Indulge in Decadence with this Vegan Caramel Sauce

What’s better than a warm and gooey caramel sauce drizzled over your favorite vegan dessert? Not much, in my opinion. As a vegan myself, finding delicious and easy recipes can sometimes be a challenge, but this easy vegan caramel sauce recipe is one of my favorites.

It’s no secret that caramel sauce is typically packed with dairy and other non-vegan ingredients. But fear not, my fellow plant-based foodies, because this homemade vegan caramel sauce requires just a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

With its rich and velvety texture, this easy-to-make vegan caramel sauce will satisfy your sweet tooth and add that extra touch of decadence to any dessert. So let’s grab our sugar, vanilla extract, and soy milk, roll up our sleeves, and get ready to create some culinary magic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegan Caramel Sauce
Vegan Caramel Sauce

This vegan caramel sauce recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to indulge in their sweet tooth without harming any animals or the environment. Whether you follow a plant-based diet or not, this easy vegan caramel sauce will blow your mind with its rich, velvety texture and deep, buttery flavor.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it calls for simple and widely available ingredients. You won’t have to go on a scavenger hunt for exotic ingredients or break the bank to make your own vegan caramel sauce at home. All you need is some sugar, coconut milk, vegan butter or margarine, sea salt, vanilla extract, cornstarch or arrowroot powder, and water.

Another reason why this vegan caramel sauce recipe is so amazing is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize it to suit your personal taste preferences by adjusting the amount of salt or sweetness. You can also use it in a variety of ways, such as drizzling it over ice cream, pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or fruit; stirring it into your coffee or hot chocolate; or using it as a dip for pretzels or apples.

What sets this easy vegan caramel sauce apart from other recipes is its fool-proof method and quick prep time. In just five minutes of cooking time and a handful of pantry staples, you can create a perfect batch of vegan caramel sauce that will impress anyone who tries it. Plus, this recipe yields a generous four cups of sauce, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Moreover, this vegan caramel sauce recipe is an excellent alternative to traditional dairy-based caramel sauces if you are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy. It’s also suitable for anyone following a gluten-free diet since it doesn’t contain any wheat-based thickeners.

In conclusion, if you’re craving something sweet but still want to stick to your dietary restrictions or ethics, this easy vegan caramel sauce recipe has got you covered. Trust me; once you try this recipe out once, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen repertoire in no time. So give it a chance and let me know how much you love it!

Ingredient List

 Drizzle this vegan caramel sauce on your favorite desserts
Drizzle this vegan caramel sauce on your favorite desserts

Here are all the Ingredients you need to make this delicious vegan caramel sauce:

For the basic vegan caramel sauce

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup soy milk or any other plant-based milk of your choice
  • 1/4 cup soy margarine or any other vegan butter alternative
  • 1 tablespoon arrowroot
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • sea salt** to taste

Easy Vegan Caramel Sauce (Ingredients 1x)

  • 3/4 cup full-fat coconut milk
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons vegan butter

Easy Vegan Caramel Sauce (Ingredients 1x/2x)
Ingredients 1x

  • 100 g full-fat coconut milk
  • 50 g brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Ingredients 1x/2x

  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • pinch of sea salt
  • 20 g vegan butter or coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 Ingredient Vegan Salted Caramel Sauce

  • 13.5 oz can (400 ml) full-fat coconut cream
  • 1 cup coconut sugar
  • tsp sea salt, add more or less depending on preferences

Date Caramel

  • 12 large, moist and pitted dates, soaked in warm water for 30 minutes, then drained well
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • A pinch of salt
  • Warm water as needed to blend to desired smoothness.

Sweetened Condensed Milk Caramel

  • 15 ounces can of sweetened condensed milk

You can use any of these ingredients depending on your preference and availability.

The Recipe How-To

 A sweet and sticky syrup without the dairy ingredients
A sweet and sticky syrup without the dairy ingredients

Now that we have gathered all the ingredients for this delicious vegan caramel sauce, let’s learn how to make it!

