This syrupy and delicious apple honey is the perfect honey alternative for vegans. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring just 3 ingredients and 30 minutes!
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First off, you're probably wondering "do vegans eat honey?" Bees produce honey for themselves and are often given sugar water as food in order to harvest the honey for humans in commercial honey operations.
Since bees are animals and the foundation of Veganism is to not contribute to animal exploitation, honey is not vegan.
But that doesn't mean there aren't delicious vegan honey alternatives to enjoy!
Why this apple honey works
This apple honey makes a great honey replacement for vegans or non-vegans alike! If you have apples going bad, or just want to experiment with a new sweet syrup, this recipe is for you!
This apple honey is:
- sweet and syrupy
- caramel-like
- easy to make
- perfect for drizzling!
Ingredients for vegan apple honey
This vegan honey recipe only requires 3 ingredients! Reference the recipe card at the bottom for exact measurements.
You'll need:
- Apples—any kind will do! I used Gala. If your apples are going soft, they can still be used, just make sure they're not moldy.
- Sugar—for a lighter honey color use regular table sugar. Coconut sugar can also be used but will produce a darker color honey.
- Lemon juice—brightens the flavor and adds some preservative effects.
Optional: some people like to use a chamomile tea bag to add a more honey-like flavor. I personally like the subtle apple flavor but this is an easy addition if you're looking for a more similar honey substitute.
How to make apple honey
This step by step walk-through shows the process of making this vegan honey recipe. Exact times and temperatures are available in the recipe card at the bottom.
Wash. Start by washing the apples under cold water to remove any lingering pesticide residue, dirt and wax.
Chop. Roughly chop apples into fourths and remove seeds and stems. No need to peel the apples as the pectin in the skin helps to naturally thicken the apple honey.
Blend. Add the apples to a blender or food processor and blend until almost smooth. Small chunks of peel are fine.
Strain. Strain the apple puree over a bowl or pan with a nut milk bag or mesh strainer.
Combine. Add to pan along with the lemon juice and sugar and set temperature to high, stirring constantly for the first couple minutes until the sugar dissolves. If adding a chamomile tea bag, add in now and then remove after 10 minutes.
Boil. Bring to a boil then reduce to a gentle boil until the liquid reduces by half.
Cool. Remove from heat and allow to cool before transferring to a sealable glass container. The vegan honey will thicken as it cools so don't worry if it's not syrupy when you first remove it from heat.
Expert Tips
- Want to make this even faster? Use store-bought organic pressed apple juice (no sugar added) instead and use 2 cups as recipe is written.
- Make sure to stir every couple minutes to prevent it from burning. It can take 20-25 minutes for the liquid to reduce.
- If your mixture is too thick, add a little boiling water to thin it out. If it's too thin, continue cooking until desired consistency is reached.
- When the vegan honey coats the back of a spoon or spatula and drips in a more stringy-like fashion, it's ready.
How to store apple honey
Apple honey should be stored in an airtight container either in a cool dark place like a pantry or refrigerator. If storing in the refrigerator it will have a thicker consistency but can still be warmed and thinned or stirred into hot drinks easily.
How to use
Use this vegan apple honey as you would normal honey. Drizzle over oatmeal bowls, stir into coffee or tea, spread on toast with jam or drizzle over some pancakes. The options are endless!
This also makes a great homemade gift! Package it up in a cute jar with a ribbon and give it to family or friends for a unique gift that they can enjoy daily.
If you enjoyed this recipe please leave a comment below and give it 5 stars! Or on Pinterest (don’t forget to follow me!) and please help me share on facebook!
📖 Recipe
Easy Apple Honey (Vegan Honey)
Ingredients
- 5 apples
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 chamomile tea bag, optional for more authentic honey flavor, if wanting more apple flavor, omit the tea bag
Instructions
- Start by washing the apples under cold water to remove any lingering pesticide residue and dirt.
- Roughly chop apples into fourths and remove seeds and stems. No need to peel the apples as the pectin in the skin helps to naturally thicken the apple honey.
- Add the apples to a blender or food processor and puree until almost smooth. Small chunks of peel are fine.
- Strain the apple puree over a bowl or pan with a nut milk bag or mesh strainer to separate the juice. It should result in 1.5-2 cups of apple juice. If you have a higher amount of juice, increase sugar to ¾ cups.
- Add the apple juice to pan along with the lemon juice and sugar and set temperature to high, stirring constantly for the first couple minutes until the sugar dissolves. If adding a chamomile tea bag, add in now and then remove after 10 minutes.
- Bring to a boil then reduce to a gentle boil (about medium heat) until the liquid reduces by half; about 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool before transferring to a sealable glass container. The vegan honey will thicken as it cools so don't worry if it's not syrupy when you first remove it from heat.
Bethany
This apple honey is delicious! I'm thinking of making it as a holiday gift this year. How far in advance would it be ok to make it?
Rachel
I'm so glad to hear to it! It should be shelf stable for several weeks. I would make it a week in advance. Hope they enjoy it!
Kat
Think I could run the apples through my juicer instead of the blender method? Would quicken the process a fair bit!
Rachel
Yes, absolutely! That would be much easier 🙂
Kat
One more question, I did your method and it’s not thickening up. I reduced by half but still fully liquid. Even with some cooling time. Thoughts?
Rachel
When juicing did you end up with more than 2 cups of apple juice? If so, it may need more sugar and additional time. When the vegan honey coats the back of a spoon or spatula and drips in a more stringy-like fashion, it's ready to remove from heat. Hope that helps!
Sally
Yum! Will be making this often, thank you!
Rachel
So glad you enjoyed it! 🙂