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Bee-free vegan apple honey and vegan apple hot honey have the same sweetness and texture as traditional bee honey but without animal products. Made in only 45 minutes, this easy recipe is made using four simple ingredients. After that, you can enjoy cruelty-free honey anytime.
While I am not 100% vegan, I try to eat 95% vegan. I always feel better about myself and how I fit into this world when I eat cruelty-free. While making the change to as many vegan products as I could, honey, was hard for me to give up.
I love the sweet flavor. The smooth texture and convenience of having a jar handy. It is not uncommon for me to eat my 'single-girl dinner', peanut butter, and honey folded in a tortilla. It is so good even my husband is hooked on this quick fix.
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What I Love About This Recipe
- It's cruelty-free, vegan, and ethical honey
- It is simple and easy to make
- Tastes delicious!
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Ingredients
- Apple Juice - 4 cups (1000ml) - Use your preferred type of apple juice. For convenience, I used the juice I bought at the store. However, canned jarred, and organic fresh apples also work in this recipe.
- Sugar - 2 cups (400g) - I recommend using organic sugar to ensure it is vegan.
- Lemon Juice - 1 tablespoon - Only use fresh lemon juice; there is no other substitute.
- Chamomile Tea Bag - 1 - 2 tea bags - This secret ingredient takes the flavor from condensed apple juice to vegan honey.
Instructions
Mix
In a medium saucepan over high heat, combine apple juice, sugar, and lemon and bring it to a rapid boil.
Reduce
Lower to medium heat and occasionally stir for 35 - 45 minutes. At in time in the cooking process, place the chamomile tea bags in the pot for ten minutes. When the mixture has reduced by ½, remove the pot from the heat and allow the honey to cool. If you prefer a thicker texture, continue to cook over medium heat longer.
Refrigerate
Once cooled, transfer to a jar or an airtight container. Refrigerate for 2 - 3 hours. This will cause the honey to thicken. If the honey is not as thick as desired, return it to a saucepan at any time and cook until the desired thickness is reached.
Watch How To Make Recipe
Apples
Fresh Organic Apples vs. Fresh Non-Organic Apples - Non-organic apples are usually coated with wax to give them a shiny look. For this reason, I recommend using organic apples. If using non-organic apples, use a peeler to peel the skin off before juicing them.
Red Apples vs. Granny Smith Apples - I recommend using crisp red apples for this recipe. Granny Smith apples have a tart flavor that does not work well with this recipe.
Spice it Up!
Hot Honey - I have to admit, I have been obsessed with hot honey ever since I saw Garlic, Salt, and Lime pictures on my Instagram. From then on, I could not stop thinking about making a vegan version.
While I have not had traditional hot honey, I can say the vegan version surprised me. Combining the sweet apple and the red chile peppers resulted in a cinnamon candy flavor. It was amazing and I am even more obsessed than before!
Hot Honey Recipe:
When making hot honey, I recommend starting when the vegan honey is ¾ of the way done simmering. If starting with a finished recipe, the result will be very thick honey. I happen to like this recipe very thick. However, this is my personal preference.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of vegan honey
- 2 tablespoons dried red chili flakes
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in a small saucepan.
- Gently cook on low to medium heat. Once you see bubbles begin to form on the edges of the saucepan, remove it from the heat. This happens quickly, so stay close and keep an eye on it.
- Transfer to a jar and store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
For additional details, visit Garlic, Salt, and Lime.
Expert Tips
- When the honey coats the back of a wooden spoon or spatula and drips in off in strands, you can remove the saucepan from the heat.
- If honey is too stiff, store it at room temperature for a more pliable consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally speaking, vegans do not eat honey because it originates from an animal. However, this can be a topic of heated debate.
I personally believe that honey is vegetarian and not vegan. When making a vegan recipe, I always use a honey alternative.
Vegans do not consume any animal products. Because honey comes from bee production, most vegans do not eat it. It is important to note that honey is a passionate subject in the vegan world, and not all vegans avoid honey.
There are honey substitutes, but not an exact vegan version. This recipe is an easy and excellent honey substitute. Other substitutes include agave nectar, maple syrup, or one of these vegan honey brands.
Make-Ahead and Storing
Make-Ahead Instructions - Honey will take a few hours to thicken. Always make it at least 3 hours before you plan on using it.
Counter Top Instructions - Once the honey has been set in the refrigerator, it can be stored on the countertop in an airtight container for up to one week. Honey stored at room temperature is more pliable.
Refrigerator Instructions - Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one month. Hot honey can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Recipe
Apple Vegan Honey Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 Wood spoon
Ingredients
- 4 cups (946ml) apple juice
- 2 cups (400g) sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15) lemon juice
- 2 tea bags Chamomile
Instructions
- Mix: In a medium saucepan over high heat, combine apple juice, sugar, and lemon and bring it to a rapid boil.4 cups (946ml) apple juice, 2 cups (400g) sugar, 1 tablespoon (15) lemon juice
- Reduce: Lower to medium heat and stir occasionally for 35 - 45 minutes. At in time in the cooking process, place the chamomile tea bags in the pot for ten minutes. When the mixture has reduced by ½, remove the pot from the heat and allow the honey to cool. If you prefer a thicker texture continue to cook over medium heat longer.2 tea bags Chamomile
- Refrigerate: Once cooled, transfer to a jar or an airtight container. Refrigerate for 2 - 3 hours. This will cause the honey to thicken. If the honey is not as thick as desired, return it to a saucepan at any time and cook until the desired thickness is reached.
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