Do you know the benefits of homemade vegan dulce de leche recipe? If you’re confused about how to make it, remember to use coconut milk and dates. This method ensures a creamy texture and sweet flavor, similar to traditional recipes but entirely plant-based. It’s important that you try this delightful alternative.
Why It Works?
- Coconut milk provides a rich, creamy base that mimics traditional dairy.
- Dates offer natural sweetness and a caramel-like flavor.
- The combination is entirely plant-based, catering to vegan dietary preferences.
- This recipe is simple and uses easily accessible ingredients.
- It’s a versatile topping for desserts, adding a luxurious texture and taste.
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Are you struggling to find a vegan alternative to the beloved dulce de leche? Many vegan versions of traditional treats fall short in taste and texture, leaving you missing the real thing.
However, with the right recipe, you can enjoy a delicious and creamy vegan dulce de leche that rivals its dairy counterpart.
Our recipe uses a blend of coconut milk and dates to create a rich, caramel-like sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over your favorite desserts or enjoying straight from the spoon.
Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and treat yourself to a delectable, guilt-free indulgence that might just become your new go-to sweet treat.
What Is Vegan Dulce De Leche?
Vegan dulce de leche is a plant-based version of the traditional Latin American sweet sauce, which is typically made from milk and sugar.
The vegan adaptation replaces dairy milk with alternatives like coconut milk, almond milk, or soy milk, and often uses natural sweeteners such as dates or maple syrup to achieve a similar thick, caramel-like consistency and sweet flavor.
This makes it suitable for vegans and those who are lactose intolerant or prefer plant-based diets. Vegan dulce de leche is versatile and can be used in various desserts, from topping for ice creams and cakes to a sweetener for beverages.
Fact-Vegan dulce de leche has gained popularity as consumers increasingly seek plant-based alternatives that do not compromise on taste, texture, or versatility in culinary applications.
Recipe Directions
- Add coconut cream, coconut milk, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt to a large, heavy-bottomed pot.
- Using a hand whisk, combine the ingredients well and heat the mixture on medium to high heat. Stir constantly until it begins to boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium. Let the mixture boil uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes, or until it has significantly reduced and thickened. Monitor the mixture closely to ensure it doesn’t boil over.
- After cooking, remove the pot from heat and let the sauce cool for a few minutes.
- Transfer the slightly cooled sauce into jars. Allow it to cool completely in the jars at room temperature.
- Refrigerate the jars. The vegan dulce de leche will continue to thicken in the fridge, turning into a thick caramel texture.
Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings
Vegan dulce de leche is incredibly versatile, and there are many ways to enhance and vary its flavor and texture with different add-ons and toppings. Here are some suggestions to customize your vegan dulce de leche:
Variations
- Vanilla Bean: Stir in the seeds from a vanilla bean pod during the cooking process for a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Cinnamon or Nutmeg: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, spiced twist.
- Espresso: Mix in a shot of espresso or a tablespoon of instant coffee powder to create a coffee-infused version.
- Chocolate: Whisk in some vegan dark chocolate chips until melted for a chocolatey take on the traditional recipe.
- Salted Caramel: Increase the amount of salt slightly or add a splash of soy sauce to enhance the caramel flavor with a salty kick.
Add-Ons
- Nuts: Stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added texture and nutty flavor.
- Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes can add a delightful crunch and reinforce the coconut base.
- Liqueurs: A splash of rum, bourbon, or coconut liqueur can be added after cooking for an adult version.
Toppings
- Fresh Fruit: Serve with slices of banana, apple, or drizzled over berries for a fresh, fruity contrast.
- Whipped Cream: Top desserts with vegan whipped cream and a drizzle of your vegan dulce de leche.
- Ice Cream: A classic dollop on top of vegan ice cream makes for a luxurious dessert.
- Pancakes and Waffles: Use it as a syrup for breakfast treats like pancakes and waffles for a sweet start to the day.
Vegetable Substitutions
- Sweet Potato: Cooked and pureed sweet potato can be blended with coconut milk to add body and natural sweetness. The mild flavor of sweet potatoes makes them an excellent base without overpowering the caramel flavor.