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Firstly, grab a small saucepan and add 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of water and 1/4 cup of maple syrup. Give it a quick stir, turn on the heat to medium-high and let the mixture come to a boil.

Step 2: Cook Until Caramelized

Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture has turned into an amber-colored caramel.

Step 3: Add Milk Mixture

Remove the saucepan from heat and add 3/4 cup of full-fat coconut milk or soymilk mixed with 1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder (or cornstarch). Mix well until everything is combined. Then return the pan to medium-low heat.

Step 4: Simmer Sauce

Stirring consistently, let the mixture simmer for another 3-4 minutes, until it thickens up into a nice and smooth consistency.

Step 5: Add Butter and Vanilla

After that, take the saucepan off heat again and add 2 tablespoons of soy margarine or vegan butter along with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir them well until they are completely melted into the sauce.

Step 6: Season with Salt

Finally, sprinkle in a pinch or two of sea salt, depending on your taste preference for sweet versus salty. Stir it in thoroughly before you transfer your finished vegan caramel sauce into a glass jar for storage or immediate use.

Enjoy this versatile condiment on top of ice cream, brownies, pancakes, fruit or anything else your heart desires!

Substitutions and Variations

 Top your vegan ice cream sundae with this caramel sauce
Top your vegan ice cream sundae with this caramel sauce

The wonderful thing about this recipe is that it’s so versatile, allowing you to swap out ingredients depending on your dietary needs and preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations I recommend:

– Coconut milk or cream: If you don’t have any soymilk on hand, or if you just prefer using coconut products, feel free to use full-fat coconut milk or cream in place of the soymilk. This will give your vegan caramel sauce a slightly different flavor and texture but still be delicious.

– Maple syrup: While I love the depth of flavor that maple syrup adds, you can substitute it with honey, agave nectar or any other natural liquid sweetener that you like.

– Vegan butter: Soy margarine can be substituted with any vegan butter with almost similar results.

– Sugar: For a healthier option, try coconut sugar instead of regular granulated sugar. The caramel may turn out darker and more intense.

– Arrowroot: Instead of arrowroot powder, try cornstarch as a thickener for the caramel sauce.

– Date caramel: If you want to make an even healthier version of this easy vegan caramel sauce, try making date caramel by blending soaked dates and water together in a blender until smooth. Another healthy alternative is tahini-based caramel.

– Salted Caramel: Add a pinch of sea salt while making the caramel sauce for an extra salty-sweet flavor profile.

– Almond butter caramel: Replace some or all of the coconut oil with almond butter for a nutty-flavored vegan caramel sauce.

– Ice Cream topping: Drizzle over ice cream to add extra sweetness and richness.

While these substitutions may alter the taste or texture slightly, experimenting with various ingredients is part of the fun of cooking!

Serving and Pairing

 Perfect to drizzle on pancakes or waffles for a breakfast treat
Perfect to drizzle on pancakes or waffles for a breakfast treat

After you’ve made this easy vegan caramel sauce, you might be wondering what to serve with it. Well, let me tell you, the possibilities are endless!

The most obvious pairing for vegan caramel sauce is ice cream. There’s nothing like a scoop of your favorite non-dairy ice cream drenched in warm, sweet vegan caramel. You can also try drizzling it over cakes, cupcakes or even oatmeal, for a decadent breakfast treat.

Another delicious combination is vegan caramel sauce and apples. Slice up some crisp, tart apples and dip them in the caramel for the perfect fall snack. The salted version of this recipe is also amazing when used as a dip for pretzels, crackers or fresh fruit.

For a different texture, try spreading it on toast or use it as a filling for cookies or doughnuts. Another option is to add it to your coffee for a sweet and creamy twist on your daily brew.

If you want to kick things up a notch, experiment with toppings such as toasted nuts, coconut flakes, or chocolate chips – the options are endless.

