Delicious Vegan Caramel Recipe to Indulge Your Sweet Tooth
Welcome to the world of vegan desserts! If you’re a fan of chewy, gooey, and absolutely delicious caramels but want to avoid dairy and animal-based ingredients, then you’re in luck. I’m excited to share with you my recipe for Vegan Caramels that are just as decadent and indulgent as traditional versions.
This recipe has been inspired by my love for caramel candies and the desire to make them entirely plant-based. As a vegan chef, I believe that we can enjoy our favorite treats without compromising on our ethical beliefs or health. With simple substitutions and creativity, we can make vegan caramels that are free from animal products, including butter, cream, and milk.
But let me tell you, these vegan caramels do not sacrifice flavor or texture. In fact, they might just become your new favorite candy. They are rich, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth good. You won’t even miss the dairy or animal-based ingredients!
So whether you’ve been following a vegan lifestyle for years or are new to plant-based cooking, this Vegan Caramel recipe is something that you don’t want to miss out on. Get ready to indulge in sweet, heavenly delights without any guilt or compromise!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Veganism has become increasingly popular around the world, but it can be tough to find delicious and satisfying treats that don’t contain any animal products. Thankfully, this vegan caramels recipe is here to save the day! I’m here to tell you why you’ll love this recipe and why it’s worth trying.
Firstly, let’s talk about taste. These vegan caramels are sweet, chewy, and absolutely delicious. They have a satisfying caramel flavor that makes them perfect for snacking or for a sweet treat after dinner. Plus, they’re so easy to make at home in just a few simple steps!
Not only do these vegan caramels taste incredible, but they’re also much healthier than traditional caramel candies. They’re made using plant-based ingredients like coconut milk and vegan margarine instead of dairy products like butter or cream. This makes them a great snack option for anyone who wants to avoid animal products or follow a dairy-free diet.
But the benefits of this vegan caramel recipe go beyond just taste and health. Making your own caramel at home can also be a fun and rewarding experience. There’s something special about creating something from scratch and enjoying the final result. And with this recipe in particular, you can experiment with different flavors like sea salt or even add in some vegan chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
So whether you’re new to the world of veganism or simply looking for a healthier candy option, you’ll love these delicious vegan caramels. They’re easy to make, healthier than traditional caramel candies, and offer a satisfying sweetness that will leave your taste buds feeling happy and satisfied. Give this recipe a try today and see for yourself why it’s such a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredient List
Here’s a list of ingredients needed to make this Vegan Caramels recipe:
Caramels Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) light corn syrup
- 2 cups (400g) sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) soymilk or any non-dairy milk
- 1/4 cup (56 g) margarine or vegan butter such as Earth Balance
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Additions and Substitutions
- To make vegan salted caramels, add an additional 1/2 tsp of sea salt, plus more for garnish.
- For melted chocolate caramels or vegan chocolate caramel, melt chocolate and drizzle over the top of the caramels.
- To make this a toffee recipe, cook until the temperature reaches 300°F (149°C) instead of 245°F (118°C).
- For a chewy vegan caramel sauce or plant-based caramel, use brown sugar, coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of white sugar.
- For copycat cocomels, use coconut milk in place of soymilk or any other non-dairy milk.
- For caramel candies that are corn syrup-free, use brown rice syrup in place of corn syrup.
Note: The recipe makes approximately 64 pieces of a small square. The size may vary according to your preference.
The Recipe How-To
Before You Start
Make sure your ingredients are all set out, pre-measured and organized before starting to make the vegan caramels. This recipe requires precision in temperature, measurements and timing. Getting everything ready before cooking will allow you to focus on the cooking process.
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
In a medium-sized saucepan, stir together 2 cups coconut cream, 1 cup light corn syrup, 1 cup vegan margarine or Earth Balance, light brown sugar, and white sugar until well combined.
Step 2: Cook the Mixture
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring it to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to prevent burning. As soon as it reaches boiling point, stir in 3/4 cup of corn syrup, making sure everything is fully incorporated. Keep cooking and stirring until the mixture reaches a temperature of around 245°F using a candy thermometer.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract and Sea Salt
Remove the saucepan from the heat, then add 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1 tsp sea salt. Whisk well to blend.
Step 4: Pour into a Baking Tray
Grease a 9×13 baking dish with coconut oil or non-stick spray. Pour the caramel mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Step 5: Cool and Cut
Allow the vegan caramels to cool for at least 2-3 hours at room temperature before cutting them into desired sizes using a sharp knife. If you want salted caramels, sprinkle extra sea salt on top before it cools down completely.
Step 6: Wrap Individually
Once you have cut your caramel candies into individual pieces, wrap each one in wax paper or parchment paper. Keep them in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Enjoy your homemade vegan caramels anytime!
Substitutions and Variations
As with any recipe, there are a variety of substitutions and variations that can be made to this vegan caramel recipe to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
– Coconut milk: Full-fat coconut cream can be used in place of coconut milk for a richer flavor and texture.
– Corn syrup: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used in place of corn syrup as a natural sweetener alternative.
– Margarine or vegan butter: Earth Balance is a popular brand of vegan butter that can be used instead of margarine if preferred.
– Sugar: Coconut sugar or date sugar can be used instead of white or brown sugar for a healthier, more natural sweetness. Be mindful that the texture and flavor may vary slightly as a result.
