3 Ingredient Vegan Caramel Recipe

This easy vegan caramel recipe is a staple in any plant-based kitchen! Made with just a few ingredients, this luscious caramel will steal your ❤️

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Dairy Free Caramel thickness options
• Substitutions
• Storage
• How to Use this Vegan Caramel Recipe
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

Love sweets but follow a vegan diet? Try this vegan caramel recipe for a delicious treat that fits your lifestyle!

This luscious plant-based alternative to traditional caramel is not only incredibly delicious but also a breeze to make. No candy thermometer needed ✌️

We're all about easy and this 3 ingredient vegan caramel sauce couldn't be easier to whip up.

Let's get to it!

Ingredients

We'll get to the step-by-step instructions in a sec. First, let's look at the simple ingredients you'll need to whip up this easy vegan salted caramel sauce. You'll need just 3 ingredients + 2 pantry staples:

• ½ cup full-fat canned coconut cream
• ½ cup unsalted vegan butter
• ½ cup granulated coconut sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

Now, let's get to the fun part – making your own easy vegan caramel sauce! Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch:

1. Place all ingredients in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, stirring or gently whisking, bring to a boil.
2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer while whisking frequently.
3. Depending on how you'd like to use the caramel, cook it until the mixture is caramel colored. It should also resemble one of the consistencies listed below.

Dairy Free Caramel thickness options

Thin caramel syrup - for coffee

• Continue cooking until the sauce is just thick enough to lightly coat the back of a spoon and drip off easily. The sauce will have a lighter hue. You're targeting a thickness similar to the coffee syrup found in cafes.

Thicker caramel sauce - for drizzling and topping

• Continue cooking until the sauce achieves a medium golden hue and adheres to the back of a spoon without readily dripping. It should have a glossy appearance.

Very thick caramel - for harder structured desserts

• Continue cooking until a deeper amber hue appears. The caramel should detach from the pot edges when mixed. It should leave a dense layer on the back of a spoon.

Substitutions

Don't worry if you're missing one or more ingredients. There are easy vegan-friendly substitutions you can make:

• Base: If you don't have coconut cream, substitute with full-fat canned coconut milk.
• Sweeteners: You can also use brown sugar or white sugar. Liquid sugars like agave and maple syrup will also work but you'll need to simmer just a bit longer to reduce.
• Butter/Fat: Coconut oil doesn't work quite as well as butter. It leads to a greasier final product and is prone to separating. The best dairy-free butter I've found for the job is Miyoko's.

Feel free to experiment with these substitutions to cater to your taste and dietary preferences.

Storage

Once your vegan caramel sauce is ready, you'll want to store it properly to enjoy it later. Keep it in an airtight glass container or jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The caramel may thicken in the fridge. If that happens, gently heat it or sit it out at room temperature for 15 minutes to warm up.

How to Use this Vegan Caramel Recipe

Now that you know how to make vegan caramel sauce, let's discover tasty ways to use this sweet, dairy-free creation.

1. Drizzle Over Desserts:

One of the simplest and most satisfying ways to enjoy vegan caramel sauce is by drizzling it over your favorite desserts. Ice cream, brownies, cake, you name it. Everything benefits from a drizzle of caramel.

2. Sweeten Your Morning:

Add a touch of decadence to your breakfast or brunch by drizzling vegan caramel sauce over pancakes, waffles, or French toast. Top with fresh fruit, nuts, or vegan whipped cream for an indulgent start to your day.

3. Dip and Dunk:

Turn snack time into a gourmet experience by using your vegan caramel sauce as a dip. It pairs perfectly with apple slices, banana chunks, or pretzels.

4. Filling for Pastries:

Get creative in the kitchen by using your vegan caramel sauce as a filling for pastries, donuts, or cookies or even add it to these pumpkin granola cups! Simply inject or spread it between layers.

5. Coffee and Beverages:

Add a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce to your morning coffee, latte, or hot chocolate for a barista-worthy touch. Stir it in for a sweet, creamy twist that will make your daily caffeine fix even more satisfying.

7. Gift or Share:

Homemade vegan caramel sauce also makes a thoughtful and tasty gift. Pour it into a decorative glass jar, add a ribbon, and share the love with friends and family. It's a heartfelt way to introduce them to the joys of vegan indulgence.

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