Bourbon Vegan Caramel Recipes

If you’re a fan of rich, indulgent caramel but want to keep things dairy-free and plant-based, you’re in for a treat. Bourbon vegan caramel is exactly what it sounds like—smooth, buttery caramel with a kick of bourbon, all without any animal products. Whether you’re topping ice cream, dipping apples, or swirling it into brownies, this grown-up twist on a classic favorite is surprisingly easy to make at home.

In this article, we’ll break down what makes a caramel recipe truly vegan, how bourbon fits in, and share several mouthwatering recipes—from pourable sauces to chewy candies—all with that deep, boozy undertone bourbon lovers crave. So, grab your whisk and a good bottle of bourbon, and let’s get cooking.

What Makes a Caramel Recipe Vegan?

Here’s where things get interesting. Traditional caramel relies heavily on butter and cream—two ingredients we obviously want to avoid in a vegan kitchen. Luckily, there are some fantastic plant-based swaps that don’t skimp on taste or texture.

Traditional Ingredient	Vegan Substitute	Why It Works
Heavy Cream	Full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream	Adds richness and body
Butter	Vegan butter or refined coconut oil	Brings that smooth, glossy finish
Sugar	Organic cane sugar (non-bone char)	Ensures it’s 100% vegan
Bourbon	Most are vegan-friendly	Adds complexity and warmth to flavor

One important tip: Always double-check your bourbon. Most are vegan, but it’s worth a quick search on Barnivore to be sure your favorite bottle doesn’t use animal-derived filtration.

Must-Try Bourbon Vegan Caramel Recipes

Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned chef, these recipes will take your dessert game up a notch. We’re keeping things versatile and fun here—think sauces, spreads, and even caramels you can wrap up and gift.

1. Classic Bourbon Vegan Caramel Sauce

This one’s perfect for drizzling on non-dairy ice cream, lattes, pancakes—you name it.

Ingredients:

1 cup organic cane sugar
¼ cup water
½ cup full-fat coconut milk
2 tablespoons vegan butter
1½ tablespoons bourbon
Pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water. Stir until sugar dissolves, then stop stirring.
Let it simmer until it turns a deep amber color—this takes about 8–10 minutes.
Carefully whisk in the coconut milk (it will bubble vigorously).
Add the vegan butter, bourbon, and salt. Stir until smooth.
Cool slightly before using. It thickens as it cools!

2. Bourbon Caramel Dipping Sauce for Apples

A little thicker than the classic sauce, this version clings perfectly to fruit slices.

Ingredients:

1 cup brown sugar
½ cup canned coconut milk
¼ cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons vegan butter
1 tablespoon bourbon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of cinnamon

Instructions:

In a saucepan, mix sugar, coconut milk, maple syrup, and butter.
Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring constantly until thick.
Stir in bourbon, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Cool slightly and dip away!

3. Bourbon Vegan Caramel Chews

Looking for a treat that’s great for gifting? These chewy candies are where it’s at.

Ingredients:

1 cup coconut cream
1 cup organic cane sugar
½ cup brown rice syrup
¼ cup bourbon
2 tablespoons vegan butter
Sea salt (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
Combine all ingredients in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook until mixture reaches 245°F (firm ball stage), stirring frequently.
Pour into the pan and let it cool completely.
Sprinkle with sea salt, cut into squares, and wrap in parchment.

4. Quick 5-Minute Bourbon Caramel

Pressed for time? You can still enjoy bourbon caramel in just five minutes.

Ingredients:

½ cup coconut sugar
¼ cup coconut milk
1 tablespoon bourbon
Dash of vanilla and salt

Instructions:

Heat everything in a small saucepan, stirring constantly.
Let simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Done! Use right away or store for later.

Tips for Perfect Vegan Caramel Every Time

Making caramel is part science, part art. Here are some quick tips to help you get that rich, smooth texture every time:

Use a heavy-bottomed pan: This ensures even heating and prevents burning.
Don’t walk away: Caramel can go from golden to burnt in seconds.
Be careful with heat: Medium to medium-high is ideal. Too high, and you’ll scorch it.
Let it cool: It thickens as it cools, so don’t panic if it seems thin at first.

FAQs

Is bourbon vegan?
Most bourbon is vegan, but it’s always smart to double-check. Some alcohol brands use animal-based filtering agents, though this is rare for bourbon.

Can I substitute the bourbon?
Absolutely. If you prefer not to use alcohol, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or even a little coffee for a deep, complex flavor.

How should I store vegan caramel?
Store sauces in the fridge in an airtight jar for up to 2 weeks. Chews can be wrapped and stored in a cool, dry place for about 1 week.

Can I freeze vegan caramel?
Yes, most vegan caramel sauces freeze well. Just defrost overnight in the fridge and stir before using.

Why did my caramel separate?
This usually happens if the fat and sugar didn’t emulsify properly. Stirring consistently and slowly incorporating liquids helps.

Conclusion

Whether you’re pouring it over your favorite dessert or sneaking spoonfuls straight from the jar (we won’t judge), bourbon vegan caramel is one of those small kitchen victories that feels indulgent and impressive. With just a handful of pantry staples and a splash of bourbon, you can whip up sweet magic that’s dairy-free and full of flavor. Try a few of these recipes, tweak them to your taste, and make them your own. Because let’s face it—everything’s better with a little bourbon.