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Home » Recipes » Vegan Dessert Recipes

Vegan Peanut Butter Caramel

Published: Jul 15, 2022 · Modified: Oct 4, 2022 by Toni · This post may contain affiliate links

382 shares

This vegan peanut butter caramel is made with just 3 ingredients (and no cream!) in just 3 minutes. A dairy-free, refined sugar-free, healthier, and even optionally nut-free vegan caramel sauce!

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completed Simple Vegan Caramel in a jar with caramel drizzling down from a spoon against a white background

3 Ingredient, 3 Minute Creamy Vegan Caramel sauce

If you love caramel sauce as much as I do (aka you eat it directly from the jar with a spoon), this healthy vegan peanut butter caramel is a must. This recipe swaps out traditional caramel ingredients for all-natural, pantry-friendly ingredients that are more nourishing for the body and will still satisfy your sweet tooth.

In fact, this easy dairy-free caramel sauce recipe requires just 3 ingredients (plus salt): coconut oil, maple syrup, and peanut butter. This combination is salty, creamy, silky, sweet, and healthier than other vegan caramel sauce recipes (that often combine coconut milk with sugar and vegan butter).

Even better, though this base recipe for vegan caramel sauce uses peanut butter, there are options below for nut-free (and oil-free) versions. Best of all, it takes just minutes to prepare in two fuss-free, mess-free steps (with no saucepan/simmering required) and makes for a simple vegan caramel sauce or salted caramel sauce, plus several flavored variations listed below.

Is Caramel Vegan?

While caramel, which caramelizes sugars on the stove, is vegan, caramel sauce, which combines the caramelized sugar with dairy-based cream and sometimes dairy-based butter, is not.

However, for this recipe, not only is there no dairy cream, but we've swapped out refined sugar for maple syrup. In fact, this naturally sweetened dairy-free caramel sauce is great for those trying to reduce sugar and make healthier ingredient swaps.

Even though it obviously doesn't taste identical to dairy-based caramel, this coconut oil caramel still has a permanent place in my fridge. Once prepared, enjoy this healthy vegan caramel sauce over desserts, drinks, mixed into oatmeal, dipped with fruit, and more!

The Ingredients

This easy vegan caramel sauce recipe requires just three ingredients, plus salt.

ingredients for Simple Vegan Caramel against a light background
  • Coconut oil: Coconut oil caramel still has a wonderfully silky mouthfeel, even as a non-dairy caramel sauce. Vegan butter would work as a coconut-free alternative.
  • Maple syrup: I particularly love the flavor of maple in this healthy vegan caramel sauce. However, brown rice syrup would also work.
  • Peanut butter: Use natural, drippy peanut butter (with just peanuts and optionally salt as the ingredients). Instead of peanut butter, you could also use almond butter or cashew butter. Read FAQs for a nut-free, dairy-free caramel sauce option.
  • Salt: I recommend using sea salt. Just a tiny pinch will enhance the flavors in regular dairy-free caramel sauce. Add more for a delicious vegan salted caramel.

What Can I Add To Peanut Butter Caramel Sauce?

Along with enhancing the flavor of the vegan caramel recipe, there are several ways to flavor this healthy caramel sauce, including:

  • Vanilla extract: Use natural vanilla extract to avoid a nasty artificial flavor. Vanilla paste will also work.

You could also experiment with other flavor extracts, like coconut, lavender, etc. Add them right at the end, as the microwave's heat can affect the flavor of the extract.

  • Dates: Use Medjool dates only (the softest, sweetest dates) to replace some or all of the maple syrup for a delicious, naturally sweetened, healthy caramel sauce. Date caramel sauce is perfect for spreading and thicker applications.
  • Other spices: You can also easily change the flavor of the easy vegan caramel sauce with spices like cinnamon, pumpkin spice, gingerbread spice, etc. Add to taste.
  • Miso: This may sound a little strange, but a small amount of miso added to the vegan caramel sauce creates delicious depth.
  • Melted vegan chocolate: Melt a small amount of dairy-free chocolate for a delicious vegan chocolate caramel sauce.
  • Mini vegan chocolate chips: I like to sprinkle in some dairy-free mini chocolate chips when serving this vegan caramel recipe as a dip.
  • Aquafaba: For a fluffier dairy-free caramel sauce dip, fold in some whipped aquafaba to the sauce.

