5-Minute Vegan Caramel

Name: 5-Minute Vegan Caramel
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup peanut butter (or almond butter); 1/4 cup pure maple syrup; 2 tbsp coconut oil; 1/2 tsp vanilla; pinch of sea salt

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You would never even guess this vegan caramel sauce has only 5 ingredients and comes together in 5 minutes. It's the perfect pairing to any fruit or dessert!

Vegan caramel with apple slices in the background.

I am SO excited to bring you this vegan caramel because it's actually life changing. It's been an add-in I've used in other recipes like my salted caramel blondies, but it definitely deserves her own post.

Most caramel is typically made of sugar, heavy cream and butter, but I put my own twist (and made it vegan) by doing a peanut butter caramel!

Don't worry- it still has all the warm, toasty and sweet notes as a traditional caramel. I love enjoying this vegan caramel as an apple dip, drizzled on brownies, or even as a special oatmeal or pancake topping.

It is the quickest way to level up any breakfast, snack or dessert and make it that much more special.

Make it to keep on hand, and it'll keep your sweet tooth happy all week long!

Ingredients

Peanut butter
Maple syrup
Coconut oil
Vanilla extract
Sea salt

Instructions

Adding peanut butter, coconut oil and maple syrup to a pot.

Add nut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil to a medium pot over medium-low heat.

Whisking together vegan caramel in a pot.

Continue to stir until ingredients combine. Once it develops that nice caramel colour and starts to slightly bubble, remove from heat and add vanilla extract and sea salt.

Storing peanut butter caramel in a glass jar.

Pour into a mason jar, allow to cool and store in the fridge.

Serving vegan caramel with apple slices.

Serve with fruit, use in desserts, or drizzle on oatmeal- everything tastes better with caramel!

Substitutions and Variations

Missing an ingredient? Try these:

Maple syrup: You can use sugar-free maple syrup, but it will slightly alter the taste! Personally, I prefer the real stuff for the best flavour. You can also try date syrup, which also has caramel undertones.
Peanut butter: Swap for almond butter.

Equipment

Storage

This peanut butter caramel sauce stays fresh in the fridge for up to 2 weeks stored in an airtight jar. It will harden in the fridge, so when you're ready to use it I recommend microwaving for about 20-30 seconds until it's runny.

Top Tip

For best results, stir the caramel continuously over the heat until full combined. Don't be tempted to let it sit- the process happens fast (about 3 minutes) and I would hate for your caramel to burn!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this taste like traditional caramel sauce?

I personally think it tastes pretty darn close! However, like I mentioned earlier it is in no way a traditional caramel sauce (and it’s not trying to be!). This vegan caramel will have a slightly nutty flavour, and will be less sweet than a traditional caramel sauce. Although it’s not a direct replacement, I think it’s a great slightly healthier option!

Can I make this caramel sauce in the microwave?

YES! I prefer to use the stove as I find the caramel sauce combines better and becomes more like a “traditional” caramel sauce. However, if you’re having a caramel emergency (we all have those, right?) the microwave works!

Add the ingredients to a microwave safe bowl and microwave in increments of 15 seconds, stirring in between. Keep in mind that it is easier to overheat the caramel this way and the ingredients may separate, so watch it carefully.

Taking a spoonful of peanut butter caramel from a jar.

More Vegan Dessert Recipes

PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make this vegan caramel, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!

Taking a spoonful of vegan caramel from a jar.

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