Dairy-Free Caramels {Paleo, Vegan & Keto}
Best Little Pick-Me-Up
You guys!! I can’t get over these! Who needs corn syrup, sugar and dairy when you can have much healthier LOW-CARB caramels?! Melt in your mouth deliciousness!!
These sweet bites are PERFECT for your drive-by fridge perusal. You know what I’m talking about? When you need a quick boost of energy and you head to the refrigerator for something to pop in your mouth. No time to cook anything, just-need-a-little-something-to-get-you-through type of thing.
5 Simple Ingredients
5 simple ingredients. No dairy/butter/cream and no sugar or any added sweetener! I still can’t believe it! The MAIN ingredients of traditional caramels aren’t even used in this recipe!
These are made with:
- cashew butter — silky, naturally sweet and caramel-esque! *key ingredient! don’t sub*
- coconut oil — buttery smooth healthy fats!
- stevia — Sweet Leaf brand Vanilla Creme drops for natural sweetness without the sugar!
- vanilla – use Mexican vanilla for an intense flavor. My FAV!
- salt — mineral-rich pink Himalayan saltย for more complex taste
ps if you’ve never tried pink salt, it’s a MUST!! The flavor alone is incredible, but the benefits are a sweet bonus! It’s full of mineralsย including Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Copper and Iron. Woot!
Is Cashew Butter OK on a Low-Carb Keto Diet?
Update: I have had lots of comments from random people on the internet making claims to stay away from cashew butter. But I don’t share that opinion.
Yes, it is one of the higher-carb nuts compared to others, but in *moderation*, it’s perfectly acceptable.
The macros speak for themselves. 2.8 net carbs per caramel.
And one caramel is so satisfying and rich. That’s all I need. But if you can’t fit those 2 carbs in your daily allowance, they by all means, don’t eat one ๐
- A low-carb diet is typically one defined as fewer than 100 (or even 150) grams of carbs per day. One caramel would then comprise 3% of your daily allowance.
- By contrast, in the keto diet, which has 20 net carbs per day, one caramel would represent 15% of your daily allowance.
If it fits your macros, what difference does it make if it’s a peanut or a cashew? The difference is not greatly significant. All nuts contain beneficial nutrients, vitamins, and minerals and have a similar macro composition of high fat, moderate protein and low carbs.
But ultimately it’s up to you to decide. And don’t let strangers on the internet dictate what you put inside your body.ย
How to Make No-Cook Caramels
Simple, healthy ingredients.. and SO simple to make!
How do you make them? Just Mix, Freeze, SAVOR. Whisk the ingredients together. Pour into molds and freeze. THAT’S IT folks! ๐
If you don’t have a silicone mold, don’t worry, you can also use parchment cupcake wrappers or just parchment paper lining a small baking dish (just make sure it’s super tiny since this makes a small batch).
I made one batch with softened coconut oil, and another with it fully melted and they work either way.ย BUT the softened version freezes quicker, so you get to eat them sooner. However, you’ve gotta really add some elbow grease to get it fully incorporated.
Ingredient Substitutes
- For cashew butter, technically any other nut or seed butter will “work.” However, the flavor may be different. I would use a light-tasting nut butter such as almond.
- For coconut oil, you can use refined coconut oil, palm oil, or possibly butter (dairy or dairy-free)
Sweetener Options
- For stevia drops, you can use:
- monkfruit drops (start with half the amount)
- a pinch of pure stevia powder
- 2 teaspoons powdered sweetener such as powdered monkfruit, (or powdered coconut sugar for non-low-carb) to taste
- *do not use granulated sweetener unless it dissolves easily and stays dissolved when chilled
- *liquid sweeteners are not recommended because they throw off the ratio of solid to liquid
Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest by clicking the image below:
Low-Carb Caramels {Paleo, Vegan & Keto}
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup cashew butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil - melted or softened
- 15-20 drops vanilla or caramel stevia - to taste
- Dash of pink salt
- 1/2 Tbs vanilla
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together and whisk smooth.
- Taste and adjust for sweetness.
- Pour into 8 silicone molds, or mini parchment wrappers, or a small baking dish lined with parchment (for easy removal)
- Freeze until solid, about 30-min to 1 hour. Enjoy!
Notes
68 Comments
Erin
I would love to see you go live with this recipe! It looks so yummy ๐
Emily
Great idea Erin! I will plan on doing that soon! Thanks!!
Lyn
My husband is on keto but does not like EV coconut oil because of the coconut flavor. Is the coconut flavor detectable in this recipe? I use organic expeller pressed coconut oil for most cooking since there is no coconut flavor or aroma. I also use NOW brand stevia glycerite which is like a syrup. Would that work or do I defintely need the Sweet Leaf Vanilla Creme drops? I am excited to try this recipe! Thank you so much!