– Chocolate caramels: To make vegan chocolate caramels, simply melt vegan chocolate chips and add them to the caramel mixture before pouring into the pan. Drizzle extra melted chocolate on top for added decadence!
– Salted caramels: Add 1 tsp of sea salt to the caramel mixture before pouring into the pan for delicious salted caramels.
– Toffee: Simply cook the mixture for a bit longer until it reaches a harder consistency to make homemade toffee. Try topping with crushed nuts or sea salt!
– Date caramel: For a healthier option, replace the sugar with medjool dates and blend with soymilk until smooth. This will create a naturally sweet, gooey date caramel sauce that pairs well with apples or poured on ice cream.
As you experiment with various substitutions and variations, stay open-minded and have fun experimenting! Who knows what delicious discoveries you may stumble upon along the way.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing these vegan caramels, the possibilities are endless. These chewy treats are fantastic on their own, but you can also take things up a notch by adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top. The saltiness complements the sweetness of the caramel perfectly and adds a satisfying crunch to every bite.
If you’re feeling adventurous, dip your caramels in melted vegan chocolate for an even more delectable treat. The combination of rich and creamy chocolate with the chewy and sweet caramel is truly heavenly.
Another great way to serve these vegan caramels is as part of a dessert spread or cheese board. Pair them with fresh fruit such as raspberries or sliced pears, or serve them alongside dairy-free cheeses like cashew brie or almond feta for a delicious contrast in flavors.
For drink pairings, our vegan caramels are perfect for enjoying with a hot cup of tea or coffee. The sweetness of the caramel enhances the subtle notes in your beverage of choice, making for a truly delightful experience.
Lastly, consider using these caramels as a topping for cakes or cupcakes. They have such incredible flavor that they add depth and richness to any dessert they’re paired with.
No matter how you enjoy them, these vegan caramels are sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
A batch of homemade vegan caramels can last for up to two weeks if stored properly. To preserve their chewy texture and rich flavor, it is best to keep the caramels in an airtight container at room temperature.
You can also store the caramels in a refrigerator for longer shelf life, but be prepared for them to harden and become difficult to eat. If this happens, simply leave them out at room temperature for a few hours to soften before serving.
Additionally, you can freeze your vegan caramels for long-term storage. Place the caramels in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to six months. When ready to eat, let the caramels sit at room temperature until they thaw completely.
To reheat your vegan caramels, place them in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on medium-high heat for about 10-15 seconds. Stir the caramels and repeat until they are warm and soft again. Alternatively, you can place the caramels in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water until they melt down and become smooth again.
Whether you choose to enjoy your vegan caramels fresh or frozen, at room temperature or warmed up, these sweet treats are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth any time of day.
Tips for Perfect Results
Creating perfect vegan caramels may take some practice, but with a few helpful tips and tricks, you can master the recipe in no time! Here are some of my suggestions for achieving perfect results every time:
1. Use a candy thermometer: It is highly recommended to use a candy thermometer while making vegan caramels to ensure that the temperature stays at a consistent level. This helps in striking the ideal balance between hard and soft caramel.
2. Cook over low-medium heat: Cooking vegan caramels requires patience and care, and as such it is essential to cook over low-medium heat. This prevents the mixture from boiling too rapidly and solidifying quickly, thereby providing more control over its darkening process.
3. Cut into even sizes: Consistency is key when it comes to creating beautiful vegan caramel candies. Use a sharp and long knife for the best results – this helps in cutting through the mixture without squishing it, reducing the chances of uneven portions.
4. Experiment with flavors: Once you’ve mastered the recipe, don’t hesitate to experiment with different variants of flavorings. To make salted-caramel variant, add a generous amount of sea salt to taste; alternatively, try adding vanilla or maple syrup instead of salt if you prefer something sweeter or subtler
5. Keep refrigerated until serving: Vegan caramels have a tendency to melt easily under warm conditions so once they are done, they should be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator until it is time to serve them.
Follow these tips closely for your next batch of homemade vegan caramels for perfectly chewy, melt-in-your-mouth morsels every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this vegan caramels recipe is not only simple and easy to follow, but it also produces delicious results that would please even the most discerning dessert aficionados. By using plant-based, dairy-free ingredients such as coconut milk, vegan butter, and maple syrup, we have created a guilt-free treat that is perfect for everybody. The recipe is customizable and versatile, allowing you to experiment with different add-ins such as nuts, chocolate chips, or sea salt for a sweet and salty flavor combination. Plus, by making your own homemade vegan caramels, you can have peace of mind knowing exactly what’s inside your candy! So give it a try and let us know what you think. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Vegan Caramels Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup margarine
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups soymilk or 2 cups rice milk
- 1 cup light corn syrup, golden syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon salt, optional if using unsalted margarine
Instructions
- Grease and line with parchment a 8 inch x 8 inch baking pan.
- Place all ingredients (except vanilla) in a large saucepan (4qt minimum capacity.).
- Bring ingredients to a boil stirring often.
- Cook over medium heat while stirring until candy reaches 245 degrees F.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour into lined baking pan.
- Allow to cool completely. Snip into pieces using clean kitchen shears (or slice with a knife).
- Wrap individually with waxed or parchment paper.
- Makes ~100 pieces.
- Variation: Cook to 230 degrees F and add vanilla. Pour into a glass jar. Warm jar in a pan of hot water before pouring over ice cream or cake.
Add Your Own Notes
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.