How To Make Vegan Caramel Sauce with Peanut Butter?

This fuss-free vegan caramel sauce recipe requires just TWO steps and several minutes to prepare.

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  • 1) Combine all the ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds.
process of mixing ingredients for Simple Vegan Caramel in a white bowl
process of mixing ingredients for Simple Vegan Caramel in a white bowl
  • 2) Mix/ whisk well until thoroughly combined. Then taste and adjust the salt to taste—Enjoy!
completed Simple Vegan Caramel in a bowl with caramel drizzling down from a spoon against a white background

FAQs

Can I make nut-free, dairy-free caramel sauce?

Use sunflower seed butter or tahini to make a nut-free vegan caramel sauce. Note that no matter what you use, the flavor will differ slightly. For example, tahini is naturally more bitter and may require extra sweetener.

You could also use a vegan cookie butter (like Biscoff) for a vegan caramel sauce that definitely isn't as healthy but is almost sinfully delicious and perfect for special occasions.  

Could I omit the coconut oil?

To make an oil-free healthy caramel sauce, I recommend using full-fat coconut milk (just the thick cream) instead. However, this version won't be as silky in terms of mouth feel.

Top Tips and Notes

  • To adjust the consistency: If you want a thinner sauce, add a small amount of dairy-free cream or milk (or water). I prefer to use full-fat canned coconut milk for the creamiest results, but any should work.
  • Tweak the ingredients to taste: Particularly the amount of salt, based on if you want a simple caramel or a vegan salted caramel sauce.
  • If using dates: Note that the vegan peanut butter caramel sauce will be thicker unless more liquid is added. You'll also need to use a food processor for this method to ensure everything blends into a smooth caramel paste. Note that you need to ensure you make a large enough batch. Otherwise, your processor won't be able to blend properly. This version works best for spreading rather than drizzling.

Storage Instructions

You can store the healthy peanut butter caramel sauce in a jar in the refrigerator for between 1-2 weeks. It will also freeze for around a month.

The healthy caramel sauce will thicken when chilled, so bring it back to room temperature naturally or in the microwave in 10-second increments. You could also add a splash of dairy-free milk if needed/preferred.

How To Use Peanut Butter Caramel Sauce?

I use this homemade non-dairy caramel in place of dairy caramel in most ways. Some of my favorite uses include:

  • Drizzle the vegan peanut butter caramel sauce over plant-based cakes, cheesecake, cupcakes/muffins, and brownies
  • Enjoy it with vegan pancakes, waffles, and French toast
  • Drizzle over popcorn
  • Use to fill thumbprint cookies
  • Use it as a sauce for vegan ice cream
  • Stir it into oatmeal and dairy-free yogurt bowls for breakfast (or dessert)
  • Make this as a dip for apples, pears, and other fruit
  • Enjoy a vegan dessert salted caramel fondue + fruit, brownie squares, pretzels, etc.
  • Garnish hot cocoa and coffee drinks

How else do you enjoy this peanut butter caramel sauce? Let me know in the comments below.

More Vegan Sauce & Dip Recipes

  • Easy Vegan Cheese Sauce
  • 2-Ingredient Raspberry Syrup
  • Easy Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip

If you try this easy vegan peanut butter caramel sauce recipe, I'd love to know what you think in the comments below. I'd also really appreciate a recipe card rating!

Photos by Alfonso Revilla

completed Simple Vegan Caramel in a jar with caramel drizzling down from a spoon against a white background

Vegan Peanut Butter Caramel

Toni
This vegan peanut butter caramel is made with just 3 ingredients (and no cream!) in just 3 minutes. A dairy-free, refined sugar-free, healthier, and even optionally nut-free vegan caramel sauce!
5 from 62 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 3 minutes mins
Cook Time 0 minutes mins
Total Time 3 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 1 jar
Calories 2113 kcal

Video

Equipment

  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup of coconut oil
  • ½ cup of maple syrup
  • ½ cup of peanut butter
  • ½ teaspoon of salt

Instructions
 

  • Place the coconut oil, maple syrup, peanut butter, and salt in a bowl and microwave them for 30 seconds. Miix well.

