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    Home » Recipes » Dessert

    5-Minute Vegan Caramel

    Published: Feb 13, 2023 by Nicole Addison · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    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

    Ingredients for vegan caramel including peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil.
    • 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

    • Medium saucepan
    • Mason jars or Weck jars
    • Whisk

    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

    • Gluten Free Vegan Sugar Cookies
    • The Ultimate 5 Minute Pumpkin Protein Bars
    • Easy Vegan Caramel Slice
    • 5-Minute Vegan Snickers Protein Balls

    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.
    Pin Recipe
    Print Recipe

    5-Minute Vegan Caramel

    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!
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time5 mins
    Total Time10 mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: dips, vegan
    Servings: 1 cup
    Calories: 1226kcal

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup peanut butter or almond butter
    • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
    • 2 tablespoon coconut oil
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla
    • pinch of sea salt

    Instructions

    • Add nut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil to a medium pot over low- medium heat.
    • 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.
    • Pour into a mason jar, allow to cool and store in the fridge*.

    Notes

    *The caramel will harden in the fridge, so microwaving it for 20-30 seconds until it's runny and can be drizzled.
     
    *I have included the nutrition information for this recipe below. However, always remember a recipe is so much more than just nutritional content and these numbers do not need to dictate your food choices. Please don't forget both your body and soul need nourishment!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 1226kcal | Carbohydrates: 84g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 94g | Saturated Fat: 36g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 16g | Monounsaturated Fat: 35g | Sodium: 561mg | Potassium: 912mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 62g | Calcium: 151mg | Iron: 2mg

    More Healthy-ish Dessert Recipes

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      Matcha White Chocolate Cookies (Gluten Free)
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      Chocolate High Protein Mug Cake
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      Peanut Butter and Jelly Quesadilla
    • Two 3-ingredient peanut butter oatmeal balls stacked on top of each other.
      3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls

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    Nicole Addison, RD, MHSc

    I’m Nicole, a Registered Dietitian, recipe developer and content creator on a mission to help individuals rediscover the joys of cooking with easy, accessible, healthy recipes. After years of struggling to find balance I have finally found that there is a way nourish your body while also fueling your soul.

    On my page you'll find yummy recipes, wellness tips, and even some of my favourite travel and lifestyle recommendations!

    More about me →

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