- Butternut Squash: Similar to sweet potatoes, butternut squash offers a slightly nuttier taste. Pureed and mixed into the dulce de leche, it can contribute to a thick, creamy texture while enhancing the sauce’s natural sweetness.
- Carrots: Carrots, when cooked and pureed, have a subtle sweetness that can blend well into the dulce de leche mixture. They are less sweet than sweet potatoes or squash but can add a unique flavor and additional nutrients.
- Pumpkin: Using pumpkin puree as part of the base provides a seasonal twist on vegan dulce de leche. Pumpkin is naturally sweet and pairs well with traditional caramel spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Quick Tip-For smoother vegan dulce de leche, blend the final mixture in a high-speed blender. This step ensures a silky texture, eliminating any lumps from the coconut milk.
Best Side Dishes
- Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream A scoop of creamy vegan vanilla ice cream topped with vegan dulce de leche creates a classic dessert pairing.
- Fruit Salad A fresh fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits such as strawberries, mangoes, and peaches complements the sweetness of the dulce de leche.
- Vegan Cheesecake Drizzle vegan dulce de leche over a slice of vegan cheesecake for a luxurious dessert option.
- Apple Slices Fresh apple slices dipped in vegan dulce de leche offer a crunchy, sweet, and slightly tart snack.
- Vegan Pancakes or Waffles Use vegan dulce de leche as a syrup alternative for breakfast pancakes or waffles, providing a sweet start to the day.
- Baked Pears or Apples Serve baked pears or apples with a generous topping of vegan dulce de leche for a warm, comforting dessert.
How To Serve?
- Dessert Topping: Drizzle vegan dulce de leche over cakes, pies, or pastries to add a luxurious caramel flavor. It pairs particularly well with chocolate desserts.
- With Ice Cream: Serve it over a bowl of your favorite vegan ice cream. It complements almost any flavor but pairs exceptionally well with flavors like coconut, vanilla, or chocolate.
- Breakfast Spread: Spread it on pancakes, waffles, or French toast in the morning for a sweet start to the day. It also works well as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt.
- Fruit Dip: Use vegan dulce de leche as a dip for fresh fruit slices such as apples, bananas, or berries. This is a great way to enjoy a healthier snack with a touch of indulgence.
- Stir into Beverages: Swirl it into hot coffee or tea to sweeten and flavor your drink. It can also be mixed into milkshakes or smoothies for added richness.
- Dessert Swirl: Incorporate it into brownies, cheesecakes, or muffins before baking for a caramel swirl effect.
Quick Tip-For best flavor, allow your vegan dulce de leche to chill overnight. This enhances its texture, making it thicker and more flavorful, perfect for spreading or drizzling.
Storage & Make Ahead
Storing and preparing vegan dulce de leche ahead of time is quite convenient and ensures you always have this delicious treat on hand. Here’s how to manage storage and make-ahead preparations:
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store vegan dulce de leche in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. It typically lasts for up to two weeks when kept cool.
- Freezing: For longer storage, vegan dulce de leche can be frozen. Pour it into an airtight container, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Make Ahead
- Bulk Preparation: You can make a large batch of vegan dulce de leche and store it in smaller portions. This is especially useful for quick dessert toppings or impromptu snack cravings.
- Consistency Maintenance: When you’re ready to use it after storage, if the dulce de leche has thickened more than desired, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave and stir well to restore its creamy texture.
Fact-Vegan dulce de leche offers a dairy-free alternative, using coconut or almond milk instead of cow’s milk, aligning with vegan diets while providing a similarly indulgent caramel flavor.
Time-Saving Tips
- Use High-Quality Canned Coconut Milk: Opt for full-fat canned coconut milk to avoid having to reduce the sauce as much, as it’s already quite thick.
- Combine Ingredients Quickly: Measure out all your ingredients beforehand. This mise en place approach means you won’t be searching for ingredients while you’re in the middle of cooking.
- Constant Stirring Not Required: While it’s important to stir the mixture to prevent burning, you don’t need to stir it constantly. Just keep a close eye on it and stir frequently enough to keep it from sticking.
- Use a Larger Pot: Cooking the dulce de leche in a larger, wider pot can reduce the sauce more quickly due to the increased surface area, speeding up the thickening process.