Notes

  • To adjust the consistency: If you want a thinner sauce, add a small amount of dairy-free cream or milk (or water). I prefer to use full-fat canned coconut milk for the creamiest results, but any should work.
  • Tweak the ingredients to taste: Particularly the amount of salt, based on if you want a simple caramel or a vegan salted caramel sauce.
  • If using dates: Note that the vegan peanut butter caramel sauce will be thicker unless more liquid is added. You'll also need to use a food processor for this method to ensure everything blends into a smooth caramel paste.

Nutrition

Calories: 2113kcalCarbohydrates: 138gProtein: 29gFat: 174gSaturated Fat: 103gPolyunsaturated Fat: 18gMonounsaturated Fat: 40gSodium: 1731mgPotassium: 1090mgFiber: 6gSugar: 110gCalcium: 241mgIron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @foodsharingvegan on Instagram!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    5 from 62 votes (53 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Andrea says

    July 15, 2022 at 12:33 am

    5 stars
    can definitely eat this straight out the jar!

    Reply
  2. Jacqui says

    July 15, 2022 at 4:29 am

    5 stars
    Totally obsessed with this caramel sauce!!

    Reply
    • Andrea says

      July 18, 2022 at 2:45 am

      You are not alone! It's so good!

      Reply
  3. Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says

    July 17, 2022 at 4:31 pm

    5 stars
    I often top my pancakes with peanut butter and maple syrup. It is such a delicious combination.

    Reply
    • Andrea says

      July 18, 2022 at 2:46 am

      This sounds amazing on pancakes! Such a great idea!

      Reply
  4. Tina says

    July 17, 2022 at 8:53 pm

    5 stars
    Loving how this is a healthier alternative!

    Reply
    • Andrea says

      July 18, 2022 at 2:47 am

      Yesss! Healthy and still supppper delicious!

      Reply
  5. Katie says

    July 18, 2022 at 11:59 am

    5 stars
    Love this PB Caramel! Super easy, salty, and delicious!

    Reply
    • Andrea says

      July 24, 2022 at 4:41 am

      It's the best!!

      Reply
  6. Kalin says

    July 18, 2022 at 1:53 pm

    I cannot wait to try this over some popcorn! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Andrea says

      July 24, 2022 at 4:41 am

      That sounds incredible! Will definitely be adding it to my popcorn night also!

      Reply
  7. Gina H. says

    July 19, 2022 at 4:36 pm

    5 stars
    Scrumptious! Love the taste and the texture. It's super yummy on anything really 😀

    Reply
    • Andrea says

      July 24, 2022 at 4:43 am

      The perfect caramel! So addicting!

      Reply
  8. Teodora says

    July 24, 2022 at 1:33 pm

    5 stars
    This is super amazing! I love it!

    Reply
    • Andrea says

      July 31, 2022 at 12:05 am

      So sweet and delicious!

      Reply
  9. Michelle says

    July 24, 2022 at 9:58 pm

    5 stars
    I LOVE mixing maple and PB, it's the worlds most underused combo!

    Reply
    • Andrea says

      July 31, 2022 at 12:10 am

      So true! So sweet, salty, and yum!

      Reply
  10. Janaye says

    August 01, 2022 at 3:41 am

    5 stars
    The consistency looks like perfection

    Reply
    • Andrea says

      August 08, 2022 at 1:51 am

      Yessssss. Such a perfect drizzle!

      Reply
  11. Melissa says

    November 06, 2022 at 6:03 pm

    Can you bake with this?

    Reply
    • Tina says

      July 13, 2023 at 5:50 pm

      yes, you could definitely bake with this vegan caramel!

      Reply
  12. Pat says

    November 21, 2022 at 11:29 pm

    Had to microwave for 2.5 minutes to get smooth consistency.

    Reply
    • Andrea says

      January 09, 2023 at 3:00 am

      Thanks for writing in! Every microwave is different so that's great to know that it may require extra time. Hope you enjoyed it 🙂

      Reply
  13. Anna says

    April 02, 2024 at 3:05 pm

    What can I replace the coconut oil with? I'm allergic to coconut.

    Reply
    • Andrea says

      April 08, 2024 at 2:20 am

      Hi! Vegan butter would work as a coconut-free alternative.

      Reply

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