generous, billowy layer of luscious whipped cream adorns the pie, lightly sweetened with maple syrup for a delicate sweetness that perfectly complements the rich caramel. To ensure this topping remains beautifully set, sliceable, and doesn’t “weep” even the next day (should there be any delightful leftovers!), it’s thoughtfully stabilized with a touch of cornstarch and powdered gelatin. This allows for elegant presentation and easy serving, maintaining its fluffy texture.
- More Caramel, More Delight: The crowning glory, adding a touch of casual elegance, comes in the form of glorious swirls upon swirls of that magnificent Medjool Date Caramel, artfully dancing with the creamy whipped topping. These visually appealing ribbons not only look stunning but also ensure a delightful burst of caramel flavor with every bite.
- The Final Flourish: To complete the aesthetic and add an extra layer of texture, little exclamation points of finely diced Medjool Dates are artfully scattered amidst the caramel swirls. These chewy bits provide a delightful textural contrast and a concentrated pop of date flavor, making each slice an even more exciting experience.
Make-Ahead Magic: The Beauty of Preparation
Yes, I’ll admit, this Medjool Date Caramel Apple Pie does involve a few different components, making it a bit more involved than your average weeknight dessert. However, for a special occasion, the effort is undeniably worth it. The genuine smiles of pleasure and satisfied murmurs on your guests’ faces as they take that first exquisite bite will be your most gratifying reward. The true beauty and genius of this pie, especially for busy hosts, lies in its remarkable make-ahead flexibility. You can effortlessly prepare it in convenient stages, significantly reducing stress on the day of your event.
For instance, the pie crust can be baked several days in advance and kept loosely covered with plastic wrap at room temperature. The luscious Medjool Date Caramel, the star of the show, can also be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. The apple filling can be cooked and assembled into the cooled crust the day before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The only component you’ll want to prepare closer to assembly is the whipped cream, but even that can be done a few hours before the pie is finished. In fact, you can fully assemble the entire pie the day before your event, refrigerate it uncovered, and watch as it seems to magically get even better with time. The crust remarkably retains its crispness, the stabilized cream remains perfectly fluffy and doesn’t weep, and the Medjool Caramel on top stays wonderfully creamy and soft. This comprehensive make-ahead capability truly makes it a definite winner for entertaining, allowing you to enjoy your guests without last-minute culinary frenzy.
Sourcing Your Medjool Dates: Where to Find These Sweet Gems
A common question I receive is, “Where can I find Medjool Dates?” And it’s an important one, as not all dates are created equal for this recipe. Remember, Natural Delights Medjool Dates are categorized as a fresh fruit, not a dried one, which accounts for their superior moistness and rich caramel flavor. The good news is, lucky for all of us, they are readily available year-round in the produce section of most major grocery stores and supermarkets. You can most likely find them right now at your local store, nestled among other fresh fruits.
To easily locate a store near you that carries Natural Delights Medjool Dates, you can use their convenient store locator tool here. And while you’re there, you might want to pick up a container of one of their Natural Delights Mini Medjools. These are a fantastic blend of Medjool Dates and simple, wholesome ingredients, creating a satisfying and fulfilling snack. We are particularly fond of the coconut-flavored ones – they’re absolutely delightful!
Fantastic Flavor & Refined-Sugar-Free: A Guilt-Free Indulgence
The flavor profile of this Mile-High Medjool Date Caramel Apple Pie is truly what makes it so unforgettable and deserving of its “special occasion” status. The deeply rich, complex, and naturally sweet Medjool caramel perfectly complements the bright, slightly tart, and tender apple pieces. Imagine the classic delight of a toffee apple, but elevated to a sophisticated, pie form. The subtlest whiff of warming spices—just enough to be noticed but not overpowering—offers a comforting nod to traditional apple pie, yet consciously steps back to let that magnificent, distinctive caramel flavor of the dates truly shine as the star.
A thoughtful touch of maple syrup in both the apple filling and the billowy whipped cream layer marries wonderfully with the caramel tones, adding another layer of natural sweetness and depth. The glorious caramel swirls cascading over the top of the pie add an undeniable touch of casual elegance, making the dessert as visually appealing as it is delicious. And then, for a playful hint of whimsy and a delightful textural surprise, the little pops of chewy, diced Medjool Date scattered on top offer bursts of concentrated flavor and a satisfying chewiness in every forkful.
