
Call me crazy butttt…I think caramel just officially came apart of my weekly meal prep lol. I am completely OBSESSED with this vegan + paleo caramel sauce!
I cannot believe how amazing this simple caramel sauce turned out. It is the exact flavor, texture, and sweetness I wanted, while still being made with simple ingredients!
This caramel sauce is refined sugar free; it’s sweetened with coconut sugar and maple syrup. Plus, it’s dairy free! It get’s it’s creaminess from full fat coconut milk, but doesn’t have a coconut flavor. The flavors and textures all just melt together perfectly for a silky smooth, rich caramel sauce.
It will give you nostalgic, old school caramel sauce vibes with a healthier spin on the ingredients. No corn syrup, preservatives, chemicals, food coloring, etc. Just real, wholesome ingredients and a super delicious result. Yes please!

As you can see, I went all out for some apple nachos with this caramel sauce (plus peanut butter, yogurt, granola, and cinnamon). But, you can use this in so many fun ways!
In your coffee, on your ice cream, with banana soft serve, on oatmeal, etc. The possibilities are endless and delicious! I also have a dairy free hot fudge recipe, so if you’re in a sundae mood they are the perfect duo!
I foresee myself using this caramel sauce in lots of cozy recipes this fall 😉
This sauce will store in the fridge for 1-2 weeks, and it only takes about 5 minutes to make. Little work with LOTS of reward! I am truly obsessed.
I am so excited for you all to make this caramel sauce. I know you’re going to love it as much as I do!
Be sure to let me know what you think below with a rating and comment, and tag me on Instagram so that I can see how you’re using it! xo
Print
Vegan + Paleo Caramel Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
Description
Silky smooth vegan and paleo caramel sauce. Ready in 5 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 cup full fat coconut milk from the can (mostly the thick creamy part on top, but if the liquid part gets mixed in that’s ok)
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp arrowroot starch (can sub cornstarch but not tapioca starch)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 2–4 tbsp dairy free milk of choice, as needed
Instructions
- Add the full fat coconut milk, coconut sugar, maple syrup, arrowroot starch, vanilla, and sea salt to a small pot.
- Give everything a good stir then heat over medium heat. Once sauce is simmering, continuously whisk for 3-4 minutes, until sauce is thickened, dark brown, and glossy. Remove pot from heat.
- Pour caramel sauce into a jar, then mix in 2-4 tbsp dairy free milk to get the sauce to desired consistency and help smooth out any lumps (some lumps are ok).
- Allow to slightly cool before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. Reheating is not necessary, but if you would like to serve the leftover caramel warm then gently reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Alera Yost
Should the coconut milk be refrigerated or room temp? Does it make a difference?
Mia Zarlengo
Either way is fine! 🙂
jenny
Where can I find the recipe for the caramel sauce?
★★★★★
Mia Zarlengo
Hi Jenny it’s right above in the post!
Lauren
So yummy!! Used it in some nice cream!
★★★★★
Jena
I cannot believe how good this is and SO easy to make. I had some leftover chocolate ganache from making your cosmic brownies the other day. I made a little sundae with Oatly vanilla ice cream + this caramel sauce + the leftover ganache and it was HEAVEN.
★★★★★
Mia Zarlengo
This makes me so happy to hear Jena!! I’m glad you love this as much as I do! 🙂
Jen
Can’t stop making this caramel sauce!! It’s absolutely delicious and better than store bought caramel. I put this on my pancakes, oatmeal and dip apple slices in it or add to coffee. I’m actually in love with it haha thank you Mia for this amazing recipe!
★★★★★
Mia Zarlengo
OH my gosh this makes me SO happy! Thank you so much Jen! xoxo
Cindy
SOOOOO GOOD!!
★★★★★
Brittany
This is the best caramel sauce. I haven’t been able to have caramel sauce in years because I am allergic to corn and this just made all my childhood dreams come true. Incredible.
★★★★★
Kinsley
So impressed how legit this tastes for how clean the ingredients are!
★★★★★
Lauren
I wish I could make this but I’m allergic to coconut 😭
Miriam
heavenly!
★★★★★
Kate
I cannot stop eating this and am so excited to use it in everything!!
★★★★★