High Protein 4 -Ingredient Bunny Bagels
A festive and healthy twist on caramel apples, made with naturally sweet date caramel and decorated like adorable Easter bunnies – a fun and wholesome treat for kids and adults alike!
Equipment
- Popsicle Stick or Chopstick: For that classic caramel apple feel – plus, they make it easy to hold your bunny masterpiece!
- Parchment Paper & Plastic Wrap: To keep things mess-free while you roll and chill.
- Rolling Pin: For flattening those dates into a caramel-like blanket for your apple. You can always use a glass cup in a pinch as well!
Ingredients
- 1 Large Apple: Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith – pick your fave for that crisp, juicy bite.
- 9 Medjool Dates: Pitted and ready to become your caramel-y coating.
- ½ Cup White Chocolate Chips: Melted to create a creamy, dreamy bunny coating.*Use allergy-free if needing to be dairy-free, nut-free or vegan such as Enjoy Life brand
- ½ Teaspoon Coconut Oil: Helps the chocolate melt smoothly and shine.
- 1/8 Teaspoon Beet Powder: For a natural, food-dye-free pink hue to give your bunny some Easter flair (see notes)
Instructions
- Draw Bunny Ear Outline: Using a pencil, draw the outline of two bunny ears on a piece of parchment paper. Flip the parchment over so you can trace the ear outline on the backside (so you aren't eating the pencil or marker used) and lay on a plate or baking sheet. Set aside. (I do this first so you work quickly once the chocolate is melted)
- Prep the Dates: Pit your Medjool dates (if not already pitted) and lay them side-by-side on a sheet of plastic wrap. Place a piece of parchment paper on top, then grab your rolling pin and gently roll the dates until they’re flattened into a smooth, caramel-like sheet. Pro tip: Channel your inner bunny and hop to it – the flatter, the better!
- Wrap the Apple: Peel off the parchment paper and place your apple in the center of the flattened dates. Fold the dates around the apple, pressing tightly to cover it completely. Use your hands to squish the dates into place, ensuring no apple peeks through. Remove the plastic wrap carefully – your apple is now wrapped in a cozy date blanket!
- Add the Stick: Insert a popsicle stick into the top of the date-covered apple. This is your bunny’s handle, so make sure it’s secure. Set the apple aside while you prep the chocolate.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a small, microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 2-3 bursts of 30 seconds, stirring between each, until the chocolate is silky smooth. (Or use a double-boiler on the stove for a fancier feel.) Stir in the beet powder to create a soft, Easter-pink hue – perfect for your bunny’s festive look!
- Coat the Apple: Drizzle with your date-covered apple into the white chocolate or dip into the bowl directly twirling to coat it evenly. Let any excess chocolate drip off, then place the apple on a parchment-lined plate.
- For the Easter Bunny charm, take your prepared parchment with bunny ear outline and trace with melted white chocolate. I used a plastic bag with a tip cut off but a pastry bag works too.
- Add the beet powder for pink hue: Add the 1/8 tsp of beet powder to the remaining white chocolate (should be roughly a tablespoon or so) and stir to mix until desired pink color. (see notes**). Fill in the inside on the bunny ears with the pink white chocolate.
- Chill & Set: Pop the "bunny ears" on a plate in the freezer for a 2-3 minutes, or until completely firm. Carefully peel the hardened "ears" off the parchment and use a dab of the remaining pink chocolate to attach to the caramel date apple. Place bunny caramel apple in the fridge for 10-15 minutes or until ready to serve (see notes***)
- Slice & Serve: Once the chocolate is set, remove your apple from the fridge, slice it into wedges, and watch the oohs and aahs roll in! Serve on a pastel platter for maximum Easter vibes, and enjoy this healthy, delicious treat with your favorite springtime crew.
