Salted Caramel Sauce (Great with Apple Slices!)
Who doesn't enjoy the combination of sweet, gooey caramel sauce and crisp apple slices? Made with peanut butter and coconut milk for a healthier variation, my salted caramel sauce is thick, creamy, and the PERFECT treat for fall. This indulgent sauce is simple to make and pairs well with a variety of sweets. Whether drizzled over fruit, swirled into oatmeal, or added to lattes or yogurt bowls, this sauce is versatile! Not only that, it's dairy-free, making it suitable for a range of diets.
This caramel sauce takes around 20 minutes to make and keeps well in the refrigerator for later use. I also love how the coconut milk and coconut sugar add a wonderful depth of flavor and creaminess to this caramel sauce, making it rich and smooth while keeping it dairy-free. Coconut milk adds a silky consistency, and the coconut sugar adds a flavor of molasses and a mild sweetness, very similar to caramel.
Best Apples to Enjoy with This Sauce!
When I make this salted caramel sauce, I love pairing it with a variety of apples. Granny Smith apples are my favorite for their tartness, which perfectly balances the sweetness of the caramel. I also enjoy Honeycrisp apples for their juicy, sweet-tart flavor and Pink Lady apples when I want a vibrant color and sweetness. Overall, tart apples are my go-to because they make each bite even more delicious!
Ingredients You'll Need
1/2 cup canned coconut milk (full-fat)
1/4 cup coconut sugar
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pink salt
Equipment:
Stockpot: This sturdy stockpot is great for making caramel sauce and other stovetop recipes.
How to Make Salted Caramel Sauce
1. In a small saucepan, combine the coconut milk and coconut sugar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Continue to cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter, vanilla extract, and pink salt. Mix well until everything is combined.
4. Let the caramel cool slightly; it will thicken as it cools. Enjoy drizzling it over your favorite desserts, fruits, or breakfast dishes.
Storage:
This sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Just transfer it to an airtight container to maintain freshness. If it thickens too much, gently reheat it to restore its original consistency. When reheating, you can add a splash of water or milk if needed to thin out the sauce.
How Can I Use Salted Caramel Sauce?
I love using this creamy caramel sauce in so many delicious ways! Dipping crisp apple slices in warm caramel is my go-to fall treat, especially with a drizzle of melted chocolate on top. I also enjoy drizzling it over poached pears or roasted sweet potatoes for a sweet kick. For breakfast, I love using it as a caramel drizzle over oatmeal and yogurt, and I also enjoy it on top of my chai latte. Pouring it over ice cream or pancakes makes any dessert feel extra indulgent
Try the delicious recipes below from my blog:
Substitutions
If you’re not dairy-free, you can easily swap the canned coconut milk for whole milk or heavy cream. For sweeteners, coconut sugar can be replaced with brown sugar or maple syrup; just remember to use slightly less maple syrup since it's more liquid. Additionally, if you prefer, feel free to substitute peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter to suit your taste.
Jazz’s Tips for Success
Measure ingredients accurately. Getting the right balance of ingredients is key to achieving the right texture. Use dry measuring cups for solids and liquid measuring cups for liquids.
Watch the heat. Keep the heat at medium while cooking to prevent burning. Too high, and the sugar will caramelize too quickly and burn.
Stir constantly. Don’t walk away from the stove while cooking the caramel. Stirring helps dissolve the sugar evenly and keeps the sauce smooth.
Taste as you go. Before removing the sauce from the heat, taste it. If you prefer a sweeter caramel, add a little more coconut sugar or maple syrup.
Store properly. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat it gently before serving, and add a splash of water or milk if it thickens too much.
Ideas for Parties and Gatherings
When it comes to parties and gatherings, making some easy caramel apple slices is always a hit. Just slice apples and drizzle them with homemade caramel apples and melted chocolate for a fun treat! For larger groups, sheet pan caramel apples are a better way to serve everyone. Lay sliced apples on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drizzle with caramel, and sprinkle on your favorite toppings, like chocolate chips.
A caramel apple board is another great way to serve a large crowd—arrange sliced apples with bowls of caramel, melted chocolate, and toppings like nuts or sea salt for a fantastic spread. This caramel sauce is also great for dipping apples, pears, or cookies at a pumpkin carving party or any fall party. And don’t forget about candy apples! Using a whole apple on popsicle sticks creates delicious, easy caramel apples that delight both kids and adults alike. These ideas are sure to make your gatherings a fun fall treat!
This salted caramel sauce is not only easy to make but also versatile and delicious. Whether you’re using it as a dip for apple slices or drizzling it over pancakes, it’s the perfect addition to your fall snacks and desserts. Give it a try and enjoy a fun fall treat that the whole family will love! And don’t forget to share your creations on social media—I’d love to see how you use this homemade caramel sauce!
Salted Caramel Sauce (Great with Apple Slices!)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk (full-fat)
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon pink salt
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the coconut milk and coconut sugar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Continue to cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the almond butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Mix well until fully combined and smooth.
- Let the caramel cool slightly; it will thicken as it cools. Drizzle over your favorite desserts, fruits, or breakfast dishes.
