Vegan Caramel Apples (Oil-Free & Healthy)

• 6-8 Small Granny Smith Apples
• 6-8 Popsicle Sticks or Caramel Apple Sticks
• 2 Cups Coconut Sugar
• ½ Cup Coconut Cream
• 2 Teaspoons Vanilla
• 1 Teaspoon Sea Salt
• 6-8 Tablespoons Nut Butter **see notes
• Toppings: mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, etc

1. Line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper. If your apples have been refrigerated, dry each apple with a paper towel to remove any moisture. Skewer each apple down the middle with a stick.
2. Heat coconut sugar, coconut cream, vanilla, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium low heat, whisking constantly.
3. When the coconut sugar is fully melted, raise the heat to medium and allow the mixture to gently bubble for one minute.
4. Whisk in 6 tablespoons of the nut butter and allow the mixture to come to a boil again. The mixture will thicken - if it does not thicken, add the remaining two tablespoons of nut butter a little at a time until the mixture is thick but still smooth.
5. Remove from the heat and immediately transfer to a small bowl with high sides.
6. Dip each apple in the caramel and rotate to coat all sides and as much of the top as you can.
7. If desired, use your hands to press in any toppings.
8. Set the apples on the prepared baking sheet and allow to set 2-3 minutes.

Notes

**Choose whatever nut butter you like - peanut butter tastes great in this caramel, but a more neutral butter like cashew butter is also delicious. You may need more or less nut butter, depending on the exact texture of your nut butter.