Description
This classic caramel sauce recipe yields a rich, smooth, and luscious sauce with the perfect balance of sweetness and buttery flavor. Made from simple ingredients like sugar, butter, and cream, it’s ideal for drizzling over desserts, ice cream, or incorporating into your favorite recipes. The sauce can be made salted or unsalted depending on your taste preference.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, for salted caramel)
Instructions
- Make the Caramel Base: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Stir gently just until the sugar dissolves completely, then stop stirring. Allow it to boil and cook undisturbed until the mixture turns a deep amber color, approximately 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Add Warmed Cream: Carefully pour the warmed heavy cream into the hot caramel mixture while whisking continuously. The mixture will bubble vigorously, so be cautious and persistent with whisking to incorporate smoothly.
- Incorporate Butter and Flavorings: Add the cubed unsalted butter and whisk until the butter is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt if using, to enhance depth of flavor.
- Cool and Store: Allow the caramel sauce to cool for 10-15 minutes to thicken slightly before use. Transfer the sauce into a jar or airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Warm the heavy cream prior to adding to prevent the caramel from seizing up.
- Use a light-colored saucepan if possible to monitor the caramel color accurately.
- Be cautious when handling hot caramel and boiling mixtures to avoid burns.
- The sauce thickens more as it cools; reheat gently if needed to loosen before serving.
- If making salted caramel, adjust the salt quantity to taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
