Indulge in Homemade Perfection: The Easiest 2-Ingredient Instant Pot Vegan Caramel Sauce (Nut-Free & Top 8 Allergy-Friendly!)

Yes, it’s absolutely true! Prepare to have your mind blown with this incredible discovery: a lusciously rich, perfectly sweet vegan caramel sauce that requires only TWO simple ingredients and your trusty Instant Pot. Forget complicated recipes, long cooking times, or worries about allergies. This “sinfully” delicious sauce is a game-changer for anyone seeking a delightful treat, especially those managing food sensitivities. Imagine dipping crisp apple slices into its velvety depths, drizzling it generously over warm brownies, or elevating your favorite vegan ice cream. This revolutionary 2-Ingredient Nut-free Vegan Caramel Sauce is meticulously crafted to be free of common allergens: gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanut, and even tree nuts. It’s truly top-8-free, making it a safe and joyous indulgence for nearly everyone!

This post was sponsored by Nature’s Charm Vegan Products. All opinions are my own.

This post contains affiliate links.

For as long as I can remember, caramel has been one of my absolute favorite dessert toppings. It’s truly a golden elixir, a sweet nectar that transforms ordinary treats into extraordinary experiences. However, the joy of caramel became a bittersweet memory when my child was diagnosed with severe dairy allergies. The thought of him never experiencing the quintessential autumn delight of sweet, gooey caramel dripping off a crisp apple slice was heartbreaking. It felt like a fundamental part of fall, a cherished tradition, was forever out of reach. “Why even have autumn then?” I’d sometimes lament, half-jokingly, half-seriously, as I watched others enjoy this simple pleasure.

But this year, I vowed to change that narrative. My quest to bring allergy-friendly caramel into our lives led me to an exciting culinary experiment, one that I’m thrilled to share with you. I had often seen ingenious home cooks transform cans of regular sweetened condensed milk into rich caramel sauce using the magic of the Instant Pot. My long-standing obsession with the Instant Pot (so much so that I have an entire cookbook dedicated to allergy-friendly Instant Pot recipes, due out in Spring 2019!) immediately sparked an idea: could this method work with a dairy-free alternative? And, more importantly, could it be done without the canning jars that many tutorials seemed to require? I was hesitant about using glass jars under pressure, and I certainly didn’t have a stash of canning jars and lids readily available. The logistical challenges and safety concerns weighed on me. So, I embarked on a mission to create a truly vegan, nut-free, and Instant Pot-friendly caramel using everyday kitchen items.

The Allergy-Friendly Challenge: Beyond Just Vegan

My culinary challenge wasn’t just about making caramel vegan; it needed to be *nut-free* vegan. This distinction is incredibly important for families like mine, where multiple food allergies are a daily reality. Many popular vegan products on the market rely heavily on cashews, almonds, and other tree nuts to achieve creamy textures. My son’s allergies include milk, peanuts, and tree nuts, which immediately rules out a vast array of common vegan alternatives. Finding a truly safe and delicious option felt like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Is Coconut a Tree Nut? Understanding the Allergy Nuance

A common question I receive when discussing my nut-free recipes is about the use of coconut. “But Megan,” people often ask, “you use coconut… isn’t that a tree nut?” It’s a valid and important question, and one that requires clarification for the safety of those with allergies. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) technically labels coconut as a tree nut, the medical community, specifically the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), provides a more nuanced understanding. According to the AAAAI, “Although the Food and Drug Administration labels coconut as a tree nut, the vast majority of tree nut-allergic individuals also tolerate coconut without difficulty, since coconut is not truly a nut, but rather a fruit.” Source. This distinction is critical for many allergy families, allowing us to safely enjoy delicious coconut-based products when other nuts are off-limits. For us, coconut is a wonderful, safe ingredient that opens up a world of culinary possibilities.

The Secret Ingredient: Nature’s Charm Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk

My journey led me to discover the miraculous Nature’s Charm Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk. Honestly, you know a product is exceptional when it’s already tempting enough to eat straight from the can before even cooking it! I was seriously tempted to just grab a spoon and declare victory, but I resisted for the sake of science (and delicious caramel). This company is truly heaven-sent for the allergy community. Not only do they offer this fantastic sweetened condensed coconut milk, but also regular coconut condensed milk, evaporated coconut milk, and an array of other innovative vegan options. Their commitment to quality and deliciousness is evident in every product.