Emily
I don’t taste it, but I LOVE coconut. You can use the refined coconut oil for no coconut flavor.
I have not tried that brand of stevia, but it should work. The Sweet Leaf adds extra vanilla flavor.
Hope you enjoy! Let me know how it turns out!
Lyn
Thank you for your prompt reply. I love coconut too so maybe I will use the EV so I will get more of the caramels! Blessings!
Beki Sciacca
We have a cashew allergy in our family…any thoughts on what this would be like if made with peanut butter? Thanks!
Emily
It doesn’t taste like caramel flavor, but it’s delicious!! sort of like pb fudge!
Lisa Marc
Is there any substitute for the stevia? I am not a fan of it..
Emily
If you’re not low carb, you could use powdered coconut sugar. 1-2 Tbs, to taste.
Stevia is the only low-carb sweetener I have tried, so I can’t speak for the others. If you try it with a sub, I’d love to hear how it goes
Tonya Morgan
Truvia is wonderful!!!!
Angela
I was just curious want the nutrition is on these…carb count?
Emily
You can paste the URL to the recipe into MyFitnessPal.com in the food tab and it will give you a quick calculation
cher
I came up with 3 g carb and 0.2 fiber.
Mandy Metts
THESE ARE SOOO GOOD!
I still can’t believe how easy it was to make them. This was maybe my 4th recipe to try from Pretty Pies but I think it’s my favorite. I keep going back to the freezer for more and then I start to feel guilty and then remember that I don’t have to! Even my boyfriend, who only started with a small bite because he didn’t think they’d be good, now makes me split each one with him. These are so yummy and help me with a candy craving when I get one.
Emily
Woohoo!! So happy to hear that, Mandy! These are my current favorite too!
Easy guilt-free treats make the *best* kind of treats, right? Enjoy!!
Jane
Genius! I used Swerve as the sweetener (what I had) but that was my only change. Just put a double batch in the fridge. I licked the bowl, the spatula, the drops on the counter! This recipe may be too good…
Emily
Haha! They’re “Lick the bowl good!” (New slogan, lol) I do the same thing.
Sounds like you liked them as much as I do! Yay! Enjoy
Robin
Thanks for this terrific recipe. Do you happen to know how many net carbs per serving?
Thanks in advance!
Emily
About 3g net carbs per piece, if I remember correctly
You can make them smaller if you want, and they’ll be 1.5-2g ๐
Tori
What would you use as a coconut oil replacement if you have a coconut allergy? Thanks!
Emily
I would try palm oil or maybe butter
Diane
Can you post the nutritional info?
Emily
I don’t have it handy, but it’s roughly 3 g net carbs each piece. You can paste the URL into MyFitnessPal.com for a quick calculation
Mandy Metts
I just made this for the THIRD TIME! First time normal batch, 2nd and 3rd time Iโve tripled! So good Iโm sharing with everyone I know. My Mom asked me to buy the sweetener and mold for her on Amazon so she can make them too.
Emily
Omg yay!! So glad you liked them! Thanks for sharing too
PP
I canโt get MyFitnessPal to give me the nutritional details. Can anyone post them here for me please? E.g. fat, protein and calories. Thank you
Janelle
Calorie information (I ended up putting in a bit more salt just so you know it could be more or less for you)
Calories 124
Total Fat 12
Sodium 147
Sugars 3
Protein 2
Emily
Thanks for calculating that and sharing ๐
Gini
What about carbs?
Tammy Schinhofen
I just made these with my grandkids. They were so easy and yummy. I used liquid Splenda to replace the Stevie and also added some maple extract. Thank you for the recipe!
Emily
You are welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed them Maple sounds amazing – yum!
Thea Depper
Cashews aren’t so keto friendly even if it’s not the same as cashew butter could you use almond butter instead.
Emily
Almond works too – just has a different flavor ๐
Krista Van Houten
Where do you get cashew butter? Can you use something else? The recipe sounds delicious, canโt wait!
Emily
You can buy it at most grocery stores next to the peanut butter ๐ Target has a really yummy one with no added sugar. Or if you have a food processor, simply blend some raw cashews until it’s a drippy smooth butter. Hope you enjoy the caramels! One of my faves. If you try them, let me know what you think.
Krista Van Houten
These are delicious! It took me a bit to get back to you as I had to order the cashew butter as no stores around me carry it. They are super easy to make and very yummy! Thanks for sharing.
Emily
Yay!! You are welcome. So happy you liked them ๐
Sharon
I have a recipe for making millionaires. Could these caramels be used in this recipe?
Emily
If it’s a no-cook/no-bake recipe, then Yes! ๐ Like pouring it on shortbread and chilling it into a solid layer– That will work! But if you have to cook the bars afterward, this caramel will melt into a puddle.
