Vegan caramel: a gourmet, ethical delight
Caramel is a classic sweet treat, appreciated for its melting texture and rich taste. But did you know that it's possible to enjoy caramel while respecting a vegan diet? That's right! Vegan caramel is gaining in popularity, and it's easy to make at home with the right ingredients. In this article, we'll take a look at how to make this delicious and ethical treat.
What is vegan caramel?
Simply put, vegan caramel is an animal-free version of traditional caramel. Unlike classic caramel, which often contains butter and cream derived from dairy products, vegan caramel uses plant-based alternatives. These alternatives not only make the caramel suitable for vegan diets, but also offer a delicious option for those wishing to reduce their consumption of animal products or who are lactose intolerant. The result is a caramel that's just as delicious, sometimes even creamier and more aromatic thanks to the use of ingredients like coconut or almonds. So how do you make a good vegan caramel at home? Let's take a step-by-step look.
Essential ingredients for your vegan caramel
Sugar(s) used
To make a vegan caramel, the choice of sugar is crucial. Several types of sugar exist, depending on the raw materials used: beet sugar, wheat and/or corn sugar, cane sugar... They all add a unique touch to your caramel. At Sethness Roquette, we've opted for European beet, wheat and corn sugar.Vegetable cream and dairy alternatives
The very essence of velvety caramel is cream. By opting for a vegetable cream, you can achieve this creamy texture without using animal products. Coconut cream or cashew puree can be excellent in this role. For a particularly rich flavor, try using coconut milk. Its subtle taste goes wonderfully well with caramel.Vegetable butter and margarine
In traditional caramel, butter plays a key role, adding richness and depth of flavor. To replicate this in a vegan version, substitutes like organic vegetable margarine or vegetable butter work wonders. They provide not only the necessary texture, but also a very pleasant mouthfeel. Coconut oil also works wonders.Improving caramelization
For a smooth, rounded caramel, it's important to add protein to the caramel. For traditional caramels, milk protein is present, but for vegan caramels, we recommend pea protein.Fleur de sel
Finally, to round off your vegan caramel, don't forget to add a touch of fleur de sel. This ingredient enhances all the other flavors and adds an extra dimension to your preparation.A simple recipe for the perfect vegan caramel
Now that we've reviewed the key ingredients, here's a simple recipe for making your own vegan caramel at home. 1. In a saucepan, combine 200 grams of sugar and 60 ml of water. Heat over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. 2. Increase the heat slightly and let the mixture boil without stirring until it turns amber in color. 3. Remove from heat and slowly stir in 120 ml vegetable cream (such as coconut milk). Watch out for splashes! 4. Add 50 grams of organic vegetable margarine or vegetable butter and a pinch of fleur de sel. Mix until well blended. That's it! You now have a delicious vegan caramel to enjoy. You can use it to top your desserts, garnish fresh fruit, or even as a gourmet spread.