Minimalist Baker

Simple Food, Simply Delicious

  • about
  • recipes
  • Cookbooks
    • Everyday Cooking (print)
  • Shop
  • blogger resources
  • Courses
    • food photography school
    • food video school
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Creamy Dulce de Leche Pops

Creamy vegan homemade Dulce De Leche Pops for dessert

Happy Valentine’s Day, friends! What are you up to this weekend?

I’m just getting over a little cold and looking forward to a weekend in before we travel yet again all of next week.

This time I’ll be in Kansas visiting friends and family and tackling a freelance gig while John skips over to New Zealand with a close friend. Lots of adventure in February for us Minimalist Bakers.

Let’s get to the good stuff: dessert. If you’re in need of a last minute treat this weekend, try these simple, naturally-sweetened Dulce de Leche Pops made with just 5 ingredients. (Bourbon is optional, but c’mon).

Grabbing some coconut cream for making vegan Dulce de Leche popsBowl of dates for making homemade vegan Dulce de Leche pops

It all starts with the magic of coconut cream (or milk) and sultry dates.

I could eat dates all day every day – OK, I pretty much do. They work some serious magic in this recipe, providing a caramel swirl that’s seriously reminiscent of dulce de leche. Bowl of date caramel for making vegan Dulce de Leche pops

The process is simple, too. Just blend your dates into a smooth “caramel,” add half to the coconut milk, and mix. Then add the remaining date caramel back into the mix, swirl, and freeze! It’s that easy.

The result is a seriously delectable, naturally-sweetened vegan and gluten-free Popsicle that’s like ice cream on a stick. You’ll likely want to eat all of them at once – trust me. This is why you need a friend on standby for help (in both restraint and sampling).

Salty and sweet Dulce De Leche Pops alongside date and spoons of coconut milkDulce De Leche Pops for an amazing gluten-free vegan dessert

What do they taste like? So glad you asked. They’re:

Creamy
Smooth
Sweet
Caramel-swirled
Slightly salty
& Soooo dreamy

These would make a delicious dessert any time of year, but especially when you want something creamy without breaking out the ice cream maker.

If you don’t have Popsicle molds, use oversized ice cube molds instead! It makes a fun shape and they can be easily blended into a milkshake with additional coconut milk (and/or bourbon – c’mon). Live a little – that’s what I say.

Simple and creamy vegan Dulce De Leche Popsicle squaresHolding up a Dulce De Leche Pop for an incredible vegan dessert

We hope you love this recipe! If you try it, let us know: Leave a comment, rate it, or take a picture and tag it #minimalistbaker on Instagram! I also joined the Snapchat revolution (all the kids are doin’ it), so you can send me a pic there as well (username: minimalistbaker). I’m a super newbie though so bare with me.

Happy Valentine’s weekend, friends! We’re sending you all a giant John + Dana sandwich-style hug (even you, Rhonda). Cheers!

Holding up a Vegan Dulce De Leche Pop with date caramel on topSimple homemade Dulce De Leche Pops for a vegan summer dessertCreamy vegan Dulce De Leche Popsicles for a homemade dessert

Print
Baking sheet with Creamy Dulce de Leche Pops on wooden popsicle sticks
4.56 from 9 votes

Creamy Dulce de Leche Pops

Amazing 5-ingredient Dulce de Leche Pops made with coconut milk and naturally sweetened with dates and maple syrup. Salty, sweet, and SO creamy and delicious! A healthier dessert for the caramel lover.
Author: Minimalist Baker
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 10 (pops)
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Vegan
Freezer Friendly 1 Week
Does it keep? Store in freezer.

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric
  • 14 whole medjool dates (pitted // 15 dates equal ~253 g or 1 1/4 cups // if dry, soak in warm water for 10 min. then drain)
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1 14-ounce can coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk (if using full-fat milk, add 1 Tbsp melted coconut oil)*
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1-2 Tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 Tbsp bourbon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Add pitted dates to a food processor or high-speed blender and blend until a caramel-like paste is achieved. If you have trouble blending, add 2-4 Tbsp warm water (amount as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size) to help achieve the right texture - thick and spreadable. Scrape down sides as needed and blend until a thick, caramel-like consistency is achieved.
  2. Once the date caramel is smooth and creamy, add 1/4 - 1/2 tsp (amount as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size) sea salt depending on how salty you prefer it. Taste and adjust as needed.

  3. Scoop out caramel and set aside. Then add coconut cream (or coconut milk + coconut oil), vanilla, 1/2 cup of the date caramel, and 1-2 Tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar for additional sweetness (amounts as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size). Blend until creamy and smooth and taste and adjust flavors as needed. Bourbon is optional, but recommended for flavor.

