Fruit Skewers with Sugar-Free, Dairy-free Caramel Dip

Fruit makes an excellent snack all year round, but especially during the summer when everything is extra fresh and flavorful!

It’s no different with fruit salad! During the summer months, they’re always absolutely amazing!

The only thing is that fruit salad is so popular it can feel boring sometimes. So switch it up with these Rainbow Fruit Skewers!

They’re also really simple to make, but they just look way more fun! Kids will love these! Serve them after school, by the pool, at summer sleepovers, or… if you’re having a cookout, try putting them on the grill for an extra tasty after-dinner treat!

Still looking for something more… maybe a dip?

Serve the skewers with our dairy-free and sugar-free Caramel Sauce!!!

It’s only three ingredients, and one of them is water. Couldn’t be easier.

This recipe came about when my nephew asked me for a caramel covered apples. We just happened to have date paste in the fridge, and within minutes I had sliced apples and caramel sauce for him.

He LOVED it!!! I was actually a bit surprised at how he was not just satisfied but acted like he was in heaven with his new treat. And he watched me make it so now it’s a yummy (and healthy) dessert he can make all on his own.

Serve this caramel sauce as a dip for any fresh fruit, or however else you like to use caramel.

I think you and your fam will agree it’s a winner!

Fruit Skewers with Sugar-Free, Dairy-free Caramel Dip

By Chef Katie Mae

Makes a dozen skewers + 1 cup sauce | Ready in 30 minutes | Stores 3 days in the fridge

CARAMEL INGREDIENTS

• 6–7 Medjool dates, pitted and soaked for up to 8 hours
• ½–1 cup hot water*
• 1/3 cup unsweetened peanut butter

SKEWER INGREDIENTS

• 12 strawberries, raspberries, OR pieces of watermelon
• 12 pieces of cantaloupe OR orange segments
• 12 pieces of pineapple
• 12 pieces of kiwi OR honeydew melon
• 36 blueberries

DIRECTIONS

1. In a blender or small food processor fitted with the "S" blade, add the dates, ½ cup soak water, and peanut butter. Blend until smooth. Depending on your nut butter consistency, you may want to add ¼ to ½ cup more water to get your desired consistency. Transfer the sauce to a small bowl and set aside.
2. If using wooden or bamboo skewers, remove any splinters they might have by rolling a few together in your hands, or you can rub them over each other as if sharpening a knife.
3. Cut the fruit that is not already in bite-size pieces into ½ to 1-inch chunks.
4. First, add the strawberry, raspberry, or watermelon to the skewer.
5. Then, the orange or cantaloupe.
6. Then, the pineapple.
7. Then, the kiwifruit or honeydew melon.
8. Finish the skewer with 3 blueberries on the pointed end—push them far enough up, so they don't slip off.
9. Serve the Rainbow Fruit Skewers with Caramel Sauce on the side. Enjoy!

CHEF’S NOTES

If you’re not soaking the dates ahead of time, or only for a short time, then it’s very helpful to use hot water to help soften the dates.
If you don’t want to use peanut butter, you can use almond butter, but the taste and consistency won’t be quite as much like caramel.
Although the fruit will be good in an air-tight container in the fridge for a few days, it’s best to make the skewers just before serving. The fruit loses its freshness and doesn’t look as pretty after it’s been cut and sitting for a while.
However, you can make the caramel dip the day before without losing any flavor.