Indulge in a Sweet Delight: Vegan Caramel Sauce Recipe!
Have you ever tasted the rich and decadent flavor of dulce de leche caramel sauce? There’s no denying the fact that this dessert is incredibly indulgent, but it’s also often laden with dairy products. For vegans, this can be disheartening, as it’s not easy to indulge in a dairy-free version of this classic dessert.
But fear not! I am here to share a recipe for vegan dulce de leche caramel sauce that will change everything you thought you knew about plant-based desserts. With just four simple ingredients, you can make a smooth and creamy vegan caramel sauce that rivals any traditional recipe.
This vegan dulce de leche caramel sauce recipe is foolproof and requires very little effort. You’ll need a few essential ingredients like coconut milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and sea salt, and in little-to-no time, tada! You’ll have a delicious vegan dulce de leche caramel sauce perfect for all types of desserts. Whether paired with ice cream or used as a topping for cakes or brownies, this recipe will make any humble dessert feel truly luxurious.
I encourage you to give this vegan dulce de leche caramel sauce recipe a try. Not only will it satisfy your sweet tooth cravings but you’ll also enjoy guilt-free indulgence without compromising your ethics. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you in the mood for something sweet and indulgent, but are tired of the same old options? Look no further, because this vegan dulce de leche caramel sauce will satisfy all your cravings while also fitting into your dietary preferences.
This sauce is a game-changer for anyone who loves caramel, but wants to avoid dairy products. Normally, making dulce de leche requires hours of simmering cow milk and sugar, but this recipe only requires four simple ingredients: coconut milk, coconut sugar, salt, and pure vanilla extract.
You’ll love this vegan dulce de leche caramel sauce because it’s incredibly versatile. It can be used as a topping for ice cream or added to homemade desserts like cakes and pies. You can even mix it with coffee or Kahlua to create a flavorful beverage.
But perhaps the best part of this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. Unlike traditional methods of making dulce de leche which require constant monitoring over the stove for hours on end, this recipe can be made effortlessly in just thirty minutes.
So why limit yourself to regular caramel when you can enjoy the indulgent sweetness of dulce de leche without compromising your vegan lifestyle? Add this sauce to your repertoire and experience the deliciousness for yourself.
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at what we’ll need for this vegan dulce de leche caramel sauce recipe.
Here are the ingredients:
- Full-fat coconut milk, 1 can (13.5 oz)
- Coconut sugar, 1/2 cup
- Sea salt, 1/2 tsp
- Pure vanilla extract, 1 1/2 tsp
That’s it! With only 4 ingredients you can make this delicious vegan caramel sauce. I recommend using full-fat coconut milk, as it will create a much creamier texture and richer flavor than light coconut milk. For the sweetener, we’ll be using coconut sugar which is a great alternative to processed white sugar because of its lower glycemic index.
If you prefer to jazz up this recipe even more, you can add in a splash of Kahlua or other alcohol of your choice to add some extra depth of flavor. Don’t forget that the quality of your ingredients will impact the taste of your final product, so be sure to use high-quality and fresh products.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to make this vegan dulce de leche caramel sauce recipe come to life. This recipe requires only four ingredients which makes it easy to remember without having to refer to its written format.
Step 1: Mix All Ingredients
Combine 1 can of full-fat coconut milk, 1 cup of coconut sugar, and ½ teaspoon of sea salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of Kahlua, if you desire more flavor, then bring it into a boil while whisking constantly.
Step 2: Simmer and Stir
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Simmer for about 2-3 hours while stirring occasionally until it turns into a caramel color and you get your desired consistency.
Step 3: Store and Serve
If you achieved your desired consistency or while you see that it needs more simmering, take your saucepan off from the heat source. Pour your vegan dulce de leche caramel sauce into a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid. Let it stand at room temperature for several hours until thickened. You can refrigerate it and keep it for up to 2-3 weeks or reheat in a microwave or slow cooker when serving.
Note: You can also use another sweetener like brown sugar if coconut sugar is not available.