  4. Transfer mixture to a mixing bowl, cover and chill in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours (or freezer for 1-2 hours) for best results. (If you're impatient and can't wait, skip this step. The Popsicles just won't be as swirled as if you were to let the batter chill.)
  5. Once chilled, add the remaining caramel back in in small spoonfuls and loosely stir to combine / swirl.
  6. Scoop/pour into Popsicle or ice cube molds (about 10, depending on their size // as original recipe is written) trying to evenly distribute the caramel swirls, and tap to remove air bubbles. Insert Popsicle sticks and freeze for at least 6 hours or until firm.

  7. Once set, remove from freezer and let rest for 5 minutes to soften. Then gently pull out of molds and enjoy. Pops keep covered in the freezer for up to 1 week, though best when fresh.

Notes

*Coconut cream is ideal in this recipe as it yields the creamiest Popsicle. Although full-fat coconut milk will work with the coconut (or other neutral) oil added.
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated without bourbon.
*Prep time does not include chilling / freezing.

Nutrition Per Serving (1 of 10 pops)

  • Calories: 130
  • Fat: 9.5g
  • Saturated fat: 8.4g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Carbohydrates: 12.3g
  • Fiber: 1.8g
  • Sugar: 9.9g
  • Protein: 1.2g
instagram camera

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @minimalistbaker on Instagram and hashtag it #minimalistbaker.

FacebookTwitterPin It

50 Comments 30 minutes or less, 7 ingredients or less, Dairy-Free, Gluten Free, Grain-Free, Mexican-Inspired, No Bake, Nut-Free, Oil-Free, Refined Sugar-Free, Snacks, Soy-Free, Sweet (dessert), Vegan, Winter

← Easy Vegan Truffles
Kale, Lentil, & Roasted Beet Salad →
Get Our Fan Favorites eBook Here!

danaHi, I'm Dana! I am a food stylist, photographer, creator of Food Photography School and author of Everyday Cooking.

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and read more about us here!

Talk About It

(or jump to leave a comment & review)
All commentsI made thisQuestions
  1. Avatar for AnnaAnna says

    February 14, 2015 at 6:07 am

    This looks so yummy! I make Popsicles ALL the time and these look like a great one to add into the rotation. Just one question however- do you have a hard time getting these out of plastic molds? I find that the higher fat Popsicles fall apart sometimes… If so then I’ll make them in mini paper cups instead.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Laura ~ Raise Your GardenLaura ~ Raise Your Garden says

      February 16, 2015 at 4:53 am

      I started to be one of those people who “make popsicles all the time” when I looked at the ingredient list of the store bought ones, yuck! I love the idea of making these, I’m going to get hubby to help though =)

      Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      February 21, 2015 at 5:04 pm

      They were actually quite easy! If you’re gentle and let them thaw just a couple minutes, they slide out nicely!

      Reply
      • Avatar for PriscillaPriscilla says

        June 1, 2018 at 6:03 pm

        Hi Dana! Can I use this recipe to make icecream in the icecream maker as well? ?? I love your recipes!!

        Reply
        • Avatar for Support @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

          June 3, 2018 at 11:53 am

          We haven’t tried and can’t say for sure, but if you give it a go, report back!

          Reply
  2. Avatar for Jessie Snyder | Faring WellJessie Snyder | Faring Well says

    February 14, 2015 at 7:25 am

    Oh my goodness this recipe looks so creamy and perfectly sweet!! And WHAT he is going to New Zealand without you?! How does that work?! Stoked you’ll be still doing some awesome stuff in Kansas, but seriously, sneak in his suitcase!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      February 21, 2015 at 5:05 pm

      Right? Kinda lame. But this way he can scope out all the good places and take me back some day!

      Reply
  3. Avatar for Mabel @ Ma Bella VitaMabel @ Ma Bella Vita says

    February 14, 2015 at 7:57 am

    Wow! those look DELICIOUS. Cant wait to try them. I am obsessed with anything coconut.

    Reply
  4. Avatar for Michelle @ Hummingbird HighMichelle @ Hummingbird High says

    February 14, 2015 at 10:37 am

    Yum! These look absolutely amazing. I’ve always been a fan of dulce de leche, and turning them into ice pops = pure genius!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      February 21, 2015 at 5:05 pm

      Thanks Michelle! P.S. we still need to get together, yo!

      Reply
  5. Avatar for AnnaAnna says

    February 14, 2015 at 11:16 am

    yummm this looks amaziing!! Can’t wait for the sun to come and start making those.