So go ahead and get creative with this versatile vegan caramel sauce recipe. Trust me, no matter how you serve it, it’s sure to be a hit!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 Give your morning coffee a vegan twist with this caramel sauce
Give your morning coffee a vegan twist with this caramel sauce

Like my easy vegan caramel sauce recipe, you can make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. After a while, it may start to thicken up and can become challenging to spread. Therefore, when reheating, add some non-dairy milk or water to thin it out slightly.

When making a large batch of vegan caramel sauce, divide it into smaller containers to store in the fridge or freezer for future use. This way, you can quickly defrost and reheat the desired amount without having to waste any.

To reheat the vegan caramel sauce after storing, place it in a small saucepot on low heat while stirring occasionally until fully warmed through. Microwaving is also an alternative option, but I recommend doing it at intervals of 15 seconds while mixing after each time to ensure that you don’t overcook or burn the sauce.

You can use this easy vegan caramel sauce in various recipes as a sweetener or drizzle over your favorite desserts such as ice cream, cakes or apple pies. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you for the excellent and delicious flavors!

Tips for Perfect Results

 This vegan caramel sauce is easy to make and better for you
This vegan caramel sauce is easy to make and better for you

As with any recipe, there can be some challenges when making vegan caramel sauce. But don’t worry, I’ve gathered some tips to help you achieve perfect results every time!

First and foremost, it’s important to keep a close eye on the sugar as it cooks. Too much heat can cause the sugar to burn, so you’ll want to work with a low to moderate heat, stirring consistently. Also, try not to scrape down the sides of the pan while the sugar is cooking as it can crystallize and become grainy.

Before adding in your soy milk or coconut cream, make sure it’s warmed up first. This will prevent any curdling from happening when you combine the milk and sugar mixture.

Another important step is using the right size saucepan. If the pan is too small, you risk a boil-over which can be dangerous and messy. On the other hand, if the pan is too large, the sauce may take longer to cook or thicken.

Cornstarch is also an essential ingredient that helps thicken this sauce. Make sure to dissolve it in water before adding it into your mixture for optimal results.

Don’t forget that once you’ve added in your plant-based butter and vanilla extract, you need to stir vigorously until everything has combined well. Don’t stop until you’ve achieved a smooth texture!

Once ready, let the caramel sauce cool completely before storing it in an air-tight container in your fridge. This will help preserve its consistency and flavor for up to two weeks.

With these tips in mind, your vegan caramel sauce will turn out deliciously smooth and creamy every time!

Bottom Line

This vegan caramel sauce recipe is truly a game-changer! With only a few easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, you can create a rich and delicious caramel sauce that will elevate any sweet treat to the next level.

Whether you are vegan or not, this easy dairy-free caramel sauce is definitely worth a try. For those who have never tried vegan caramel sauce before, give it a chance and let it surprise you with its rich flavor and creamy texture.

Plus, with so many variations and substitution options available, you can customize this recipe to meet your own personal preferences. Try adding a pinch of sea salt for a rich salted caramel taste or drizzling over your favorite ice cream for an irresistible dessert.

In conclusion, this easy vegan caramel sauce recipe is perfect for anyone who loves sweet treats but wants to avoid animal products. It’s perfect for those who are looking for a healthier alternative that still satisfies their sweet tooth. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and enjoy the rich taste of homemade vegan caramel sauce!

Vegan Caramel Sauce

Vegan Caramel Sauce Recipe

I haven't made this yet, but I wanted to keep it handy for when we make our next batch of "ice cream."
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Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 0 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine Vegan
Calories 143 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup soymilk
  • 1 tablespoon arrowroot
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1/2 cup brown rice syrup
  • 2 tablespoons soy margarine
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions
 

  • Mix arrowroot and water together, blending until smooth then set aside.
  • Mix all other ingredients in heavy saucepan and bring to boil.
  • Lower heat and simmer, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add arrowroot and water mixture to sauce and simmer 2-3 more minutes.

Add Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 62gCalories: 143kcalCarbohydrates: 27.5gProtein: 1.4gFat: 3.4gSaturated Fat: 0.6gSodium: 55mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 25.2g
Keyword < 15 Mins, Dessert, Egg-free, Free Of..., Lactose-free, Vegan
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