Easy Vegan Caramel Sauce Recipe

This Vegan Caramel Sauce recipe is incredibly versatile and can be used to top a variety of desserts. Drizzle it over vegan ice cream, use as a fruit dip, or even add some to your morning oatmeal for a sweet twist! It’s also great for making vegan caramel apples. This is the same sauce I use in these Banana Walnut Bars and I thought it deserved to be highlighted it’s so delicious.

The best part about this recipe is that it only requires a handful of simple ingredients and is ready in no time. It comes together with a few minutes of stirring on the stovetop and is just as delicious as the store-bought version, but without any artificial or processed ingredients.

A silver spoon dripping with brown caramel sauce.

Why You’ll This Recipe

  • This delicious caramel sauce is sweet, luscious, and creamy.
  • It’s made with wholesome ingredients and has a delicious, rich flavor.
  • Plus, it can be made in just minutes and tastes so much better than store-bought caramel.
  • Easy to double or triple for a larger batch.
  • It’s also perfect for topping all your favorite treats! From cakes to pies to ice cream sundaes, this caramel sauce will take any dessert to the next level.

If you love caramel and have a sweet tooth you may also enjoy this Caramel Banana French Toast recipe.

Equipment Needed

You only need a few pieces of equipment to help you make this simple yet delicious recipe.

  • small saucepan
  • whisk or rubber spatula
  • airtight container or glass jar
Ingredients needed to make vegan caramel sauce.

Ingredients

You only need a few natural ingredients to help you make this easy vegan caramel sauce recipe. And, you may even already have these ingredients on hand which can help save you a trip to the grocery store! You can find the amounts needed for this recipe in the recipe card below.

  • coconut sugar or brown sugar
  • cold water
  • coconut milk
  • vanilla extract

How to Make This Vegan Caramel Sauce Recipe

Making this homemade caramel sauce is so simple. Follow the step by step instructions below and you will a creamy sauce that’s perfect for coffee, desserts, or anything else you can think up!

Step 1: Dissolve the sugar

In a small saucepan add coconut sugar and water and heat over medium. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

Mixing water with coconut sugar in a small saucepan.

Step 2: Bring the syrup to a boil

Continue to heat until the ingredients start to bubble. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the coconut milk and continue to simmer

Add coconut milk and reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Cooking sugar with coconut milk and water in a small sauce pan.

Step 4: Add the vanilla and then cool

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Cool before storing.

Adding vanilla extract to cooked caramel sauce.

What To Serve With This Dish

I like to use this homemade caramel in recipes like this Apple Dessert Pizza or a Iced Frosty Cappuccino recipe for an extra special treat. You could also serve this with apple slices, or as the perfect topping for vegan ice cream and other baked goods.

Substitutions and Additions

Here are a few ways that you can personalize this caramel syrup recipe to suit your taste buds.

  • Add a pinch of sea salt when you add the vanilla extract to give it some extra flavor.
  • If you don’t have coconut sugar, you can use brown sugar instead or even agave or date syrup.
  • If you are not vegan and just want a dairy free caramel sauce, then you may prefer raw honey instead of coconut sugar.
  • You can also add a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg for a delicious twist on the flavor.
  • This dairy-free caramel sauce is great as it is, but you can also add a little vegan butter to give it a richer flavor.
Top view of caramel sauce in a glass jar with a spoon.

How To Store

Storage – Store your homemade caramel sauce in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Reheat just before using.

Reheating – You can reheat your caramel sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop until it becomes a pourable consistency. Be sure to give it a good stir while it is reheating so that it’s mixed well.

Freezing – You can freeze this caramel sauce for up to three months. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container.

Sandra’s Pro Tips

Here are a few tips to make sure that this recipe turn out perfectly for you every time that you make it.

  • Make sure that you use canned coconut milk and not coconut cream, as the consistency of coconut cream is too thick for this recipe.
  • Be sure to stir often while simmering the ingredients, otherwise it may stick to the bottom of the pan.
  • If you want an extra sweet caramel sauce add some maple syrup when adding the coconut milk.
  • Make sure that you allow the caramel to room to room temperature before you store it in the fridge.
Caramel sauce in a small jar ready to enjoy.

FAQs

Do you have questions about this vegan caramel recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions for this easy recipe.

What is vegan caramel made of?

Vegan caramel is usually made from coconut milk, sugar, a small amount of water, and vanilla extract.

How long does caramel last?

This caramel sauce can last for up to two weeks in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container or mason jar.

Can you freeze homemade caramel?

Yes, you can freeze this caramel sauce for up to three months.

vegan caramel sauce in a clear jar with a spoon dripping with the sauce.
Vegan caramel sauce in a clear jar with a spoon dripping with the sauce.

Vegan Caramel Sauce Recipe

Rich and creamy vegan caramel sauce to add to your favorite desserts and recipes.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: vegan caramel sauce, Vegan caramel sauce recipe
Servings: 1 cup
Calories: 37kcal
Author: Sandra Shaffer

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
  • 4 ounces water
  • 4 ounces coconut milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan add coconut sugar and water and heat over medium. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
  • Continue to heat until the ingredients start to bubble for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add coconut milk and reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  • Cool before placing in an airtight container.

Notes

  • Use canned coconut milk and not coconut cream, as the consistency of coconut cream is too thick for this recipe.
  • Be sure to stir often while simmering the ingredients, otherwise it may stick to the bottom of the pan.
  • If you want an extra sweet caramel sauce add some maple syrup when adding the coconut milk.
  • Nutrition

    Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 37kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 3mg | Sugar: 6g

    Disclaimer

    Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.

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