- Blender for Smoothness: Instead of cooking down the mixture to a thicker consistency, use a blender to smooth out the mixture after a shorter cooking time. This can help achieve the desired texture without extended cooking.
- Prepare in Bulk: Make a large batch of vegan dulce de leche and store it. Having a ready supply means you can enjoy it anytime without starting from scratch.
Perfecting Vegan Dulce De Leche To Prepare At Home
Vegan dulce de leche is a delightful, creamy caramel sauce made entirely from plant-based ingredients. It replicates the classic dulce de leche flavor using substitutes like coconut milk and natural sweeteners, offering a vegan-friendly option that’s perfect for drizzling over desserts, stirring into beverages, or enjoying as a sweet spread.
18
servings30
minutes20
minutes150
kcalUntil thickened
Keep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
14 ounces (400 ml) 14 Canned Coconut Cream
14 ounces (400 ml) 14 Canned Coconut Milk
1 ½ cups (300 g) 1 ½ Light Brown Sugar
½ Tsp ½ Salt
Directions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, add 14 ounces of canned coconut cream, 14 ounces of full-fat canned coconut milk, 1 ½ cups of light brown sugar, and a ½ teaspoon of salt.
- Heat Mixture: Use a hand whisk to thoroughly combine all the ingredients. Place the pot on medium to high heat. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to boil.
- Reduce and Simmer: Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium. Allow it to boil uncovered, stirring occasionally. Continue this for about 20 minutes, or until the mixture has significantly reduced and thickened. Be vigilant and monitor the mixture to prevent it from boiling over.
- Cool Down: After the cooking process, remove the pot from the heat and let the sauce cool down for a few minutes.
- Transfer to Jars: Carefully transfer the slightly cooled sauce into glass jars. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
- Refrigerate: Once cool, seal the jars and refrigerate. The vegan dulce de leche will continue to thicken as it cools, developing into a rich, thick caramel texture.
- Equipments List
- Heavy-bottomed pot
- Hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Glass jars or airtight containers
- Blender (optional)
- Stove
Notes
- Stirring: Frequent stirring is crucial to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning. A burnt taste can drastically alter the flavor of your dulce de leche.
- Boiling: Be careful when the mixture boils; it should boil gently on medium heat. A rapid boil can cause it to boil over or burn.
- Thickness: The sauce will thicken further as it cools, especially after refrigeration. If it’s too thick after cooling, you can gently reheat it and stir in a small amount of coconut milk to adjust the consistency.
- Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness according to your taste by increasing or decreasing the amount of brown sugar. Keep in mind that the flavor will concentrate as the mixture reduces.
- Storage: Store vegan dulce de leche in airtight containers or jars to keep it fresh. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks and in the freezer for up to three months.
- Usage: Vegan dulce de leche is versatile; use it as a topping for cakes, ice cream, waffles, or pancakes, or as a sweet filling for pastries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Vegan Dulce De Leche Vegan?
Vegan dulce de leche is made without any animal-derived ingredients, which are common in traditional dulce de leche. Instead, it uses plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and coconut milk, along with natural sweeteners.
Can I Make Vegan Dulce De Leche Nut-Free?
Yes, the recipe provided is naturally nut-free as it uses coconut products instead of nut-based milks or creams. Always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they haven’t been processed in facilities that handle nuts if allergies are a concern.
How Long Does Homemade Vegan Dulce De Leche Last?
When stored properly in airtight containers in the refrigerator, homemade vegan dulce de leche can last up to two weeks. It can also be frozen for up to three months, but be sure to leave some space in the container for expansion.
Is Vegan Dulce De Leche Gluten-Free?
Yes, the ingredients typically used in vegan dulce de leche (coconut cream, coconut milk, sugar, and salt) are gluten-free. However, it’s important to check that all the individual ingredients are certified gluten-free if you’re sensitive or allergic to gluten.
Can I Use Vegan Dulce De Leche In Baking?
Absolutely! Vegan dulce de leche works wonderfully as a filling or flavoring in baked goods like cakes, brownies, and cookies. It adds moisture and a rich caramel flavor to desserts. Just remember that it might alter the texture slightly, so it’s best used in recipes that are forgiving in terms of moisture content.