    Reply
  6. Avatar for Nina - Silver&RosyNina - Silver&Rosy says

    February 14, 2015 at 1:45 pm

    This looks delicious! Must try it myself :)

    Reply
  7. Avatar for Gabriella SusantoGabriella Susanto says

    February 14, 2015 at 3:37 pm

    Hi John & Dana, totally love your blog! your blogger resources were super useful to me and really helped me to get my blog up and running! I wanted to ask whether you would be able to do a rich pin tutorial for pinterest? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      February 21, 2015 at 5:06 pm

      We’ll add it to the list! Thanks, Gabriella!

      Reply
  8. Avatar for AbbyAbby says

    February 14, 2015 at 4:14 pm

    These popsicles look so, so amazing, Dana. That creaminess and the date caramel… NEED!

    Happy Valentines Day to you and John! xx

    Reply
  9. Avatar for AshleyAshley says

    February 14, 2015 at 6:51 pm

    I have to say just seeing the photo made me want to try these! After reading your blog this is definitely something on my list to make! I am really lacking confidence about making caramel myself but you have given me the boost to try it!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      February 21, 2015 at 5:07 pm

      It’s so easy! You have to give it a try!

      Reply
  10. Avatar for CassieCassie says

    February 14, 2015 at 9:24 pm

    I know what to do with my dates now :D

    Reply
  11. Avatar for Millie | Add A LittleMillie | Add A Little says

    February 14, 2015 at 11:25 pm

    This literally looks like heaven Dana. My mouth is watering!!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for Maggie @ Veg FiendMaggie @ Veg Fiend says

    February 15, 2015 at 6:01 am

    Such a simple recipe! I love it. I also welcome any new ways to use up cans of TJ’s pure coconut cream :) I always keep one in my pantry.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      February 21, 2015 at 5:07 pm

      I always keep like three! I have a problem.

      Reply
  13. Avatar for Emily @ Life on FoodEmily @ Life on Food says

    February 15, 2015 at 2:15 pm

    These look so yummy. Even with our below freezing temperatures and snow these are still super tempting.

    Reply
  14. Avatar for MinimanimalMinimanimal says

    February 15, 2015 at 4:35 pm

    Looks so good!

    -Jesper

    Reply
  15. Avatar for truly, Addiatruly, Addia says

    February 15, 2015 at 4:54 pm

    oh these look so good

    Reply
  16. Avatar for DRAMADRAMA says

    February 15, 2015 at 7:24 pm

    YUUM! I’m in love with that Ice cream =)
    Thanks for sharing!

    nastyadrama.ru

    Reply
  17. Avatar for LizLiz says

    February 16, 2015 at 1:12 am

    The weather has been so wonderful in Oregon meaning yes to Popsicles! Safe travels and have fun to you both!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      February 21, 2015 at 5:08 pm

      I KNOW! So sad we left the week it was so nice. Hopefully the sun’s still out when we get back!

      Reply
  18. Avatar for Mandie @ MandieMandie @ Mandie's Kitchen says

    February 16, 2015 at 1:35 pm

    These look awesome! I’ve never tried anything Dulce De Leche flavoured, but I’ve definitely wanted to! These may be just the thing!

    Reply
  19. Avatar for Nicole {VeganShowOff.com}Nicole {VeganShowOff.com} says

    February 16, 2015 at 6:21 pm

    Yum, think I’m going to throw this recipe into the ice cream maker and see what happens (yup, feeling crazy)!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      February 21, 2015 at 5:09 pm

      DO IT! And, report back!

      Reply
  20. Avatar for FelicityFelicity says

    February 16, 2015 at 9:29 pm

    Hi Dana,

    These look great, I’ll have to give them a go sometime! I presume if I’m substituting regular dates for medjool dates (as they are about 1/4 of the price) that I would use the same quantity – is that correct?

    Also, it could just be my computer, but I just wanted to let you know that the past week I’ve tried to pin several of your recipes to Pinterest and Pinterest keeps telling me, “We’re having some trouble talking to cdn.minimalistbaker.com. Please try again later!” so I’m not sure what’s up there.

    Cheers,
    Felicity

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      February 21, 2015 at 5:10 pm

      The kind of dates shouldn’t really matter! Just use the same measurement. I’ll look into the Pinterest thing. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Avatar for FelicityFelicity says

        February 21, 2015 at 5:42 pm

        Thanks Dana!

        Reply
  21. Avatar for KathrynKathryn says

    February 17, 2015 at 11:42 am

    The idea of this, in milkshake form, with bourbon – yes please!! I’m having a girl’s night for my birthday at the end of the month and that might just end up being the cocktail of the evening!

    x Kathryn

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      February 21, 2015 at 5:11 pm

      SMART! Have a fun ladies night! + Happy Birthday!!!

