Vegan Caramel Sauce Recipe (2 Ways)

Name: Vegan Caramel Sauce Recipe (2 Ways)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 cup coconut sugar; ¾ cup coconut cream (, see note); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; 1 tablespoon cornstarch (, mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water to thicken if needed (see note)); ¾ cup maple syrup; ½ cup almond butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; Pumpkin puree (, add about ¼ cup); Pumpkin pie spice (, add about ½ teaspoon); Cinnamon (, add about ½ teaspoon); Peanut butter (, sub for the almond butter in the no cook version); Bourbon (, add about 2 tablespoons); Sea salt (, extra for salted caramel)

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These vegan caramel sauce recipes are hands down incredible. Using only 4 ingredients with a cook and no cook option you just can't beat!

Hand holding a spoon with a light caramel sauce dripping off of it into a jar

Caramel goes with just about anything, and if you disagree maybe get checked by a doctor. Ok, maybe not spaghetti, but you get my drift. This is legit stuff! And I can honestly say I'd eat both versions with a spoon!

Sometimes you want to take the time to create the thickest and stickiest caramel ever. Other times you want it ASAP. Either way, I have you covered! Both the stovetop and no cook version are easy to make and result in delicious and rich flavors you won't be able to get enough of.

Ingredients

For the no cook caramel you will need the following items:

The stovetop version is slightly different and uses these ingredients:

Coconut sugar
Coconut cream
Vanilla extract
Sea salt
Cornstarch

Bowls with coconut cream, maple syrup, almond butter, sugar, vanilla and salt on a yellow towel

How to Make Vegan Caramel

You can make this dairy free caramel either on the stove or without any heat at all!

For the no cook version mix the ingredients in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
Or if cooking whisk the ingredients in a saucepan.
Bring to a slow rolling boil, whisking the whole time until thick. Remove from heat and mix in the vanilla and salt.
Allow to cool and use as needed!

Flavor Suggestions

Enhance the deliciousness by adding in any of these flavors:

Pumpkin puree - mix in about ¼ cup
Pumpkin pie spice - add about ½ teaspoon
Cinnamon - stir in about ½ teaspoon
Peanut butter - substitute for the almond butter in the no cook version
Bourbon - pour in about 2 tablespoons
Sea salt - sprinkle in extra for salted caramel

Serving Suggestions

In addition to making caramel corn, you can drizzle this caramel all over your favorite treats, especially Fall desserts! Here are some of our favorite ways to use it:

Tips and Tricks

For the best homemade vegan caramel sauce, follow these helpful hints:

Get the coconut cream from the top layer of a can of full fat coconut milk. To do this, pop int in the fridge 2-3 days in advance, or in the freezer for 2-3 hours.
If you want super thick and sticky caramel make the stovetop version. The no cook will keep its consistency even when chilled.
For an extra thick caramel, mix cornstarch into the stovetop version.
Make sure to whisk the entire time you are cooking on the stove or it will burn and stick to the pot!
Test by letting a little bit cool to see what the thickness is. Or drizzle over a chilled plate to see if it hardens.
Store the caramel in the fridge for about a week. Pop it in the microwave for a runnier consistency.

Common Questions

How do you make caramel sauce from scratch?

You can make a simple no cook sauce by mixing maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla, and salt. Or, make a thicker version by cooking coconut cream, coconut sugar, vanilla, and sea salt on the stovetop.

What is caramel sauce made of?

Sugar, butter, and cream are the traditional ingredients for caramel.

What is vegan caramel made of?

Plant-based caramel can easily be made with vanilla and salt mixed with either almond butter and maple syrup, or coconut sugar and coconut cream.

Why isn't my caramel sauce thickening?

If your caramel isn't thickening you can cook it until it reaches 225°F. If it still isn't thick enough you can mix in cornstarch.

Why did my caramel sauce get hard?

Caramel will harden the longer it cooks as the moisture content reduces. Stop cooking your caramel assoon as you reach you desired consistency.

More Vegan Dessert Recipes

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these easy plant based recipes: