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57 Comments

Vegan Dulce De Leche Sauce {Refined Sugar Free}

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by Lindsay Cotter Posted: April 29, 2016

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Homemade Vegan Dulce De Leche Sauce made with Natural Unrefined Sugar. A healthy gluten free vegan alternative to your classic dulce de leche sauce. This Vegan Dulce De Leche Sauce Great on desserts, in coffee, in smoothies, and more! Easy to make and made with simple ingredients. Paleo Friendly.

Do you know what happens when you find out you can easily make Vegan Dulce de Leche Sauce with natural sweeteners? A homemade vegan dulce de leche sauce that actually taste like DULCE DE LECHE caramel? Well, I will tell you. Um, you start to make batches of it and put it on EVERYTHING!!!!

homemade vegan dulce de leche sauce on vegan gluten free mexican chocolate muffins. SO AMAZING!!! Easy recipe.

And by everything, I mean like MEXICAN CHOCOLATE Muffins. Yes, those muffins. I told you that a must, right?

And after putting this vegan dulce de leche sauce on mexican chocolate muffins, you will then add it to your coffee.  Since we’re talking breakfast, let’s go ahead and add this caramel deliciousness to your  overnight oatmeal smoothie, etc.

Whoa… is there such thing as too much vegan dulce leche sauce in one day? Don’t answer that.

Homemade Vegan Dulce De Leche Sauce made with Natural Unrefined Sugar. A healthy gluten free vegan alternative to your classic dulce de leche sauce. This Vegan Dulce De Leche Sauce Great on desserts, in coffee, in smoothies, and more! Easy to make and made with simple ingredients. Paleo Friendly.

But I am beginning to believe that coconut can solve the world’s problems. Or maybe just food allergy world problems, yes? That is unless you’re allergic to coconut, ugh… can’t we all just be healthy and enjoy all the foods? Darn…  Back to coconut. Yes, life changer!

Coconut flour, coconut oil, coconut milk/cream, coconut butter, coconut flakes, coconut sugar. Real food that makes real delicious “faux” treats.

Which is how I was able to make a homemade vegan  dulce de leche sauce. All the coconut ya’ll! Coconut milk combined with unrefined coconut sugar, plus a little bit of dabble of extracts, and a pinch real food based thickener.

nutiva coconut sugar

I know what you’re thinking. Um.. Isn’t sugar bad? All sugar?

And I would have to say, not all sugar is created equal. Plus it just depends on how each person utilizes/reacts to sugar. Coconut sugar actually comes from sap of the coconut palm that has been extracted and then boiled and dehydrated. Dehydrating the sugar makes the sugar UNREFINED and higher in minerals than that of refined cane sugar. It also contains inulin, a starchy prebiotic fiber (remember prebiotic fiber is good for the gut bacteria). Source.

Coconut sugar is also “supposedly” lower on the glycemic index.  It’s made up of 70 -75% sucrose versus fructose (from added sugars). Fructose (not to be confused with fruit)  has been linked to our nation’s current health issues. Such as diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity, etc.

homemade vegan dulce de leche sauce

See, not all sugar is created equal. That being said, too much of a good thing, can be a bad thing, right? Like when you eat a whole jar of almond butter… in less  than a day. Ya, that kind of “good” thing. I’ve never done that though. Ahem… *cough *cough.. okay maybe I have.

Haha, now. Let’s put this fabulous nutty sugar to use and make the saucy sauce already, mmm k? I think I’ve probably lost your attention but now anyway, sorry my nerdy nutrition must have been on for today.

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Vegan Dulce De Leche Sauce {Gluten Free, No Refined Sugar}


  • Author: Lindsay Cotter
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cup (give or take) 1x
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

Easy Homemade Vegan Dulce De Leche Sauce {Gluten Free, No Refined Sugar}


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 10-ounce can of coconut milk
  • ⅓ to ½ cups coconut sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ tsp vanilla bean or pure vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp tapioca starch/flour to thicken it (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine coconut milk and coconut sugar in a medium pot. Heat at medium heat and stir or whisk until your sugar dissolves. Add in your salt and vanilla and stir again. Add in tapioca here if you want it thicker. If you want a thinner sauce then do not add it.
  2. Next increase heat until milk/sugar mixture comes to a soft boil. Let it soft boil (around medium high) for about 20 minutes or until 10 ounces is reduced to one cup or around that.
  3. be sure to stir on occasion while it soft boils.
  4. Remove from Transfer sauce to small glass jars. Let it Cool then cover and store in fridge until ready for use.
  5. Simply reheat on stove or microwave if you want it warm before serving.
  6. see notes on how to make plain vegan condensed milk recipe

Notes

Want to make this a Vegan Condensed milk instead? Take out the vanilla and cook a little longer (about 30 -1hr) until sauce is thicker. You can also use maple syrup, xylitol syrup, rice syrup, or agave!

  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min
  • Category: dessert
  • Method: stove
  • Cuisine: mexican-american

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2.5 tablespoons
  • Calories: 85
  • Sugar: 6
  • Fat: 6
  • Carbohydrates: 7
  • Protein: 1

Keywords: sauce, dulce leche, vegan sauce, dessert sauce, healthy dessert topping, homemade sauce

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homemade vegan dulce de leche sauce on vegan gluten free mexican chocolate muffins. SO AMAZING!!! Easy recipe.

Also, if you make a bigger jar, be careful as it might be half gone before you know it, just like the almond butter jar.

I speak from experience. Too much of a good thing ya’ll… whoops!

I would ask if you ever tried homemade dulce leche sauce before, but I’m guessing you all have probably made something even more epic! I’d love to know. What is your go to homemade dessert sauce?

 

Cheers!

 

 

Homemade Vegan Dulce De Leche Sauce made with Natural Unrefined Sugar. A healthy gluten free vegan alternative to your classic dulce de leche sauce. Great on desserts (or mexican chocolate MUFFINS), in coffee, in smoothies, and more! Easy to make and made with simple ingredients


MORE HOMEMADE GLUTEN FREE SAUCES HERE!

This recipe is part of our Go-To Homemade Gluten Free Sauces collection. Check it out!

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Categories: Condiments, Dairy-Free, Desserts, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Nightshade-Free, Nut-Free, Stovetop, Vegan, Vegetarian Tags: caramel, coconut, paleo friendly, vegan sauce

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Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

About Lindsay

Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

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  1. Daisy

    07/31/2019 at 2:53 AM

    Does, or can, this thicken enough to use for alfajores? I tried a vegan dulce de leche that was too runny for that delicate cookie sandwich and I need new ideas

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      07/31/2019 at 9:41 AM

      I’d say it gets as thick as regular caramel sauce, ya know? But you could possibly thicken it more with a touch of xanthan gum or something. Just a thought!

      Reply
  2. julie

    07/30/2019 at 10:11 AM

    correct the instructions. it says add coconut milk and coconut.

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      07/30/2019 at 11:29 AM

      Thank you! Correcting now

      Reply
  3. Wrong

    03/04/2018 at 4:44 PM

    Its supposedly

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      03/04/2018 at 4:54 PM

      Oops. Thanks for catching that

      Reply
  4. Avriq

    02/07/2018 at 4:55 PM

    I have been wanting to try homemade caramel (in a healthy way) and LOVE your twist on it!!

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      02/08/2018 at 11:53 AM

      yea! go for it!

      Reply
  5. cool math games

    11/02/2017 at 1:19 AM

    I have been searching out for this similar kind of post for past a week and hardly came across this. Thank you very much and will look for more postings from you.

    Reply
  6. Michelle @ Vitamin-Sunshine

    05/01/2016 at 9:29 PM

    Man I love coconut! I sometimes think I eat too much of it– coconut milk, coconut oil, coconut flakes, coconut butter, coconut flour.. I use it every day. But I certainly never have any negative effects from it, and it keeps me away from sugar, so I think its a win 🙂

    This sauce looks amazing! And, I was able to buy coconut sugar in Malaysia for the first time last month! I have a bag sitting in my cupboard.. been Whole30’ing it lately.

    Reply
  7. Carly @ FitLiving Eats

    05/01/2016 at 7:16 PM

    This recipe totally makes my day! I have been wanting to try homemade caramel (in a healthy way) and LOVE your twist on it!!

    Reply
  8. Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment

    05/01/2016 at 10:03 AM

    I think coconuts are the answer to the world’s problems. LOL not really but you know what I mean. Great recipe. xo Lauren

    Reply
  9. Kristy @ Southern In Law

    04/30/2016 at 6:35 PM

    I loveeeeeeeee me some caramel and this looks AMAZING! My go-to dessert sauce is usually my three ingredient caramel sauce as it’s so easy and quick to make – or my coconut caramel sauce!