If you try it, let me know how it goes
Kipi
What are the macros and nutritional info on these?
Emily
updated the recipe card above with macros ๐
Lauren Brown
I wonder, can you make this without a sweetener? I am trying to do keto and need a few treats but I really can’t stand fake sweetener. Maybe I am doing keto paleo? I would love your thoughts on this without sweetener. Thank you!
Emily
I think it might still be good. Especially since it has vanilla that adds some sweetness.
BUT have you tried monk fruit? That’s my new favorite low carb sweetener. I like it better than stevia. It does not taste fake. Since it’s made from a fruit it tastes really natural.
The vanilla monk fruit drops would work perfectly in this recipe:
https://www.lakanto.com/products/liquid-monkfruit-sweetener-original-flavor?variant=48129214223&aff=94
(Use code PRETTYPIES for 20% off)
Shanna
These are amazing! Iโve been doing keto for 6 months and this is the best treat Iโve had so far, hands down! I actually used my silicone candy mold to freeze them and then melted some Lilyโs chocolate chips with a teaspoon of coconut oil and dipped them to make chocolate salted caramels. Then refroze them and BAM sooooo good!
Emily
Awesome! I’ll have to try your salted caramel Thanks for sharing!
Maryam
My son is allergic to cashews and I dont want to bring them in the house. So I was wondering can I sub the cashew butter with anything?
Emily
Technically, any nut or seed butter will work, but itโs the cashew butter that gives it the most caramel like flavor. You can sub almond butter, macadamia butter or sunbutter.
I had one reader use caramel flavored stevia drops for extra caramel flavor, so that may be a great option if you canโt use cashews ๐
Janet
Stevia is added sweetener…
Emily
Itโs not added sugar though. Sorry if I was unclear.
Pam Hagenston
Low carb caramels – I am not finding carb count. How many carbs per serving.
Emily
According to MyFitnessPal theyโre about 2.5 net carbs each
Ligia
Hi Emily!
This sounds delicious! Do you think it is possible to use honey instead of Stevia? Iยดm on the SCD diet and no artificial sweetners are allowed. If so, will I have to use less coconut oil to balance the liquid ingredients? What do you suggest?
Emily
Stevia is actually not an artificial sweetener- itโs a plant not sure if itโs legal for SCD, but just wanted to let you know itโs natural. I recommend ones with just 1 ingredient & no fillers/additives.
About the honey- I donโt think that would work unfortunately. The coconut oil is crucial to holding them together.
If you can have any dry sweeteners, such as coconut sugar, monkfruit, maple sugar, those work when powdered.
Another option (if ok for SCD) is pure monkfruit extract or drops. Again, itโs these are not artificial. Monkfruit is a real fruit grown in Asia
Hope that helps!
Olia
Hello!
Excited to make these tomorrow! Question about storage. The recipe says: “Store tightly wrapped for about 2-3 weeks.” What does that mean? Candy foil? Vacuum sealing bag? Tinfoil?
Thank you for all of the inspiration!
Emily
I keep mine in the silicone tray I made them in (covered in plastic or foil) until I pop one out to eat it You can also just keep them in any type of sealed container. Hope you enjoy!
Olia
Great! Thank you so much!!
Mj
Hello. Can I Use dates instead os stevia? I am from Portugal and I dont haver that product here…
Emily
You can ๐ Maybe 2 or 3 medjool (large) dates. Blend them really well in a food processor then add the other ingredients. Hope you enjoy!
Brenda Biek
I would like to use this caramel for making sugar free turtles. Would it work? Would I have to keep the finished turtle in the freezer or can I keep it in the fridge.
Emily
Yes it should work. I would only soften the coconut oil, not melt it, so itโs thicker.
This caramel only needs to be refrigerated, not frozen.
Another option is to use silicone molds and add pecans and chocolate with this caramel or use this turtle bark recipe: https://prettypies.com/caramel-pecan-clusters/
Let me know how it goes ๐
Erika
This sound delicious! I am allergic to coconut, so you recommend something else instead of the coconut oil? Could ghee work?
Emily
Ghee could probably work!
Tove
I LOVE these caramels! I believe you called them Magic Caramels the first time I saw this recipe. I have probably made them 15 times in the last few months. I keep them in the freezer and just take out 2 each time I have a craving.
One time, I tried making them with MCT oil. It took them 4 hours to freeze and they melted quicker in my mouth, but they were still delicious.
Emily
Awesome!! So happy to hear you love them Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Suzanne
This looks so good! What a simple recipe to throw together when you’re craving something sweet and healthy!
Emily
Thanks, Suzanne! So simple, right??
Vanessa
Thanks for sharing! Can I make other candies with this base recipe?
Emily
Absolutely!