Substitutes for Caramel Sauce

← Back to SubstituteFor

Sweet, buttery sauce made from cooked sugar used as a topping for ice cream, apples, and desserts.

Can't find Caramel Sauce in your kitchen? No problem! Below are 4 tested substitutes with exact ratios, perfect for baking, cooking, and everything in between.

Substitute Ratio Best For Dietary
Dulce de Leche 1:1 replacement ice cream topping, desserts, pastries
Vegetarian
Butterscotch Sauce 1:1 replacement ice cream, desserts, cakes
Vegetarian
Coconut Caramel 1:1 replacement ice cream, desserts, toppings
Vegan Dairy-Free
Maple Syrup 1:1 replacement ice cream, pancakes, desserts
Vegan Gluten-Free

How to Use

Thicker and milkier. Works in all caramel applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for Caramel Sauce?
The best substitute depends on your recipe, but Dulce de Leche is a reliable choice for most applications. Use 1:1 replacement.
What's a vegan substitute for Caramel Sauce?
Coconut Caramel is an excellent vegan option. Use 1:1 replacement.
Can I use any of these substitutes interchangeably?
Most substitutes work well in their recommended use cases, but they may produce slightly different results. The notes above explain the differences and best practices.
Will the taste be affected?
Some substitutes may subtly change the flavor profile of your dish, but they'll work great in the recommended use cases. Start with the suggested ratio and adjust to your taste.

Related Ingredients

Explore substitutes for other common cooking ingredients.

Browse Sweeteners View All Ingredients