Making a perfect vegan dulce de leche caramel sauce will require patience as the process takes time, but trust me, it will be worth the wait.
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this vegan dulce de leche caramel sauce recipe lies in its versatility. You can switch it up to fit your tastes or accommodate dietary restrictions. Here are some easy substitutions and variations you can make:
1. Coconut milk – if you don’t like coconut milk or are allergic, try using almond milk or oat milk instead. They will produce a less rich but still delicious sauce.
2. Sweeteners – while this recipe calls for coconut sugar, you can use brown sugar or maple syrup in its place for a slightly different flavor.
3. Kahlua – swap out the Kahlua with coconut cream or a dash of espresso for a twist on the original recipe.
4. Salt – play around with the salt levels, adding more or less to suit your taste buds.
5. Vegan Salted Caramel – to create a salted caramel version add 1/2 tsp of sea salt towards the end.
6. De Leche vegan – use almond milk in place of coconut milk.
7. Vegan condensed milk caramel – This recipe easy-made dairy-free condensed milk-based recipes can be substituted, simply replace equal amounts of condensed coconut milk with sweetened condensed milk.
Whether you’re trying to match your preferences or finding a substitute that will cater to your dietary needs, there is always room for adaptation in this vegan caramel recipe.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have made this irresistible vegan dulce de leche caramel sauce, it’s time to indulge and savor it! The sauce can be used as a topping for a variety of sweet treats, such as cakes, cupcakes, pies, ice creams, or even pancakes. You can also use it as a dip for fruits like sliced apples and pears.
My personal favorite way of enjoying this vegan dulce de leche caramel sauce is by drizzling it over a warm brownie and adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The combination of the warm brownie with the cool ice cream and the smooth caramel is to die for!
For a unique twist, try pairing the vegan dulce de leche caramel sauce with some tart desserts like lemon bars or berry cakes. The blend of sweetness and tanginess makes for a balanced flavor profile that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
This sauce is so versatile that it pairs well with many different beverages. You can simply swirl it into your coffee or hot chocolate and create a deliciously rich drink. Furthermore, you could add a splash of Kahlua or Irish cream for an adult version of the classic treat.
Overall, this vegan salted caramel sauce is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for everyday sweetness or special occasions!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve successfully made your vegan dulce de leche caramel sauce, it is easy to store and reheat for later use. It is best to let the sauce cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for a week or more – if you can resist eating it all before then!
To reheat, simply place the amount needed in a small saucepan over low heat and stir gently until it becomes soft and silky again. If you find that the mixture has become stiff, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
If you plan on making this recipe ahead of time, it’s best to refrigerate the sauce by itself before adding it to any dessert or dish. Then, when you’re ready to use it, gently reheat the sauce in a double boiler or by placing the jar in warm water until melted.
Another great tip for making this sweet treat ahead of time is to freeze portions of it in an ice cube tray. This makes it easier to have small servings at your fingertips whenever you need them. Just be sure to wrap each cube tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or ziplock bag.
Finally, this vegan dulce de leche caramel sauce also pairs well with tart desserts like apple pie or drizzled over ice cream. You can also experiment with using different types of milk such as almond milk or coconut cream, great for those with dairy intolerance or allergies.
Tips for Perfect Results
When making vegan Dulce De Leche Caramel Sauce, there are a few tips and tricks that will help you achieve the perfect consistency and flavor. Here are some things to keep in mind while making this sauce:
– Use full-fat coconut milk: This recipe requires coconut milk, and it’s important to use full-fat coconut milk to get the right texture and richness. Using low-fat coconut milk will make the caramel too thin and watery.
– Cook the milk on medium heat: When you simmer the milk with sugar, make sure it’s on medium heat. If you use high heat, it may burn the sugar and ruin the whole batch.
– Whisk well: While cooking, keep whisking to prevent lumps from forming in the mixture.
– Add salt sparingly: Salt enhances the flavor of any dish, but don’t go overboard with it. Adding too much salt will overpower the sweetness in the sauce.
