Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup vegan butter (such as Earth Balance or Miyoko’s)
- 3/4 cup full-fat coconut milk (or another plant-based milk, but coconut milk gives a creamier texture)
- 3/4 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar for a more traditional caramel flavor)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or agave syrup)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions:
- Melt the Butter:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- Add the Sweeteners:
- Once the butter is melted, add the coconut sugar and maple syrup (or agave syrup) to the pan. Stir to combine.
- Let it simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 4-5 minutes, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the mixture to thicken slightly. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Add the Coconut Milk:
- Gradually add the coconut milk to the saucepan, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes, continuing to stir occasionally. The caramel will thicken as it cooks.
- Add the Vanilla and Salt:
- Once the caramel has thickened to a sauce-like consistency, remove the pan from the heat.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Taste and adjust the salt if you’d like a stronger salted caramel flavor.
- Cool the Caramel:
- Let the caramel cool for a few minutes in the pan. It will thicken further as it cools.
- Once it has reached a nice, pourable consistency, you can drizzle it over desserts or store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Tips:
- Storage: Store any leftover caramel in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before using, as it will thicken when cold.
- Consistency: If your caramel becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little more coconut milk or water to get your desired consistency.
- Adjust sweetness: You can adjust the amount of maple syrup or coconut sugar to make it sweeter or less sweet according to your preference.
This Vegan Salted Butter Caramel sauce is the perfect treat for anyone with a sweet tooth, offering all the richness and indulgence of traditional caramel but made with plant-based ingredients. Enjoy!
