Make rich, decadent, homemade dairy free vegan caramel. Made with coconut sugar and coconut cream. No vegan butter and no corn syrup! This caramel is ready in 15 minutes!
I usually stick to whole foods on this blog, but I had to make an exception for one of my favorite foods: caramel.
Don't get me wrong, this caramel is still significantly healthier than any store bought or non-vegan caramel you might find.
This dairy free caramel is made with coconut sugar, which has a naturally caramel-like flavor.
Many caramel recipes use heavy cream and/or butter to achieve the right consistency and flavor. So this vegan caramel uses coconut cream and nut butter instead.
The result is a delicious vegan caramel that's made with mostly whole foods.
AND the best part is that you don't have to wait for the caramel to set. Because it uses nut butter instead of regular butter, the caramel sets almost immediately. Win!
Jump to:
Why I love this vegan caramel
- Dietary needs - this caramel is plant-based, oil-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar free
- Vegan version of a classic -This vegan caramel sauce is a healthier version of caramel sauce, with a less refined sugar and none of the dairy
- Great for snacking, drizzling, and homemade candy bars
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Coconut Sugar: I don't use coconut sugar too often on this site, because it is still sugar. But coconut sugar is a less refined sugar option with a lower glycemic index. It is perfect for this caramel because it has a naturally caramel-like flavor and melts down into a lovely creamy texture.
- Coconut Cream: coconut sugar needs a fat like coconut cream to help it melt. And it adds a richness to the caramel.
- Vanilla
- Sea Salt: a pinch of salt helps enhance and balance the sweetness of the coconut sugar
- Nut Butter: nut butter adds fat to the caramel, which creates a deeper, more rich flavor. I used cashew butter in this version because it has a neutral flavor. You can also use peanut butter
How to make homemade vegan caramel
Step 1. Heat the coconut sugar, coconut cream, vanilla, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium low heat, whisking constantly.
Step 2. When the coconut sugar is fully melted, raise the heat to medium and allow the mixture to gently bubble for one minute.
Step 3. Whisk in 6 tablespoons of the nut butter and allow the mixture to come to a boil again. The mixture will thicken - if it does not thicken, add the remaining two tablespoons of nut butter a little at a time until the mixture is thick but still smooth.
Step 4. Serve as a dip for apples or a drizzle for vegan ice cream. Enjoy!
FAQ & Expert Tips
Use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of nut butter.
Since this caramel is made with whole foods, it is best stored in the fridge. It will last up to two weeks.
Most caramel is not vegan - it typically uses cream and butter.
This coconut sugar caramel IS vegan. It uses coconut milk instead!
Yep! That's exactly what we're doing here. Coconut sugar has a lovely caramel-like flavor, and when melted it makes a delicious caramel.
Recipe Prayer
Thank you God for this delicious sweet treat. Thank you for all the wonderful foods we can enjoy. Amen.
More vegan caramel recipes
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📖 Recipe
Homemade Dairy Free Vegan Caramel
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Coconut Sugar
- ¼ Cup Coconut Cream
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla
- ½ Teaspoon Sea Salt
- 2-4 Tablespoons Nut Butter **depending on desired thickness, see notes
Instructions
- Heat the coconut sugar, coconut cream, vanilla, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium low heat, whisking constantly.
- When the coconut sugar is fully melted, raise the heat to medium and allow the mixture to gently bubble for one minute.
- Whisk in 6 tablespoons of the nut butter and allow the mixture to come to a boil again. The mixture will thicken - if it does not thicken, add the remaining two tablespoons of nut butter a little at a time until the mixture is thick but still smooth.
- Serve as a dip for apples or a drizzle for vegan ice cream. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate.
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