      Reply
  22. Avatar for TrishaTrisha says

    February 19, 2015 at 4:26 am

    aiaiai. SO lovely and creamy!

    Reply
  23. Avatar for Teffy @ TeffyTeffy @ Teffy's Perks says

    February 23, 2015 at 11:41 pm

    Oh god how I absolutely love doce de leite (Brazil’s version of dulce de leche!). I remember my granny making jars of the stuff for me, and I’d eat it straight with a spoon.
    Since shying off milk and refined sugars it’s a childhood favourite I definitely miss, but these popsicles look like they might hit the spot!

    Reply
  24. Avatar for SarahSarah says

    February 25, 2015 at 6:56 am

    These look so good. I can’t wait to try them!

    Reply
  25. Avatar for Viva La DIYViva La DIY says

    February 25, 2015 at 9:34 pm

    Definitely going to make these!
    ♡ Dulce

    Reply
  26. Avatar for LeahLeah says

    April 25, 2015 at 1:05 pm

    Just put these in the freezer, I was licking the bowl clean! So easy and so good!!

    Reply
  27. Avatar for SusanaSusana says

    April 29, 2015 at 9:10 am

    Hi, if I don’t have coconut cream on hand, how would I be able to make it out of coconut milk and coconut oil? What would be the proportions for the substitution? Thank you so much! Looks delicious! :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for SusanaSusana says

      April 29, 2015 at 9:11 am

      Never mind! Just re-read your recipe! x)

      Reply
  28. Avatar for AliAli says

    June 18, 2015 at 7:41 pm

    I just tried this today! It is SO delicious. I almost couldn’t stop eating the mix before freezing it! Now that they are frozen, the texture has changed from creamy to almost gritty. Did you have this happen? Trader Joes was totally out of coconut cream, so I used a Native Forest brand coconut cream, which honestly seemed the exact same as full fat coconut milk. I know that coconut does tend to bead up when freezing, so I’m wondering how did you prevent this from happening?

    Thanks!!!! YuMMMMMM

    Reply
  29. Avatar for Tammy ThieleTammy Thiele says

    July 19, 2015 at 8:53 am

    Now that I have the date caramel on hand I have my sights on these bad boys! Can’t wait to try them!

    Reply
  30. Avatar for dominique windrimdominique windrim says

    July 20, 2015 at 5:13 pm

    Can I use unsweeted coconut cream for this recipe?

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      July 21, 2015 at 4:56 pm

      Yes!

      Reply
  31. Avatar for DominicaDominica says

    March 20, 2016 at 6:37 pm

    I made these and love them!!! I add a little bit of almond milk also :D

    Reply
  32. Avatar for Enthusiastic JulietteEnthusiastic Juliette says

    July 10, 2016 at 10:59 am

    The most difficult thing with this recipe clearly is to keep some mix for the freezer before eating it all straight out of the bowl. It’s a hard decision to make, but the popsicles are even more delicious! Once more, thank you Dana for this fantastic recipe. My Vitamix didn’t like the date caramel this much but he got over it. Good boy :)

    Reply
  33. Avatar for Sandy CrespoSandy Crespo says

    August 1, 2016 at 9:21 am

    OMG – died & went to heaven! These are so easy & delicious! For my pop molds, however, if I have to spoon it in it gets stuck – so I had to spoon it out of the molds to eat it – but the flavor & texture were a dream. I had extra which I put into a ramekin & that reminded me of the specialness of a gelato. Another point, the can of coconut cream I got from Trader J had a few weird ingredients so I went & got the Whole Foods version which was fine. Next time I make it I may try adding a bit of regular coconut milk along with the cream so it turns out a little less thick & will hopefully work in my pop molds. OR, I may simply place the whole batch in a container & have like regular ice cream, though there’s nothing regular about this great recipe!

    Reply
  34. Avatar for JoelleJoelle says

    August 4, 2017 at 7:02 am

    Although the flavor of these was lovely, I made it with the coconut oil substitute and the resulting texture was extremely unpleasant – the oil curdled into tiny grains. If you’re thinking about making this recipe, I would suggest waiting until you have the coconut cream on hand.

    Reply

Leave a Comment & Rating Cancel reply

mb

Hello! We share plant-based recipes requiring 10 ingredients or less, 1 bowl, or 30 minutes or less to prepare. All eaters are welcome.
About Minimalist Baker→
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

subscribe for email updates

Get Our Fan Favorites eBook Here!

©Minimalistbaker.com Terms Privacy Blogger Resources