Name: Vegan Dulce Leche: Easy & Divine Dairy-Free Treat
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 14 ounces Canned Coconut Cream; 14 ounces Canned Coconut Milk; 1.5 cups Light Brown Sugar; 0.5 teaspoon Salt

Vegan dulce de leche has been a game-changer for my dessert game, and I’m so excited to share this incredibly easy recipe with you! I remember the first time I tried to make it, I was worried about getting that perfect, gooey texture without any dairy. This plant-based caramel sauce, made with just a few pantry staples, exceeded all my expectations. The rich, warm aroma that fills my kitchen as it simmers is pure bliss, and the velvety smoothness is just divine. It’s the perfect dairy-free caramel sauce for so many treats! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Dulce Leche

Get ready to fall in love with this incredible sauce. It’s so simple to make and tastes absolutely divine!

It’s incredibly easy vegan dulce de leche to whip up on a weeknight.
You get that classic, gooey caramel flavor without any dairy.
This plant-based dulce de leche is perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions.
The rich, velvety texture is just like the traditional version.
It’s incredibly versatile – perfect for drizzling, dipping, or baking.
You only need a few simple ingredients you likely already have.
The aroma while it simmers is absolutely heavenly.
It’s a healthier alternative to store-bought caramel sauces.

Ingredients for Vegan Dulce Leche

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to an amazing dairy-free treat. You’ll need just a few things to create this luscious sauce. Using full-fat canned coconut products is key here, as they provide the rich base for our coconut milk dulce de leche.

14 ounces canned full-fat coconut cream – This is crucial for richness and texture.
14 ounces canned full-fat coconut milk – Together with the cream, this creates the perfect liquid base.
1.5 cups light brown sugar – This gives our sauce its signature caramel color and sweet flavor.
0.5 teaspoon salt – A little salt balances the sweetness and enhances the caramel notes.

How to Make Vegan Dulce Leche

Now for the fun part – transforming these simple ingredients into a luscious, dairy-free caramel sauce! This process is surprisingly straightforward, and watching it thicken is so satisfying. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have the best vegan dulce de leche in no time.

Step 1: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the 14 ounces canned full-fat coconut cream, 14 ounces canned full-fat coconut milk, 1.5 cups light brown sugar, and 0.5 teaspoon salt. Using a pot with a heavy bottom helps to distribute heat evenly and prevents scorching, which is super important when making caramel.
Step 2: Grab a hand whisk and thoroughly combine all the ingredients. Make sure there are no lumps of brown sugar left. You want a smooth, homogenous mixture before you start heating it.
Step 3: Place the pot over medium to high heat. Stir constantly as the mixture heats up. You’ll see it start to bubble and eventually come to a rolling boil. Keep whisking to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom. This initial boiling helps to dissolve the sugar completely.
Step 4: Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium. Let the sauce boil uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice it starting to thicken and darken in color. The aroma will become wonderfully rich and caramel-like. This is where the magic happens in our vegan dulce de leche recipe!
Step 5: After 20 minutes, or when the sauce has reached your desired thickness (it will thicken more as it cools), carefully remove the pot from the heat. Be cautious, as the mixture will be very hot.
Step 6: Allow the sauce to cool down in the pot for a few minutes before carefully pouring it into clean glass jars. This is a crucial step in how to make vegan dulce de leche to avoid burns.
Step 7: Let the sauce cool completely at room temperature before sealing the jars. Once cool, seal them tightly and transfer to the refrigerator.

Vegan Dulce Leche: Easy & Divine Dairy-Free Treat - Vegan Dulce Leche - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Vegan Dulce Leche

Achieving that perfect, gooey texture every time is easier than you think with these little tricks. I’ve learned a few things along the way that make all the difference for this dairy-free caramel sauce.

Always use full-fat canned coconut cream and milk; light versions won’t give you the necessary richness or thickness.
Stirring constantly is key, especially as it comes to a boil, to prevent any burning or scorching on the bottom of the pot.
Don’t rush the cooling process! The sauce thickens significantly as it cools, so resist the urge to overcook it.
A heavy-bottomed pot is your best friend here to ensure even heat distribution.

What’s the secret to perfect vegan dulce de leche?

The secret lies in using full-fat coconut products and patience. Simmering uncovered allows the moisture to evaporate, concentrating the sugars and creating that signature thick, luscious texture that makes this the best vegan dulce de leche. For more information on the science behind caramelization, you can check out resources on the science of caramel.

Can I make vegan dulce de leche ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. You can make it up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It’s perfect for having on hand for quick dessert toppings or coffee additions. For more tips on meal prepping, you might find our latest recipes helpful.

Why is my vegan dulce de leche not thickening?

