Chocolate Olive Oil Caramel

Today I’m sharing my take on the viral Olive Oil Caramel that combines equal parts olive oil and maple syrup to create a homemade healthier dessert sauce! And I can tell you that there is one ingredient your olive oil caramel is missing — and it’s chocolate! So, I'm showing you how to make Chocolate Caramel Sauce using this viral trend.

If you love caramel, be sure to check out some of my other caramel recipes like How to Make True Caramel, Salted Caramel Cake, or Caramel Buttercream Frosting.

What is the viral olive oil caramel?

The viral olive oil caramel is a trend that started on TikTok. It combines equal parts olive oil and maple syrup to “mimic” the flavor of caramel sauce. You can also add a sprinkle of sea salt as well.

While this trend is from last year, I have been wanting to try it out. And my friends at Carapelli sent me some of their amazing organic extra virgin olive oil that I’m obsessed with, so I thought no better time than now!

The Missing Ingredient

While I tested the viral Olive Oil Caramel, I do want to say that this is not real caramel sauce and it doesn’t taste like true caramel. It is a dessert sauce that has an undertone of olive oil and the texture resembles caramel. But, as a baker, there really is no substitute for true caramel sauce as the process of dry burning sugar is a flavor that is so distinct! Make sure to check out my post for How to Make True Caramel if you want the real deal.

But, I will say that this viral Olive Oil Caramel is a healthier dessert sauce that’s good on top of ice cream. And I had the idea to make it even better by adding Dutch cocoa powder to create a chocolate caramel sauce. And let me tell you, this is the ingredient that it was missing the whole time! This chocolate caramel sauce is the way to go if you want to try out this trend! It is really good!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Lightly Sweet: If you want a lightly sweetened dessert sauce, this is it!
• Healthy-ish: If you're looking for something a little healthier to satisfy that craving, this chocolate caramel sauce has no refined sugar but it still hits that sweet craving.
• Quick and Easy: This chocolate caramel sauce is so fast to make! You can whip it up right before you plan to enjoy it.
• Ice Cream Topping: This makes a delicious ice cream topping!

Ingredients

• EVOO: I’m using Carapelli Unfiltered Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Unfiltered olive oil can have a sweet undertone, so I chose it specifically for this. But you can use any kind of olive oil you like.
• Maple Syrup: I use organic maple syrup, though you can also use honey. I tested this with honey too as it is a liquid sweetener and it makes a lighter colored sauce with a lighter flavor. I don’t think the honey caramel was as good, surprisingly.
• Dutch Cooca Powder: Be sure to use organic Dutch cocoa powder as it’s sweeter than natural. This is already not very sweet so I don’t think natural cocoa would be good as it’s more bitter.
• Sea Salt: Adding a pinch of sea salt is optional, but I never skip this as I love it!

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1

In a mixing bowl add the olive oil, maple syrup, cocoa powder, and sea salt.

Step 2

Whisk together using a hand mixer or whisk until everything is combined and you have a smooth sauce.

Taste Testing

I made the traditional viral olive oil caramel sauce using equal parts maple syrup and olive oil. I also made this replacing the maple syrup with honey, because it’s a liquid sweetener so I knew it would work. And, then I also made this with the addition of Dutch cocoa powder. Spoiler alert — the chocolate caramel sauce is the best one! Watch the video below get the full take!

Tips

• I like to weigh the ingredients for the best results, but you can also use cup measurements if you prefer.
• I’m using Carapelli Organic Unfiltered Extra Virgin Olive Oil. This olive oil has sweeter notes, and unfiltered olive oil tends to be on the sweeter side. So, you can use any olive oil you like, but choosing unfiltered is a great option for this sweeter recipe.
• You can use honey or maple syrup, either work.
• Use Dutch cocoa powder for the best flavor as this is sweeter than natural cocoa powder.

How to Serve

I think the best way to enjoy this olive oil caramel sauce is on top of ice cream. You can also use it as a drizzle on top of cakes, brownies, or other desserts.

How to Store

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up a week. This will separate because of the olive oil. So, if you are storing it, you’ll just need to whisk it up again before using.

FAQ’s

Craving More?

• How to Make True Caramel
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