Caramel Apple Milkshake
Author: 
Recipe type: Beverage, Sweet, Healthy
Cuisine: Halloween, Vegan, Gluten-free
Prep time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 3
 
Creamy, fall-spiced milkshake, swirled with date caramel, and topped with a raw donut and coconut whipped cream. A guilt-free Halloween treat!
Ingredients
For the donuts:
  • ½ cup pecans
  • ¼ cup almonds
  • ½ cup dried apple rings
  • ½ cup dates* soaked & drained
  • Pinch of Himalayan pink salt
For the Caramel
  • 1 cup dates*, soaked & drained
  • ½ cup filtered water
  • 2½ tbsp almond butter
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp Himalayan pink salt
For the Milkshake
  • 2 frozen bananas
  • ¾ cup unsweetened apple sauce
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 3 tbsp caramel (see recipe below)
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp each of Himalayan pink salt, ground nutmeg, cinnamon & ginger
  • ½ cup coconut whipped cream, optional
Instructions
  1. First, lightly grease three holes of a donut pan with a neutral tasting oil, like rapeseed/canola.
  2. Add pecans and almonds to a blender or food processor, pulse until a fine grain.
  3. Next, add in the apple rings, dates, and salt. Pulse again until the mixture comes together in a sticky dough.
  4. Evenly divide out the dough into three and press into the donut pan. Place in the freezer for 30 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, place all of the ingredients for your caramel into a blender and run on high speed for 1-2 minutes, or until smooth.
  6. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  7. Place all of the ingredients for your milkshake, including three tablespoons of the caramel you just made, into a blender.
  8. Blend for a few minutes until smooth. (I used the Vitamix Smoothie setting.)
  9. Drizzle the caramel on the inside and outside of three glasses.
  10. Pour the milkshake into the glasses.
  11. Remove the donuts from the freezer and carefully pop them out of the holes—I find it easiest to use a teaspoon to loosen.
  12. Dip each donut into the caramel and use to decorate your milkshake, along with dried apple rings and coconut whipped cream.
Notes
*Soak pitted dates overnight, or in hot water for 1 hour. Alternatively, you can use soft medjool dates.
Recipe by The Hungry Herbivores at https://www.thehungryherbivores.com/caramel-apple-milkshake/