It's Easier Than You'd Think To Turn Olive Oil Into A Sweet Caramel Topping

Caramel is one of those foods that are simple, but not necessarily easy. At its most basic, it's nothing but sugar cooked until golden brown and syrupy, but the process of getting there can be rife with sticky counters and burned pots. If you're not concerned with authenticity, take the hard work off your shoulders by making a quick and delicious olive oil caramel instead.

Desserts often dominate lists of unexpected foods that pair well with olive oil, as its rich yet fruity and refreshing flavor complements ingredients like chocolate, fruit, and cream. Using it as a base for a sweet sauce isn't as strange as it sounds. Instagram creator @fitgreenmind demonstrates how to combine olive oil with cold maple or agave syrup to form a flowing, caramel-like topping.

Maple syrup is a nice choice due to its deep and rich taste, but if you want to use agave, choose a dark-colored syrup over light or amber varieties for a more convincing caramel profile. You have to stir pretty aggressively to emulsify the sauce, so try beating the ingredients with a whisk if they need a little help. The finished sauce won't taste exactly like traditional caramel, but it hits the same gooey, sugary notes, not to mention it's suitable for plant-based diets. Adding a pinch of salt to make a vegan salted caramel sauce is just one way to customize this easy sweet treat.

A vital tip you need when cooking with different types of olive oil is that some taste stronger and more complex than others, which will have a big impact on your ersatz caramel. A light-style oil provides the most neutral flavor, so the resulting sauce will be quite mild and great for drizzling on sundaes, popcorn, cheesecake, and more. Try mixing in a drop of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of powdered spices to tailor the sauce to your dessert.

Meanwhile, a rich extra virgin olive oil with fruity, floral, or grassy flavors creates a more sophisticated treat. If you're a lover of sweet-and-savory tastes or unexpected, high-class desserts, try experimenting with EVOO caramel or even flavored oils. Top a one-bowl dark chocolate olive oil cake with a caramel made with lemon- or orange-infused oil for a zesty contrast. It'll be a masterclass in easy but elegant desserts. 

Olive oil and ice cream are a surprisingly delicious pairing, and you could go with a simple EVOO caramel on delicate flavors like vanilla, or lean sweet and spicy with a chili-flavored oil paired with cinnamon or chocolate ice cream. A smoked olive oil would imitate the deep, toasted notes of a dark caramel, perfect for mild sweets that need extra "oomph" or even savory dishes like roasted root veggies. Think of combinations that might be tasty and go for it — with a recipe this easy, you could experiment all night long.