This delicious vegan alternative to honey makes the perfect vegan honey substitute for your favorite recipes. Naturally vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free and refined sugar-free. It tastes just like honey!
This recipe comes courtesy of a request I received from a reader. It was brought to my attention that I have quite a few honey-centered recipes on my site, as well as a large vegan reader base, so I set off to create an alternative to honey that is vegan and also tastes like honey. I think I've succeeded! I've since used this vegan honey just as you would a conventional honey and it works beautifully as a 1:1 substitute. I hope you enjoy!
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🍯 Veganism and Honey
Is honey vegan? As veganism is defined, no it is not. However, some people who are otherwise vegan, do allow for the use of honey. Just like many things in life, it comes down to personal choice and ethics.
📋 Recipe Features
- Creamy, sticky and drippy (just like honey!).
- Rich and sweet, with honey-like undertones.
- Works 1:1 as a substitute for conventional honey.
- Easy to make.
- Stores well.
- Vegan, dairy-free, nut-free, soy-free, gluten-free, refined sugar-free.
🔪 How-to Make
This recipe simply involves simmering some ingredients together for some time on the stovetop and allowing it to cool before using and serving. Easy peasy!
💭 Top Tips and FAQ
Can I replace the coconut sugar with a different sugar?
Yes! This recipe works with any granulated sugar, including raw.
Can I use different juices in this recipe?
The combination of orange and apple juices in this recipe really are what create a honey-like flavor in this recipe, however, you can replace the juices and experiment as you would like for some still-delicious natural sweeteners!
Why tapioca starch?
I tested this recipe a variety of ways and—hands down—the consistency (and slight sweetness) that tapioca provides really creates the closest flavor and texture to that of honey. You can still come up with some delicious flavored sweetener sans tapioca or with other thickeners of choice, but I was really aiming for the honey flavor with this recipe!
Why maple syrup?
Maple syrup contains a compound called vanillin which is also found in vanilla bean itself. This subtle addition of maple syrup really adds some nice rich, vanilla undertones that rounds out the flavors and contributes to a honey-like taste.
How do I store vegan honey?
With good care and the use of a jar with a tightly screwed on lid, this honey will keep in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
🥣 More Vegan Condiment Recipes You Might Enjoy
Vegan Cultured Pepper Jack Walnut Cheese
📖 Recipe
Delicious Vegan Honey
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple juice no added sugar
- 2 cups coconut sugar or any granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons orange juice pulp free, no added sugar
- 5 tablespoons tapioca starch
Instructions
- In a saucepan over high heat combine apple juice, sugar, water, maple syrup, lemon juice and orange juice. Bring to a boil, turn heat to medium-low and let simmer (uncovered) for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Using a ladle, scoop about 1 cup of the mixture into a mixing bowl and add the tapioca starch. Whisk until smooth, then pour the mixture back into the saucepan. Simmer for 5 minutes longer, stirring frequently.
- Turn off the heat and let the vegan honey cool before storing and/or serving. It will continue to thicken as it cools and thicken even more after refrigeration. Keep stored in the refrigerator in a tightly closed jar for up to 6 months.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Equipment
Beth Sachs says
What a great idea! I'll be making this for my friend!
Kristen Wood says
Thank you!
Kechi says
I love that this is refined sugar free and that it is easy to make! Hope to make some; thanks for sharing!
Kristen Wood says
Thank you so much!
Savita says
What an amazing idea to make vegan honey. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Kristen Wood says
Thank you so much!
Charla says
As a healthy foodie this recipe ticks all the right boxes, coconut sugar and agave are usually my go to but I will definitely be trying this once I get some orange/apple juice this week, thank you so much!
Kristen Wood says
Thank you!
Heather Johnson says
interesting - definitely sharing with my vegan friend!