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This vegan honey is oh, so good and tastes just like the real thing! Naturally sweetened with whole apples and raw sugar, this really is the best bee-free vegan honey recipe out there. Perfect for adding to all types of foods!A perfect honey substitute for vegans, this easy recipe is a simple way to sweeten all your favorite treats and drinks! Made with only four ingredients, this syrup looks, tastes, and smells just like actual honey - it will almost fool you! If you're looking for a vegan alternative sweetener, but don't want to use agave nectar or white sugar, then this recipe is just for you.
This thick syrup is just the right consistency similar to real honey, but made with apples and raw sugar instead! A gluten-free and nice substitute to other sweeteners, this easy vegan honey recipe can also be turned into a sugar-free option, too. Perfect for salad dressings, sauces, sandwiches, and so much more: you will love this liquid sweetener!
Apple honey is light and refreshing and paired with a little bit of tartness. Crisp and sweet, this natural sweetener is the real deal and one of my favorite recipes because it's just so enjoyable and fun to make! Did you even know you could turn apples into honey?
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Vegan: This honey is totally plant-based and friendly! There are no animal byproducts in this vegan honey whatsoever - this is the perfect option for you if you're looking for a good honey substitute.
- Simple: In just a few simple steps, you will have this sweet nectar ready in no time! This recipe is seriously so effortless and even easier with the food processor.
- Yummy: Tasty and perfect for sweetening all types of things, this vegan honey recipe is a delicious way to incorporate sweet and silky flavors and textures that are similar to honey, but totally vegan.
How to Make the Best Vegan Honey
Ingredients
This recipe calls for simple ingredients that can easily be found at your local grocery store. Many of these you may already have at home as they are basic pantry staples.
Apples: I used red apples for this recipe, but you can use any kind of apple! Just make sure you keep the peels on the apples.
Sugar: You will need a cup of raw sugar for this vegan honey. For more variations on granulated sugar, scroll down to the bottom of the post!
Apple Cider Vinegar: Just a small amount of apple cider vinegar is needed for this recipe! You can find ACV at your local market or online.
Water: A little water will be used for this honey. You don't need a large amount of liquid as you want this sweet syrup to have a thick consistency. I like to use purified water for my recipes.
Equipment Needed
Instructions
Read the recipe card for the full steps and details for this simple recipe!
CHOP APPLES
Cube the Apples: First, cube the apples and remove the seeds. Keep the peels.
Blend in Food Processor: Next, place the apples into a food processor and blend until puréed.
SQUEEZE THE PULP
Separate the Juice: Place the apple puree into a nut milk bag or cheesecloth and separate the juice from the pulp. Squeeze the liquid into a saucepan.
MAKE THE VEGAN HONEY
Thicken Honey and Stir: Next, add sugar, apple cider vinegar, and water to the saucepan. Bring to a low boil and steam at a low to medium-low heat until the honey starts to thicken to your desired consistency, then stir. After two to three minutes, remove it from the stove.
Cool: Be careful not to overcook the honey or it will become like candy. Allow the vegan honey to cool in the saucepan at room temperature.
Store: Once cooled, transfer it to a glass jar or airtight container with a lid.
Recipe FAQs
Is honey vegan?
The answer to that question is absolutely not! Regular honey is made with honey bees and anything from honey bees are considered animal products.
What is a vegan substitute for honey?
A lot of people like to use maple syrup, date syrup, brown rice syrup, or agave syrup in place of honey!
Do all vegans avoid honey?
It's a controversial topic, but most vegans DO avoid honey!
Variations and Substitutions
Refined Sugar-Free Options: Instead of using raw granulated sugar, you can use coconut sugar or possibly even try date paste. We have not tested date paste, but if you try it, let us know how it goes!
Enhance Flavors: You can soak flower heads that are in full bloom such as dandelions to make vegan dandelion honey or dandelion syrup! Another idea is, you could infuse chamomile tea into your vegan honey or even add fresh lemon juice.
Organic Apple Juice: Feel free to use organic apple juice in place of the apple cider vinegar.
Expert Tips for This Vegan Honey Recipe
- Keep the honey at room temperature for a light and spreadable consistency.
- Use a clear, airtight jar to store the honey in. It will keep at room temperature for a few months thanks to its high sugar content!
- Avoid high heat as it can overcook the honey.
- If you prefer thicker honey, then place this vegan honey in the refrigerator, but it's not necessary to store it in the fridge.