What makes Nature’s Charm even more remarkable is its heritage. The visionary woman behind this company is the daughter of Thailand’s first coconut milk manufacturer. This means their products are backed by a long history and legacy of expertise in using fine coconut milk. I’ve always heard that Thai coconuts are among the best in the world, renowned for their rich flavor and quality. (It’s still on my bucket list to visit Thailand and experience fresh coconuts for myself!) Knowing this history only deepens my appreciation for the superior taste and texture this ingredient brings to our nut-free vegan caramel. It’s truly the foundation for this incredibly easy and delicious sauce.

Achieving Caramel Perfection: Tips and Tricks for Your Instant Pot

Crafting this simple vegan caramel sauce in your Instant Pot is incredibly straightforward, but a few key tips will ensure your success and yield the most delicious results.

Finding Your Key Ingredient

I’ve successfully purchased Nature’s Charm Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk at health food stores like Sprouts and Good Earth. If you don’t have these local options, don’t fret! You can also easily find it online at specialty vegan retailers such as Vegan Essentials, Yummy Bazaar, and of course, my go-to for almost everything: Amazon. Stocking up on this essential ingredient means you’re always just two steps away from homemade caramel bliss.

The Right Equipment for the Job

To avoid the canning jar dilemma, I opted for a 6-inch cake pan. These pans are designed to withstand high heat and fit perfectly inside most Instant Pot models. The next crucial step is creating a tight seal. I simply reached for my trusty, everyday aluminum foil. Covering the cake pan securely with foil prevents any water from entering the condensed milk, ensuring a pure, uninterrupted caramelization process.

Perfecting the Cooking Time

The ideal cooking time for your Instant Pot vegan caramel is approximately 50 minutes on high pressure. However, it’s important to remember that cooking times can vary slightly depending on your elevation. If you live at a higher altitude, you might find that an extra 5-10 minutes (up to 60 minutes total) helps achieve a deeper color and thicker consistency. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little to find the perfect timing for your specific conditions and desired caramel richness.

Patience is Key: The Cooling Process

Beyond the simple act of cooking, the only other “ingredient” you’ll truly need is patience. When the caramel is freshly cooked and hot, it will appear quite runny. This is perfectly normal! For that thick, creamy, spreadable caramel sauce we all dream of, it’s essential to let it cool completely. I highly recommend allowing it to cool overnight in the refrigerator. This extended cooling period allows the caramel to firm up and develop its luxurious, rich texture. Once cooled and thickened, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. If you find it’s too thick to spread easily after refrigeration, simply warm it gently in the microwave for a few seconds until it reaches your desired consistency. Voila! Magic caramel sauce, ready for enjoyment the very next day.

I honestly couldn’t stop myself from eating this caramel sauce spoonful after glorious spoonful. As you might have noticed in the accompanying photos, we are blessed with an abundance of apples from our own apple tree. This homemade vegan caramel has become the absolute best way to enjoy our harvest. I’m also planning (if I can manage to save any, which is a challenge!) to use some for Thanksgiving pie recipe testing. Imagine the possibilities for allergy-friendly holiday desserts!

Customizing Your Vegan Caramel: Color and Flavor Enhancements

If you prefer a deeper, more traditional caramel color, I experimented with an interesting tip I found on PressureCookRecipes.com. This trick involves stirring together ½ teaspoon of baking soda (ensure it’s baking soda, NOT baking powder!) with 3 tablespoons of warm water. Then, you stir this mixture into the sweetened condensed coconut milk *before* you cook it in the Instant Pot. I found that this addition truly helped to deepen the color, without noticeably altering the taste. While this would technically make it a “three-ingredient” caramel, it’s an optional step for those who prioritize a richer hue. Additionally, I always like to add a pinch of sea salt at the end (as you’ll notice in the video). A touch of sea salt perfectly balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the caramel, adding a gourmet touch.

The Instant Pot: A Game-Changer for Allergy-Friendly Cooking

If you’re reading this and feeling a pang of sadness because you don’t own an Instant Pot, I have to ask – what are you waiting for? I’m not affiliated with Instant Pot directly, but I am an enthusiastic advocate because it has genuinely transformed my approach to cooking, especially for an allergy-conscious household. I now own two of them, and I firmly believe they are worth every penny. The convenience, speed, and versatility they offer are unparalleled.

