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    Home » All Recipes » Refined-Sugar Free Desserts

    Vegan Salted Caramel

    Published: Nov 1, 2020 · Modified: Aug 23, 2021 by Megan · This post may contain affiliate links.

    143 shares
    Jump to Recipe
    picture of caramel with text "vegan salted caramel, refined sugar-free!".

    My go-to recipe for the BEST Vegan Salted Caramel! With only 4 ingredients needed, this vegan caramel sauce couldn't be easier to make.

    container of salted caramel with spoon pulling out a drizzle

    Ingredients & Substitutions:

    As mentioned above this recipe only requires four easy ingredients. The full quantities are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post, but here is a quick recap:

    • Canned Coconut Milk (full fat)
    • Coconut Sugar
    • Vanilla bean paste (or extract)
    • Salt

    Can I sub a different sugar for coconut sugar?

    You bet! I've also made salted caramel with brown sugar and turbinado/raw sugar. You definitely want to use a sugar that has some molasses in it for the best results. Also, the sugar must be granulated to achieve the right caramel texture. This recipe would not work with a liquid sugar like maple syrup or agave.

    Is there a substitute for coconut milk?

    Coconut milk is really crucial to get that creamy luscious texture and I have not tested this recipe with any other substitutes that I could recommend.

    Steps to make vegan salted caramel sauce

    First, add all the ingredients to a saucepan, turn on the heat, and stir together until the mixture reaches a boil.

    salted caramel ingredients swirled into saucepan

    Then, reduce to a simmer and cook over low heat 30-40 minutes. The caramel sauce will go from pretty thin to a thick sauce. One trick I like to use to test if the caramel is done is to dip a wooden spoon into the caramel mixture. Then, I swipe my finger across the spoon. If the caramel stays in place and does not fill the empty space, it is likely ready! 

    Once the caramel sauce is done, remove from the heat, add in the salt, and stir. I prefer ½ tsp but you can add more or less depending on your preference!

    Then pour into a container and let cool completely before storing in the fridge.

    Finally, put the cooled caramel into the fridge and let cool for at least 1 hour. This step is really crucial for the best caramel texture! While you can eat the caramel while warm, it won't be as thick as intended. I promise it is worth the wait!

    salted caramel bubbling in a pot

    How do I store caramel sauce?

    Now that you have lots of salted caramel sauce, you're going to want to store those leftovers in the fridge! I've found it will keep for about 2 weeks and should always be kept in a closed container. It may last longer for you, but since we are using coconut milk it usually does not keep much beyond this.

    Can I reheat caramel sauce?

    Caramel sauce can be reheated, just keep in mind it will make it thinner and runnier.

    What to do with salted caramel sauce:

    I use this Vegan Salted Caramel in SOO many recipes on SGTO! Since it's easy to swap the coconut sugar with turbinado sugar or brown sugar, it can really fit with any dessert recipe such as:

    • Vegan Pumpkin Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting
    • As a topping for any cupcake or cake recipe
    • On top of my sticky date cake (YUM!)
    • On top of cinnamon rolls, especially my Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls
    two pictures of caramel being poured onto desserts
    Salted caramel being added to date cake (made with coconut sugar) and pumpkin cake (made with turbinado sugar)

    Besides these desserts, it also makes a great topping for:

    • Vegan Nice Cream
    • Baked Oatmeal/ Pancakes/Waffles as a fun breakfast treat
    • A dip for apples (perfect for Rosh Hashanah alongside my Vegan Challah!)
    • On popcorn
    • Right off the spoon!?

    No matter how you eat it, I know you will love this Vegan Salted Caramel Sauce! It's so easy to make that I  constantly have a batch sitting in my fridge to be added to anything I can think of. Enjoy!

    -TSG

    If you loved this recipe, please leave a 5-star review on the recipe card. I always appreciate your feedback and support! You can also follow along on my Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Pinterest, or sign up for our newsletter!

    container of salted caramel with spoon pulling out a drizzle

    Vegan Salted Caramel

    Salty sweet caramel goodness!
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin
    Course: Refined-Sugar Free Desserts
    Cuisine: Vegan
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Additional Time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
    Servings: 10 servings
    Author: Megan Horowitch

    Ingredients 
    US Customary - Metric

    • 13.5 oz can coconut milk full fat
    • 1 cup coconut sugar can also be subbed 1:1 for brown sugar or turbinado/raw sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste can be subbed 1:1 for vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon salt

    Instructions

    • Add the coconut milk, sugar, and vanilla bean paste to a saucepan and bring to a boil.
    • Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 30-40 minutes until the caramel has become darker in color and much thicker.
    • Remove the caramel from the heat, add in the salt, and stir.
    • Let the caramel cool completely and then place in a closed container in the fridge to "set" for at least one hour. The caramel can be enjoyed warm, but it will not be as thick as intended.
    • Once the caramel is ready, drizzle on top of your favorite dessert and enjoy!

    Notes

    • Salted caramel can be stored in a closed container in the fridge up to 2 weeks.
    • I don't recommend freezing salted caramel.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2Tbsp | Calories: 142kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 153mg | Potassium: 101mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @shortgirltallorder or tag #sgtoeats!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Meg says

      October 22, 2022 at 1:24 pm

      Wondering how you would put this with popcorn.... coat and bake it until it hardens? Any tips appreciated- looking for a homemade version of Boom Chicka Pop Kettle 🙂

      Reply
      • Megan says

        October 22, 2022 at 8:37 pm

        Hmm maybe? I've never made popcorn with it and am honestly not sure if it's the right texture but you could try baking it!

        Reply
    2. Laura says

      March 25, 2022 at 11:16 am

      5 stars
      Super easy to make and delicious.

      Reply
      • Megan says

        March 25, 2022 at 1:50 pm

        So happy you liked it!!

        Reply

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    picture of girl with curly hair holding a spoon of food.

    Hi, I'm Megan! I believe eating plant-based food can be enjoyable for everyone. Eating plants doesn't have to be hard and it certainly shouldn't be boring. I am here to help you on your journey to eating food you actually feel good about and to make cooking at home fun again! 

    More about me →

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