Presenting this festive dessert on your holiday table or at any celebratory gathering is a beautiful way to pamper your guests, signaling that they are worth the special effort. Even better, you’ll feel immensely good knowing that this entire decadent masterpiece is crafted without any refined sugars. This secret little gift of natural sweetness and wholesome ingredients is an added bonus, transforming this already spectacular pie into a truly guilt-free indulgence that everyone can appreciate.
Other Delicious Apple Recipes to Consider
If you’re an apple enthusiast like us, or simply looking for more delightful ways to incorporate this versatile fruit into your baking, here are some other fantastic apple recipes from our kitchen that you might love:
- Apple Slab Pie with Buttery Streusel Top Crust
- Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal
- Bavarian Apple Cake (Bayrischer Apfelkuchen)
- German Crustless Apple Pie – Creamy & Loaded with Apples
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Guten Appetit!
Mile-High Medjool Date Caramel Apple Pie
Margaret Bose Johnson
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Ingredients
- 1 prebaked 9-inch (23cm) pie crust gluten-free or regular (see Notes below for recipes, if needed)
for the Medjool Date Caramel
- 12 Medjool Dates (220gms) (1 cup when pitted and lightly packed)
- ¾ cup (180ml) hot or boiling water plus a bit more, if needed
- ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
for the Apple Filling
- 6 cups (800gms) peeled, diced apples, firm crisp variety like gala, honeycrisp, ambrosia or a mix of them about 6 medium apples -2½ lbs whole apples
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- ¾ cup (180ml) unsweetened apple juice, divided
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ cup (32gms) cornstarch
- reserved Medjool Date Caramel from above about ¾ cup (180ml)
For the Mile-High Pie Topping
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon powdered gelatin
- 1½ cups (360ml) whipping cream 33% milkfat or higher
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ cup (120ml) reserved Medjool Date Caramel (from above)
- 1 large, plump Medjool Date
Instructions
- Pre-bake the pie crust and let it cool completely (or use a purchased pie crust). Refer to the Notes section below for detailed recipes for both gluten-free and regular crusts, if needed.
Make the Medjool Date Caramel
- Pit the Medjool Dates carefully, ensuring all stem caps are removed. Place the pitted dates into a high-speed blender along with the salt.
- Add most of the hot water, reserving 1-2 tablespoons in the cup in case it’s needed later; the exact amount will depend on the natural moisture content of your Medjool Dates. Cover and blend the dates and water, pausing frequently to scrape down the sides of the blender container. Gradually add any of the remaining water, a small amount at a time, if necessary. If your Medjool Dates are particularly dry, you may need to add a bit of additional water beyond the initial ¾ cup. The goal is to add just enough water to allow the paste to move steadily and blend smoothly in the blender. Once the desired consistency is achieved, add the vanilla extract. Continue blending until the Medjool Date Caramel is perfectly smooth and silky. It should have the luscious texture and consistency of thick pudding – soft yet easily spreadable, holding its shape beautifully when swirled.
- This recipe yields approximately 1¼ cups (300ml) of delightful Medjool Date Caramel.
- Scoop out ½ cup (120ml) of the freshly made Medjool Date Caramel and set it aside; this portion will be used for swirling into the whipped topping when you finish assembling the pie. Scrape the remaining caramel (approximately ¾ cup/180ml) into a separate bowl or cup – this larger amount is designated for the Apple Filling.
Make the Apple Filling
- Begin by peeling and dicing your chosen apples into consistent ½-inch cubes. Place them into a medium-sized saucepan along with the lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar), ½ cup (120ml) of the unsweetened apple juice, and the butter. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium. Cook the apples, stirring occasionally, uncovered, for about 10 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape.
- Once the apples are tender, stir in the maple syrup, cinnamon, ground ginger, and nutmeg. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed and infuse the apples with their fragrant notes.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup (60ml) of apple juice and the cornstarch until a smooth slurry is formed. This slurry will act as your thickening agent.
- Pour the reserved Medjool Date Caramel (the larger amount, approximately ¾ cup) and the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan with the apples. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for an additional 5 minutes, or until the apple filling has significantly thickened and is bubbling gently. This ensures the cornstarch is fully cooked and the filling is glossy.
- Allow the apple filling to cool for about 10 minutes to prevent the crust from becoming soggy. Then, carefully pour the warm filling into your prebaked pie shell, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top. Chill the pie in the refrigerator until the filling has cooled completely to room temperature, which will help it set properly before the topping is added.