If your sauce isn’t thickening, it’s likely because it wasn’t simmered long enough, or you used low-fat coconut milk. Ensure it boils uncovered for the full 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it coats the back of a spoon. This process is similar to how other sauces thicken through reduction, a technique discussed in many culinary guides.

Best Ways to Serve Vegan Dulce Leche

This luscious sauce is incredibly versatile and can elevate so many desserts! It’s the perfect vegan dulce de leche topping for your favorite treats. Imagine drizzling this warm, gooey goodness over a slice of dairy-free cheesecake or a scoop of homemade vegan ice cream. It also makes an amazing dip for fresh fruit, like apples or strawberries, offering a sweet contrast to their natural tartness. For a simple yet decadent treat, swirl it into your morning coffee or tea for a delightful caffeine boost. This dairy-free caramel sauce is also fantastic folded into vegan yogurt or as a layer in parfaits.

Nutrition Facts for Vegan Dulce Leche

This luscious sauce is a delightful treat, and here’s a look at the nutritional breakdown per serving. Remember, these figures are based on a standard serving size, making it easier to incorporate into your meal planning. For more details on nutritional information, you can refer to our privacy policy which outlines data handling.

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 120 kcal
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 120mg
Cholesterol: 0mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Vegan Dulce Leche

Once you’ve made this wonderful sauce, you’ll want to store it properly to enjoy it all week long. Proper storage ensures your homemade vegan dulce de leche stays delicious and safe to eat. After cooking, let the sauce cool completely in the pot for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to airtight glass jars. Refrigerate these jars for up to one week. For longer storage, this dairy-free caramel sauce freezes beautifully! Pour it into ice cube trays and freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months, making it super convenient for future baking projects. You can find more information on food storage at our terms of use.

Reheating is a breeze! If your vegan dulce de leche has solidified in the fridge, simply place the jar in a warm water bath or microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired consistency. Frozen cubes can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator and then gently warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Dulce Leche

What is vegan dulce de leche?

Vegan dulce de leche is a dairy-free, plant-based version of the traditional South American caramel sauce. It’s made by simmering a liquid base, typically coconut milk or cream, with sugar until it thickens into a rich, gooey, caramel-like consistency. My recipe uses coconut cream and milk, resulting in a wonderfully creamy and decadent sauce without any animal products.

Can I use different types of milk for vegan dulce de leche?

While coconut milk is my go-to for its richness and ability to thicken well, you can experiment with other plant-based milks. A cashew dulce de leche recipe can be delicious, offering a slightly different flavor profile. Almond milk can also work, though it might result in a thinner sauce, so you might need to simmer it a bit longer. The key is using full-fat versions for the best texture. For guidance on plant-based milk alternatives, consult resources on GDPR compliance regarding ingredient sourcing.

What are some vegan dulce de leche substitutes?

If you’re looking for vegan dulce de leche substitutes for specific recipes or just want to try something different, a good quality store-bought vegan caramel sauce works well. You can also make a quick vegan caramel sauce by melting down brown sugar with a splash of plant-based milk and a touch of vegan butter. For a less sweet option, blended dates with a little plant milk can create a caramel-like flavor, though not the exact texture of dulce de leche.

Why is my vegan dulce de leche not thickening enough?

If your sauce isn’t thickening, it’s usually due to a few common issues. First, ensure you’re using full-fat coconut milk or cream; reduced-fat versions have too much water. Second, make sure you’re simmering it uncovered long enough for the liquid to evaporate and the sugars to concentrate. Finally, remember that the sauce thickens considerably as it cools, so don’t overcook it on the stovetop. It should coat the back of a spoon.

Variations of Vegan Dulce Leche You Can Try

While this coconut milk version is fantastic, don’t be afraid to explore other delicious ways to create this plant-based caramel sauce! Experimenting with different bases and flavors can lead to exciting new treats.

Cashew Dulce de Leche Recipe: For a slightly richer, nuttier flavor, try a cashew-based version. Soak raw cashews, then blend them with coconut cream, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt until ultra-smooth. This creates a wonderfully decadent sauce that’s a bit different from the typical vegan caramel sauce recipe.
Almond Milk Variation: If coconut isn’t your favorite, almond milk can be used, but it often results in a thinner sauce. You might need to simmer it a bit longer to achieve the desired thickness, and using a bit of cornstarch slurry at the end can help if needed.
Spiced Dulce de Leche: Add a warm twist by incorporating spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of cardamom into the mixture as it simmers. This is especially lovely during the fall and winter months.
Quick Vegan Caramel Sauce: For a speedier treat, you can make a simpler vegan caramel sauce by melting brown sugar with a splash of plant milk and a tablespoon of vegan butter until smooth. While not a true dulce de leche, it satisfies a caramel craving in minutes.