This silky, creamy, vegan pumpkin caramel sauce recipe is the perfect centerpiece for a DIY healthy caramel apple station. Learn how to make this easy fall caramel and get creative with your own caramel apple station!
This post is sponsored by Stop and Shop, thank you for supporting the brands that support Abra’s Kitchen. As always all thoughts, opinions, recipes, and musings are my own.
Caramel apples are one of my all-time favorite treats. They have always been a staple at my family Halloween celebrations since I was a kid. Mom would unwrap those little caramel candies and melt them down to make a super sweet sauce, then dip in farm stand apples and stand them tall like rotund soldiers on a sheet of wax paper across the kitchen counter.
Coming home from school to a kitchen full of homemade caramel apples is a dream come true for 6-year-old Abra and 40-year-old Abra alike!
INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO MAKE VEGAN PUMPKIN CARAMEL SAUCE
Traditional caramel sauce is made with sugar. Caramel sauce from the grocery store has no less than 20 unpronounceable ingredients. This vegan pumpkin caramel sauce contains a few simple real food ingredients.
Full Fat Coconut Mik – The canned variety works best here. Lite coconut milk will not work.
Coconut Palm Sugar – You can easily substitute brown sugar if you'd like, but coconut palm sugar is lower glycemic and contains minerals and nutrients. You can read more about the nutrition information of coconut palm sugar here.
Pumpkin Puree – Not pumpkin pie mix, just organic pureed pumpkin.
Pumpkin Pie Spice – I use store-bought but you can make your own with this DIY pumpkin spice recipe.
Ground Vanilla – Vanilla extract or fresh vanilla bean will also work
Coconut Oil – This is optional but makes the sauce extra smooth and silky
Flaky Sea Salt – You always want a little salt in your baked goods/ sweet treats! It brings out all the flavors.
HOW PEAPOD MADE MY FALL HOLIDAY PREP EASIER
I ordered all of my groceries for this recipe from Peapod by Stop & Shop. I was thrilled to find items like coconut palm sugar easily available and affordable! (I was so thrilled with the price of coconut palm sugar that I bought 3 bags! I am ready for some serious holiday baking!).
I also found some fun toppings for my DIY caramel apple station like chocolate bark, candied ginger, and shredded coconut.
My Favorite Peapod Feature:
Ordering groceries online has one major downside, single-use plastic, and excessive bags/boxes. If you've ever ordered online groceries you've probably received a large box containing only one item and thought, “Why this big box for one little item?”, I know I have!
Peapod delivers your groceries in a bin (that they then take away) and plastic bags. No boxes. I'm trying to reduce my use of single-use plastic so I was thrilled to see that they will also recycle the bags for you! On your next delivery just have your peapod bags ready to hand to the driver for recycling. Of all the online grocery delivery options I've tried Peapod uses the least amount of packaging. Something I truly appreciate.
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE VEGAN CARAMEL SAUCE
Y'all, I love an easy recipe, but caramel sauce is typically a little bit fussy. Not this one! Literally, pour the ingredients into a pot, stir and wait. You need a bit of time and patience. The sauce will thicken the longer it sits. Ideally, chill before using.
Here is a quick video to show you just how easy it is!
HOW TO MAKE A DIY CARAMEL APPLE STATION
A fall-themed party with a DIY caramel apple station is my idea of a good time! My mom (the ultimate entertainer) has been known to throw some epic fall parties, with pumpkin bowling, bobbing for apples, donut games, and a plethora of fall eats. I think she will 100% co-sign and adopt this idea of a DIY caramel apple station.
It's a pretty straightforward idea you will need:
Craft sticks
Apples and pears – I like to provide both slices and whole varieties. Purchase smaller organic apples and pears for easy sticking and dipping
Topping Ideas:
Crushed graham crackers
Mini marshmallows
Chocolate sauce
Granola
Chopped candied ginger
Chocolate chips
Crushed chocolate bark
Crushed nuts – walnuts or pecans are my favorites
Shredded coconut
Caramel sauce – of course!
MORE PUMPKIN RECIPES THAT YOU WILL LOVE THIS FALL!
In a medium pot over medium-high heat combine coconut palm sugar, coconut milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla. Bring to a boil, stir well to combine. Reduce heat to a low simmer and cook for 45 minutes stirring frequently. The sauce will thicken and reduce as it cooks.
Remove from heat and allow to cool. The sauce will thicken up considerably once it has cooled down.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
Notes
Ideas for how to use this vegan pumpkin caramel sauce:
Drizzle on top of pumpkin pancakes
Use as a fruit dip
Make the ultimate caramel yogurt parfait with granola, diced apples, walnuts, and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce
Stir into oatmeal, top with carmelized pears and pecans
Stir into your morning coffee. Seriously step aside PSL, caramel pumpkin latte OMG!
Drizzle on top of muffins, cakes, or cheesecake!
Pour over vanilla ice cream
Make the ultimate affogato - espresso, vanilla ice cream, and vegan pumpkin caramel sauce (use coconut-based ice cream for a fully vegan treat)
Snap a photo when you try this recipe!Tag me! @abrapappa or #abraskitchen so I can feature your photo!
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