Healthy Caramel Sauce

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Use better-for-you ingredients and whip together this Healthy Caramel Sauce in a matter of minutes. Plus lots of ideas for how to put this sauce to good use!

Healthy Caramel Sauce in a bowl

Healthy Caramel Sauce

This caramel sauce is amazing! And it couldn’t be easier to whip together. There are only five ingredients that get whisked briskly together to create a creamy, flavorful, caramel-reminiscent sauce.

And while nothing can truly replace a sugar-and-butter-laden Caramel Sauce, this healthy version is the perfect way to curb those cravings in a way that’s aligned with wholesome nutrition goals. It’s a treat I don’t feel bad about drizzling over my breakfast yogurt bowls or fresh fruit as an afternoon pick-me-up. 

Process shots--melting oil and maple syrup; adding in the almond butter, salt, and vanilla

Ingredients

  • Coconut oil. Coconut oil is the only oil that works in this healthy caramel sauce because it thins out when melted and then firms up as it solidifies. This creates a thick caramel sauce consistency perfect for drizzling.
  • Pure maple syrup. Not to be confused with pancake syrup, pure maple syrup is the sap from a maple tree that has been boiled down to a thicker consistency. It’s just one ingredient and a great nutritious natural sweetener.
  • Almond butter. This is the main flavor of the Healthy Caramel Sauce, so be sure to get a really tasty almond butter you enjoy straight out of the jar. If you don’t enjoy the almond butter straight out of the jar, it isn’t going to do a whole lot flavor-wise for this sauce. We enjoy slow-roasted creamy almond butter with sea salt. Another favorite is this cinnamon bun butter — so tasty!
  • Fine sea salt and vanilla extract. These two ingredients add a depth of flavor and work to balance flavors. A little salt goes a long way and you may want to adjust how much you add, depending on how salty the almond butter you are using is.

Image of the almond butter used in this Healthy Caramel Sauce

How to use Healthy Caramel Sauce

  • We’re obsessed with adding this sauce on top of this HealthyIce Cream — in our book, there are few nutritious desserts better than that!
  • Thinly slice apples to dip in the sauce, or make apple nachos: Lay out thinly sliced Fuji apples, drizzle with the sauce, top with dark chocolate chips, pumpkin seeds, coconut, etc.
  • Drizzle on top of the cream cheese frosting on this Applesauce Cake for a healthy caramel apple cake.
  • Drizzle over a fresh fruit and yogurt bowl (or see more ideas on this yogurt bowl post).
  • Make this Chocolate Protein Shake and drizzle this sauce on top.
  • Use in place of syrup on these Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes.

An apple slice dipped in Healthy Caramel Sauce

Healthy Caramel Sauce storage

  • Store any unused caramel sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to use, microwave for 3-5 seconds, whisk briskly, and enjoy!
  • Refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

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Healthy Caramel Sauce

5 from 1 vote
Use better-for-you ingredients and whips together this Healthy Caramel Sauce in a matter of minutes. Plus lots of ideas for how to put this sauce to good use!
Print Recipe

Healthy Caramel Sauce

5 from 1 vote
Use better-for-you ingredients and whips together this Healthy Caramel Sauce in a matter of minutes. Plus lots of ideas for how to put this sauce to good use!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Healthy, Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword Healthy Caramel Sauce
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Chelsea Lords
Calories 109kcal
Cost $2.21

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil (measured when solid)
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1.5 tablespoons roasted and lightly salted almond butter Note 1
  • 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt Note 2
  • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  • MICROWAVE: Add the (solid) coconut oil and maple syrup to a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in the microwave for 20 seconds, stir and return for another 20 seconds or until melted and smooth.
  • FINISH SAUCE: Add in the almond butter and briskly whisk until completely smooth. It may seem like it's not coming together at first, but keep whisking. Add in the sea salt and vanilla extract and whisk again to combine.
  • LET STAND: Set bowl aside, leaving at room temperature, to firm up for about 20-30 minutes. Stir again and enjoy! (See Note 3 for serving suggestions.)

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Almond butter: This is the main flavor of the caramel sauce, so be sure to get a really tasty almond butter you enjoy straight out of the jar. If you don't enjoy the almond butter plain, it isn't going to do a whole lot flavor-wise for this sauce. We enjoy slow-roasted creamy almond butter with sea salt. Another favorite is this cinnamon bun butter -- so tasty!
Note 2: Salt: Reduce or omit, depending on how salty the almond butter is. Alternatively, add a bit more for a healthy salted caramel sauce.
Note 3: Check out the blog post for ways to use this healthy caramel sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 109kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 49mg | Potassium: 47mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg

We do our best to provide accurate nutritional analysis for our recipes. Our nutritional data is calculated using a third-party algorithm and may vary, based on individual cooking styles, measurements, and ingredient sizes. Please use this information for comparison purposes and consult a health professional for nutrition guidance as needed.

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Delicious chocolate ice cream made with better-for-you ingredients, packed with protein, and drizzled in a delicious caramel sauce. via chelseasmessyapron.com #healthy #chocolate #ice #cream #dessert #easy #quick #caramel #sauce #secret #ingredients #protein #health #kidfriendly
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4 Comments

    1. You are seriously going to die! It’s the best ice cream! Can’t wait for you to try it! 🙂

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