    Reply
  10. Shannon

    04/30/2016 at 5:10 PM

    YESSSS!!! I can’t wait to smother everything in this!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      05/01/2016 at 6:25 AM

      keep me posted!

      Reply
  11. [email protected]

    04/30/2016 at 5:09 PM

    Will you come make me this so I can put it on everything. I don’t even care if I eat the whole jar in a single day.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      05/01/2016 at 6:26 AM

      yes and you can count this as a food group. 😉

      Reply
  12. Shashi @ RunninSrilankan

    04/29/2016 at 5:49 PM

    Oh Good Golly Good Gosh! You made a healthy Dulce-de-leche!!! I’m beside myself – I think I need to make enough to take a bath in! Fantabulous! Happy Weekend, friend!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      04/30/2016 at 6:53 AM

      i think it would be a great face mask. 😉

      Reply
  13. Jody - Fit at 58

    04/29/2016 at 3:17 PM

    I want that now!!!!! No, I have not made or tried! Drizzle on the cookies maybe! 🙂

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      04/30/2016 at 6:53 AM

      genius idea!

      Reply
  14. Erin @ Erin's Inside Job

    04/29/2016 at 2:15 PM

    I would like to drink this right now please.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      04/30/2016 at 6:46 AM

      you’re totally allowed

      Reply
  15. Cassie Autumn Tran

    04/29/2016 at 1:32 PM

    Specifically, coconut OIL can solve everyone’s problems. Dry skin? Coconut oil. Dull teeth? Coconut oil. World hunger? Coconut oil……sort of. I love that this recipe is loyal to the dulce de leche flavor, but I absolutely love the addition of coconut for a deliciously sweet flavor!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      04/29/2016 at 1:59 PM

      You know it! love the coconut oil for EVERYTHING! well said

      Reply
  16. Blair

    04/29/2016 at 9:08 AM

    Um, yeah…I’d definitely put this on EVERYTHING and on NOTHING — I’d eat it straight-up with a spoon! 🙂 Looks incredible!

    Reply
  17. Annmarie

    04/29/2016 at 8:54 AM

    Wow, this looks amazing! Pinned for later so I can give it a try 🙂

    Reply
  18. Beverley @ Born to Sweat

    04/29/2016 at 7:57 AM

    i had no idea it would be so simple!! i bet the coconut milk tastes delicious as a vegan substitute! can’t wait to try this

    Reply
  19. rachel @ Athletic avocado

    04/29/2016 at 7:33 AM

    this is the recipe I have been anxiously waiting for and I can’t wait to make this and put it on everything!!! So good <3

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      04/29/2016 at 8:25 AM

      yes! do it! keep me posted!

      Reply
  20. Dietitian Jess

    04/29/2016 at 7:29 AM

    YUUUUUUUMMMMM! This sounds so simple and decadent! How long do you keep it in the fridge for?

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      04/29/2016 at 8:30 AM

      You can keep it in fridge for up to 8 weeks!!

      Reply
  21. Lauren

    04/29/2016 at 7:07 AM

    Ugh, I could drizzle this on just about everything…or you know just pass me a spoon.

    Reply
  22. Erin @ The Almond Eater

    04/29/2016 at 7:03 AM

    Oh my gosh this is TOO easy. I just made my homemade caramel sauce yesterday, but I’m going to try this out next time!

    Reply
  23. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

    04/29/2016 at 6:43 AM

    Ah, no excuse to not whip up a jar (or 3) of this!

    Reply
  24. Alexa [fooduzzi.com]

    04/29/2016 at 6:24 AM

    I’ve tried making caramel sauce out of coconut sugar before and it was an EPIC fail. So thankful to find this recipe on a Friday morning. I know what I’m doing this weekend! 🙂

    Reply
  25. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious

    04/29/2016 at 6:09 AM

    Good to know I’m not the only one who’s taken down a jar of almond butter in a day!

    Reply
  26. Susie @ Suzlyfe

    04/29/2016 at 5:40 AM

    Straw, anyone? Who needs a vehicle?

    Reply
  27. Michele @ paleorunningmomma

    04/29/2016 at 4:52 AM

    This really is amazing stuff! I’ve done it without the tapioca and it’s awesome, next time I’ll try thickening it.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      04/29/2016 at 8:21 AM

      I should have checked out your recipes first! duh. And yes, tapioca helps. A tiny bit goes a LONG way!

      Reply

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Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

About Lindsay

Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

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