Homemade Caramel Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Rich and buttery caramel sauce is a delightful addition to many desserts, from ice cream to apple pie. This easy homemade caramel sauce has a deep amber color and a smooth, creamy texture that will elevate your sweet treats.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup heavy cream, room temperature
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, add the granulated sugar. Stir constantly to prevent burning. The sugar will gradually melt and turn an amber color, which can take 10 to 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Once the sugar is fully melted, add the butter. Whisk continuously until the butter is melted and combined. The mixture will bubble up—this is normal. If the butter separates, remove from heat and keep whisking until smooth.
- Step 3: Slowly drizzle in the room temperature heavy cream while stirring. Continue to cook and stir for one more minute to let the sauce simmer and thicken.
- Step 4: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the caramel sauce to thicken as it cools. Use it warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
Tips & Variations
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan to help evenly distribute heat and avoid burning the sugar.
- For a richer flavor, add a pinch of sea salt to create salted caramel sauce.
- If the sauce becomes too thick after cooling, gently reheat it while stirring before serving.
Storage
Store caramel sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To use, warm it gently in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat until it reaches your desired consistency.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter. If you do, consider adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavor.
Why did my caramel sauce harden after cooling?
Caramel sauce thickens as it cools due to sugar crystallization. Reheat it gently to soften it back to a pourable consistency before serving.
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Homemade Caramel Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 3/4 cup 1x
Description
This classic caramel sauce recipe creates a rich, buttery, and creamy topping perfect for desserts, ice cream, and more. Made with just sugar, salted butter, and heavy cream, it’s a simple yet indulgent treat that you can prepare quickly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup heavy cream, room temperature
Instructions
- Cook Sugar: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, add the granulated sugar and stir constantly. Be careful not to burn it. The sugar will gradually melt and take on an amber color, which can take about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add Butter: Once the sugar is fully melted and amber-colored, add the room temperature salted butter. Whisk constantly until the butter is completely melted and incorporated. The mixture will bubble up during this step; if the butter separates, remove the pan from the heat and keep whisking until it combines again.
- Add Heavy Cream: Slowly drizzle in the room temperature heavy cream while stirring continuously. After combining, let the sauce simmer for 1 more minute to thicken slightly.
- Cool and Thicken: Remove the sauce from heat and allow it to cool. It will thicken further as it cools. The caramel sauce can be enjoyed warm or cold according to your preference.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and cream to prevent the mixture from seizing.
- Stir sugar constantly to avoid burning and ensure even melting.
- If the caramel hardens or crystallizes, gently reheat it and whisk until smooth.
- Store leftover caramel sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Reheat gently before use by warming in a microwave or on the stove over low heat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: caramel sauce, homemade caramel, dessert sauce, easy caramel, stovetop caramel
