Gooey, rich and sticky vegan salted caramel sauce. Do I really need to explain more?
Okay well it starts with coconut milk, brown sugar, vanilla and ends with some sea salt.
Literally, that’s it. It take about 25 minutes on the hob to turn into this smooth, velvety vegan salted caramel sauce.
The sea salt comes at the end, but it is optional. If you aren’t a salted caramel fan just leave it out (who are you?).
I originally made this sauce with coconut sugar but I wasn’t entirely happy with it. Then I retested it with light brown sugar and omg it’s so good (even if it’s not as healthy).
And anyway, caramel isn’t meant to be healthy and it’s definitely a lot healthier than dairy caramel so it’s all good.
A lot of vegan caramel calls for dates, coconut sugar or tahini. I wanted to make this recipe with ingredients you (hopefully) always have in the pantry! So there is no need to rush to the shops to get the ingredients.
So indulge yourself – drizzle it on cake, ice cream, hot chocolate or take it by the spoonful. Just like I did whilst shooting it. I’m warning you – it is highly addictive.
I am a huge fan of vanilla bean paste over vanilla essence so I highly recommend spending the extra money if you don’t already have some. The little black specs in the sauce are the vanilla and they give for a much stronger flavour. A little goes a long way.
This last week has been a struggle with work. I came back from visiting my dad last Monday and carrying heavy bags set off an old injury.
I injured my back in my previous job, as a nursery teacher, whilst pushing a heavy cupboard. I have seen doctors, osteos, physios but I still don’t really have a proper answer. Just that it is something I have to manage and deal with. GREAT.
Anyway, the good news is that I don’t have to constantly bend down/pick up children which made it a whole lot worse. However I’m not sure that cooking and being a photographer is that great either. But the bonus is that I get to work from home so if my back does get set off I’m able to manage it much better!
Enough about my back injury. Whilst visiting my dad (who lives near Hull) there happened to be a vegan festival on. I dragged my family members along, had some yummy food and bought a new Sea Shepherd tshirt.
The next day we went to another food festival, sadly not a vegan one, but I managed to find a vegan cafe (thank goodness for Happy Cow) called Blondes Coffee Shop.
It’s in a village called Cottingham and if you are ever there you need to stop by. The salted caramel rocky road is to die for. SO good!
It’s probably what subconsciously inspired this salted caramel sauce. Honestly, I’ve been dreaming about that rocky road ever since.
This week I plan on getting as many recipes and photos taken as my back will let me because next week I will be preparing for a yoga retreat I am catering at. I’ll be sharing all about it on my stories.
It’s in Glastonbury (a three hour drive from here) and I am thinking I might stay an extra day or two to explore. If any of you have an recommendations on things to do or see I would love to hear!
This recipe would be perfect drizzled on top of my creamy oat milk hot chocolate. And is amazing in these caramel chocolate chip cookies!
As always if you make this vegan salted caramel be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!
Don’t forget to follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram – I’d love to see you all there!
NEVER MISS A RECIPE! GET MORE VEGAN RECIPES SENT STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX – SUBSCRIBE HERE ?
Vegan Salted Caramel Sauce
The most amazing sweet and salty gooey vegan salted caramel. Indulgent, addictive and perfect drizzled on desserts. Just 4 ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 can coconut milk (400ml)
- 150g soft light brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 1-2 tsp sea salt
Instructions
Place the coconut milk(including water), sugar and vanilla in a pan.
Bring to a gentle boil and stir frequently for 20-25 minutes.
The sauce will have thickened and be a dark brown caramel colour (but will still be quite runny), take it off the heat and stir in the salt. Add between 1-2 tsp salt, taste and add accordingly.
The sauce will thicken to the desired consistency as it cools. Leave to cool and use straight away or store in an air tight container in the fridge. It will keep for at least a week.
Notes
The sauce will thicken as it cools, especially in the fridge. Bring back to room temperature, or heat up on the hob to soften.
I used Neilsen-Massey vanilla bean paste. Sub for 1 tsp of vanilla essence if you don't have vanilla bean paste.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Alphe
Wednesday 21st of June 2023
Love this recipe, it comes out really good!
However, as a dietician I would just point out that there's no difference between how "healthy" diary and non-diary caramel is. Same goes for coconut and cane sugars. Food companies make a good profit from making people believe that expensive alternatives are much healthier than standard products. Sugar is sugar. It's built of the same basic chemical components, just in slightly different proportions. And any difference in additional minerals or nutrients is so small, it's negligible :)
Deborah
Tuesday 28th of March 2023
Absolutely amazing sauce. Best I’ve ever tasted was the verdict
Cassandra
Tuesday 10th of January 2023
How long can this be kept at room temperature?
Tamsin
Wednesday 11th of January 2023
Hi Cassandra, I would recommend keeping in the fridge but it would probably be okay for a week or so, possibly longer but I haven't tested it, Tamsin xo
Marina
Friday 15th of October 2021
I made it and it is delicious! Making it again right now to drizzle on vanilla ice cream. Yumm!
Tamsin
Friday 15th of October 2021
Hi Marina, yay so glad you enjoyed it! So good this time of year :) Tamsin xo
Alex Kira
Friday 10th of September 2021
Does this taste like coconut? Or can you taste the coconut at all?
Tamsin
Monday 13th of September 2021
Hi Alex, personally I don't think you can but if you are sensitive to the taste of coconut then maybe. But for me the sugar takes away the coconut taste! Tamsin xo