– Add vanilla extract at the end: Always add vanilla extract towards the end of cooking as adding it earlier can lead to bitter taste
– Strain the sauce: Remove any lumps or grains by passing through a sieve or mesh strainer for creating smooth liquid texture
By following these tips, you’ll create a creamy and luscious vegan Dulce De Leche Caramel Sauce perfect for drizzling on ice cream, cakes, oatmeals or waffles.
FAQ
Now, we move on to the frequently asked questions (FAQ) section of this Vegan Dulce De Leche Caramel Sauce recipe article. If you’re curious about certain elements of the cooking process or are wondering whether certain ingredients can be substituted, this section will cover everything you need to know. Let’s dive in!
What’s the difference between caramel sauce and dulce de leche?
Although caramel and dulce de leche may share some similarities in taste and appearance, their methods of production differ greatly. Caramel is created through a slow simmering of sugar and water until caramelization occurs, whereas dulce de leche is made by gently simmering a mixture of milk and sugar to create a creamy, caramelized substance.
Can I use caramel sauce instead of dulce de leche?
The use of dulce de leche and caramel can be interchangeable in recipes, but it should be noted that there may be differences in flavor and texture. While it is possible to substitute one for the other, it may alter the authenticity of the recipe in terms of its cultural origin.
How long does it take for condensed milk to turn into dulce de leche?
Let’s get started on making some delicious dulce de leche! Firstly, we need to bring a pot of water to a rolling boil before lowering the heat to create a gentle simmer. Afterwards, it’s time to add the can of condensed milk into the pot and put the lid on. The cooking time will depend on the desired consistency and depth of color. If you prefer a lighter caramel, let it cook for 2 hours. However, if you’re looking for a darker and thicker caramel, a 3-hour simmer should do the trick.
What is dulce de leche sauce made of?
Dulce de leche is a delicious alternative to caramel sauce that involves simmering milk and sugar together for a longer period of time until it thickens and turns a beautiful golden color. This process is different from making caramel sauce, which involves browning sugar and then adding cream and butter. By using goat’s milk instead of cow’s milk, you can make cajeta, another variation of dulce de leche with a unique flavor.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Vegan Dulce De Leche Caramel Sauce recipe is an absolute must-try for both vegans and non-vegans alike. Its rich and creamy taste, along with its subtle hints of vanilla and sea salt, make it a versatile sauce that can pair well with a variety of desserts such as ice cream or your favorite homemade caramel tart.
Plus, with only four easy-to-find ingredients and a simple how-to process, you’ll be able to make this vegan caramel sauce at home in no time. The best part? You won’t have to worry about any cows being harmed in the process – this recipe is entirely cruelty-free.
So switch out the cow milk for delicious coconut milk, try out my Vegan Dulce De Leche Caramel Sauce recipe for yourself, and let me know what you think! Whether you’re cooking up a storm in the kitchen or whipping up something sweet and indulgent, this recipe will become a go-to favorite in no time.
Vegan Dulce De Leche Caramel Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (13 1/2 ounce) can full fat coconut milk
- 3 1/4 cups non-dairy milk (I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk)
- 2 cups sucanat (you can use a sugar of your choice here, sucanat is good in this recipe for its color and flavor)
- 1 -2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (or 1/4 tsp. raw ground vanilla )
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Kahlua (optional, adds a deeper flavor, or try adding 1/2 tsp. expresso or strong coffee)
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a pot or a large sauce pan (a deeper pot works better in case of accidental boiling over). Bring to a low boil (watch out that it doesn’t boil over — this thing can bubble up pretty quickly!), stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and leave to simmer for 2 1/2 – 3 hrs, stirring occasionally. Somewhere between the 2 and 3 hour mark keep a closer eye out on the mixture until it looks and feels like it’s got the right thickness and consistency. It should reduce roughly by half by the time it’s ready.
- When it’s at the right consistency, remove from heat and transfer to a glass jar. Allow it to cool at room temperature. Store in the fridge if you’re not using it immediately. You can prepare this recipe a few days in advance if you’re planning on using it in something.
- Note: It will turn a nice brown color.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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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.