Description
This easy one-ingredient vegan caramel recipe uses coconut condensed milk as a base to create a rich, creamy, and dairy-free caramel sauce. You can prepare it using three methods: stovetop simmering, slow cooker, or microwave, allowing you to customize the cooking time and texture to your preference. Perfect for drizzling over desserts, incorporating into recipes, or enjoying as a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 can coconut condensed milk (traditional condensed milk works too)
Instructions
- Prepare the condensed milk: Remove the label from the can of coconut condensed milk and ensure it is sealed properly. This sealed can is the base for your vegan caramel.
- Stovetop simmering: Place the sealed can in a small saucepan and cover it with warm water, making sure the water level is about 1-2 inches above the can. Heat the pan on medium heat until the water begins to simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover the pan. Let the can simmer gently for 2-3 hours. For a darker and thicker caramel, you can extend the simmering time.
- Cooling after stovetop method: Remove the pan from heat. Using tongs, carefully extract the can from the water and immediately submerge it into a bowl of cold water. Let it cool completely for about 10 minutes before opening to avoid burns.
- Slow cooker method: Place the unopened can in a slow cooker and fill the slow cooker with water until the water level is about 1-2 inches above the can. Cook on low for 8-10 hours. Cooking longer will create a thicker and deeper caramel flavor.
- Cooling after slow cooker method: Turn off the slow cooker and carefully remove the can with tongs. Submerge the can in cold water for at least 10 minutes so it cools sufficiently before opening to prevent burns.
- Microwave method: Pour the coconut condensed milk into a large microwave-safe bowl and cover it completely. Microwave on 50% power for 5 minutes to avoid boiling over, then stir thoroughly.
- Continue microwaving to desired consistency: Cover the bowl again and microwave on 20-30% power in 2-3 minute increments, stirring between each session. Continue this process until the caramel thickens to your desired consistency. Watch carefully during microwaving to avoid spills and overheating.
- Final step: Once the caramel has cooled and is opened safely, transfer it to a bowl or airtight jar. Use as a topping or ingredient in your favorite recipes. Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Be sure the can is fully sealed to prevent water from seeping in during simmering or slow cooking.
- Do not open the can until it has cooled completely to avoid burns from hot caramel.
- Adjust cooking time according to your preferred caramel thickness and color.
- Using coconut condensed milk makes this caramel vegan; traditional condensed milk can be used if vegan is not required.
- Store caramel in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks.
- Always use tongs to handle hot cans safely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours (stovetop), 8-10 hours (slow cooker), or 10-15 minutes (microwave)
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
Keywords: vegan caramel, coconut condensed milk caramel, dairy-free caramel, easy caramel recipe, homemade vegan caramel, one-ingredient caramel
