Craving a rich and creamy caramel sauce without the dairy? You’re in luck! This vegan caramel sauce recipe is so easy and only requires three simple ingredients. It’s perfect for drizzling, dipping, and upgrading all your favorite treats.
If you’re a fan of the rich taste of traditional caramel sauce, you’ve got to try making this dairy-free caramel sauce at home. It’s surprisingly easy—just sugar, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream come together to create a vegan caramel sauce that tastes absolutely divine. Craving a salted version? Simply add a teaspoon of sea salt for a luscious, salty-sweet twist!
Why Make Your Own Caramel Sauce?
Store-bought caramel sauces often come loaded with preservatives or unnecessary ingredients. When you make your own, you control every element. Plus, homemade caramel sauce is fresher, tastier, and free of dairy. Whether you’re pouring it over desserts or swirling it into your coffee, it’ll take your creations to the next level.
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How To Make It
- Melt the Sugar: In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it melts and turns golden brown.
- Add Vegan Butter: Remove from the heat and carefully stir in the butter. Be cautious, as the mixture may bubble and splash.
- Incorporate Dairy-Free Cream: Return the saucepan to low heat and slowly pour in the cream while stirring constantly. The mixture will bubble, so be sure to go slow and steady.
- Cook and Stir: Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to thicken, then stir in a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
- Cool and Store: Pour the vegan caramel sauce into a jar and allow it to cool before using. It will thicken as it cools.
Serving Ideas
- Make these salted caramel chocolate cups
- Drizzle over vegan ice cream, cakes or brownies for an indulgent dessert.
- Stir into your morning coffee for a homemade caramel macchiato.
- Use as a dip for sliced apples or pear wedges.
- Spread on vegan crêpes, vegan French toast, pancakes or waffles for a decadent breakfast.
Tips for Success
- Store your caramel sauce in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one month. When you’re ready to use it, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to restore its pourable consistency.
- Homemade caramel sauce makes a thoughtful gift. Pour it into a decorative jar, tie it with a ribbon, and add a personal note. It’s perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just because!
- What if my caramel is too runny? Let it cool completely in the fridge. It will thicken as it cools.
- Can I use coconut milk instead of dairy-free cream? Absolutely! Full-fat coconut milk works beautifully and adds a slight coconut flavor.
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📖 Recipe
Vegan Caramel Sauce
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Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar
- 6 tablespoon vegan butter, Vegetarian: butter
- ½ cup dairy-free cream, Vegetarian: heavy-cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, optional
Instructions
- Heat sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until fully melted and golden brown.
- Remove the pan from heat and carefully stir in the vegan butter. The mixture will bubble – be cautious!
- Return the pan to low heat and slowly pour in the dairy-free cream, stirring constantly. It’ll bubble again, so go slow.
- Let the caramel simmer for a few minutes to thicken. Stir in a pinch of sea salt if desired.
- Pour the caramel into a jar and let it cool. It will thicken as it cools.
Notes
- Store your caramel sauce in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one month. When you’re ready to use it, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to restore its pourable consistency.
- What if my caramel is too runny? Let it cool completely in the fridge. It will thicken as it cools.
- Dairy-free cream can sometimes be less heat-resistant than regular heavy cream, which may result in a slightly thinner sauce. Don’t worry if it seems too runny at first—let it chill for a few hours in the fridge, and it will thicken beautifully into a rich, smooth caramel sauce. Tip: Opt for dairy-free cream specifically labeled as suitable for cooking.
Can I just clarify – in the recipe it says:
“1 tsp sea salt optional”
But in the post it says:
“Love salted caramel sauce? Stir in one tablespoon of sea salt.”
Is it a teaspoon or a tablespoon of salt? I’m guessing a teaspoon, as a tablespoon would make it super-salty, but perhaps you could clarify.
Thanks so much,
Jan
Hi Jan, so glad you caught my typo! 🙊 It’s one teaspoon, I corrected it accordingly! 😁
All the best,
Aline