Beyond making effortless vegan caramel, an Instant Pot becomes an indispensable tool in your kitchen. You can use it to whip up incredible meals like my crazy popular allergy-friendly chicken and wild rice soup, which is a staple in our home. Plus, getting one now means you’ll be perfectly prepared for my upcoming cookbook launch, featuring 60 top-8-free Instant Pot recipes! The Instant Pot makes preparing hearty, comforting soups a breeze, especially as the cooler seasons approach. Forgot to thaw your chicken? No problem! Need a quick soup with potatoes and carrots? The Instant Pot handles it with ease, delivering tender vegetables and perfectly cooked proteins in a fraction of the traditional time. Seriously, invest in one; it’s a kitchen appliance that you’ll use constantly and will never go to waste.

To truly demonstrate just how effortless this recipe is, I’ve included a video below. It visually walks you through each step, showcasing how simple it is to transform Nature’s Charm Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk into this incredible caramel using just your Instant Pot. (A quick note: the metal trivet I place the cake pan on typically comes included with your Instant Pot.)

I genuinely hope this incredibly easy, allergy-friendly vegan caramel sauce becomes a beloved new tradition in your home, especially for fall festivities. But let’s be real – its versatility means you can enjoy it year-round, perhaps drizzled over fresh berries or vegan ice cream on a warm summer evening (I can hardly wait!). Whether you’re navigating complex food allergies, adhering to a vegan lifestyle, or simply exploring healthier and more inclusive dessert options, this recipe is designed for you. It’s a delightful solution that promises to satisfy those caramel cravings with a creamy, rich, and utterly delicious sauce that everyone can enjoy. Say goodbye to store-bought, restrictive options and hello to homemade awesomeness!

2 Ingredient Nut-free Vegan Caramel Sauce (Top 8 Free too!)

Yield:
1 and 1/2 cups

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
50 minutes

Additional Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour 25 minutes

Yes, it’s true. You read that right: vegan caramel–and not just any vegan caramel, but nut-free, 2 ingredient caramel. This sinful sauce is perfect for dipping apples in, or drizzling over brownies or ice cream AND ONLY takes 2 ingredients and your instant pot. This 1 Ingredient Nut-free Vegan Caramel Sauce is free of: gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanut & tree nuts. It’s also top-8-free!

Ingredients

INGREDIENTS:

1 can (11.25 oz) Nature’s Charm coconut condensed milk
½ teaspoon baking soda mixed with 3 Tablespoons warm water

ADDITIONAL:

1 cup of water for instant pot

OPTIONAL:

Sprinkle of sea salt

Instructions

In a 6 inch cake pan (or other pan that will fit in your instant pot) pour the sweetened condensed milk, stir in your baking soda + water mixture.
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil.
Place one cup of water to the instant pot metal insert.
Place the trivet that came with the instant pot on top of the water.
Place the covered pan on top of the trivet.
Close the instant pot lid.
Move the valve to “sealing”.
Turn the pressure to “high”.
Hit “manual” and then use the plus and minus buttons to reach 50 minutes.
Once the timer is done, move the valve to “venting” to quickly release the pressure.
With oven mitts, carefully remove the pan and take off the aluminum foil. Allow it to come to room temperature.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt and stir it in.
Once it’s cool enough to pour into an air-tight container, do so.
Place the container in the fridge for several hours, best if overnight to thicken.
Keep in the fridge until needed. If it’s too thick before serving, you can warm it up for several seconds in the microwave to reach your desired consistency.

Notes

*Our allergies, while severe and that get re-tested frequently, are such that we can go strictly by what’s on the label. I do not call companies to see what things are derived from, or call manufacturers to see about potential cross contact. If your allergies require you to do so, please do your own homework. I cannot assure you of any ingredient’s safety, only you can do that. I simply share what works for our family

**If you are going to feed this to someone with food allergies, and you yourself do not have food allergies, I HIGHLY recommend having them check every single brand and ingredient you are using, to ensure they’re OK with each part of the recipe. And, to make sure you’ve talked to them about how to avoid cross contamination in your kitchen.

Simple & Safe: Two-Ingredient Vegan Caramel Sauce