Make the Mile-High Whipped Topping
- Begin by preparing the gelatin. Pour the cold water into a microwave-safe cup or into a small bowl that can be placed over a pot of simmering water (a double boiler setup). Sprinkle the powdered gelatin evenly over the cold water and let it rest for 5 minutes. This crucial step allows the gelatin granules to “bloom” or absorb the water, ensuring a smooth dissolve. Once bloomed, heat the gelatin gently to dissolve it completely. You can microwave it for approximately 20-25 seconds, stirring once halfway through, or heat it in the bowl set over simmering water for a few minutes, stirring until no gelatin crystals are visible. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large, chilled mixing bowl, combine the cold whipping cream (ensure it has 33% milkfat or higher for best whipping results) and the cornstarch. Using electric beaters or a sturdy whisk, whip the mixture until soft peaks begin to form. Next, whip in the maple syrup until fully incorporated, adding a delicate sweetness. While continuing to beat, slowly pour in the slightly cooled liquid gelatin water. Continue beating until the mixture is well combined and reaches firm peaks. The combination of gelatin and cornstarch is key here, as it will beautifully stabilize the whipped cream, ensuring it slices cleanly on the pie and remains perfectly fluffy without getting runny, even when chilled for an extended period.
- Carefully spread the stabilized whipped cream evenly over the completely cooled apple filling in the pie crust. Create a generous, impressive layer that hints at the “mile-high” nature of this dessert.
- Now for the artistic touch! Plop spoonfuls of the reserved ½ cup of Medjool Date Caramel strategically over the top of the whipped cream layer. Using a butter knife or an offset spatula, gently swirl the caramel into the cream in attractive, elegant patterns. Don’t overmix; the goal is beautiful ribbons and contrasts.
- Take your large, plump Medjool Date, cut it in half lengthwise, and carefully remove the pit. Then, cut each date half into 4 thin strips, and further dice these strips into small, even cubes. Scatter these sweet, chewy pieces evenly and artfully over the swirled topping. They add both visual appeal and a delightful textural element.
- Finally, chill the assembled pie, uncovered, in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours (or ideally, up to overnight). This crucial chilling time allows the whipped cream to fully set and firm up, ensuring beautifully clean slices when you serve.
- When ready to serve, cut the pie into 8 generous wedges and enjoy your spectacular creation!
Notes
Recipe for a Perfect Baked 9-inch Gluten-Free Pie Shell
Crafting a delicious gluten-free pie crust is easier than you think, and this recipe delivers a wonderfully flaky result.
- 2 tablespoons ground golden flax seeds
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1½ cups (200gms) cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend (I use this one)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ cup (115gms) cold lard (or butter), diced
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (or 1 egg yolk for richness)
Instructions for Gluten-Free Pie Shell: Stir together the ground flax seeds and water in a small bowl and let it sit for about 10 minutes to gel. In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Add the cold, diced lard (or butter) and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry blender, two knives, or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of fat remaining. Incorporate the flax gel and Greek yogurt (or egg yolk) and gently mix with your hands until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough. If it seems too dry, add up to 1 tablespoon more cold water, a teaspoon at a time. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Once chilled, roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to your desired thickness. Carefully fit it into a 9-inch (23cm) deep-dish pie shell, crimping the edges decoratively and trimming off any excess pastry. (See a visual guide on how to roll and fit pie dough here.)
To ensure a perfectly crisp crust, poke the pie shell all over with a fork (this prevents bubbling during baking). Bake it in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 – 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it, especially at the 5-minute and 10-minute marks, and gently push down any bulges that may form with the back of a spoon to ensure an even bake.
Recipe for a Classic Baked 9-inch Regular Pie Shell
For those who prefer a traditional crust, this recipe yields a wonderfully tender and flaky pastry.
- 1½ cups (200gms) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ cup (115gms) cold lard (or butter), diced
- 3-4 tablespoons cold water
Instructions for Regular Pie Shell: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Add the cold, diced lard (or butter) and cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, leaving some larger pea-sized pieces of fat for flakiness. Add 3 tablespoons of the cold water and stir gently. Then, use your hands to quickly bring the dough together until it just forms a cohesive ball. If the dough is too dry or crumbly, add up to 1 tablespoon more cold water, one teaspoon at a time, until it comes together. Avoid overworking the dough, as this can make it tough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Once chilled, lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to your desired thickness. Carefully transfer the rolled dough into a 9-inch (23cm) deep-dish pie shell. Crimp the edges decoratively and trim off any excess pastry for a neat finish. To prevent air bubbles and ensure an even bake, poke the bottom and sides of the pie shell all over with a fork.
Bake the regular pie shell following the same temperature and time guidelines as for the gluten-free pie shell above: in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 – 30 minutes, checking at the 5-minute and 10-minute marks to gently press down any bulges.
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