This easy caramel sauce is rich, buttery, and made with just a few pantry ingredients. It takes only 10 minutes to make, and once you’ve got it, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything! Whether you’re using it for desserts, coffee, or even as a topping for ice cream, this homemade caramel sauce is the perfect addition to any treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Homemade caramel sauce has the perfect balance of sweetness and richness, with a silky smooth texture that’s better than anything you can buy. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. In just 10 minutes, you’ll have a batch of delicious caramel sauce ready to drizzle over all your favorite goodies!
Ingredients
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1 cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup water
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6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
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½ cup heavy cream
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Start the Caramel
Add the sugar and water to a 3-quart heavy-bottomed pot. Stir slightly to combine, but avoid letting the sugar go up the sides of the pot. -
Cook the Sugar
Heat the pot over medium heat. Allow the sugar to dissolve and turn from cloudy to clear. It will start to bubble, but do not stir. Just let it cook until the sugar thickens and turns a deep honey-like gold color. This can take about 8-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning, and gently brush down the sides of the pot with a spatula if necessary. -
Add the Butter
Once the sugar has turned a deep golden color, carefully add the butter and whisk until fully melted. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble up quickly. -
Pour in the Cream
Remove the pot from the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously. Keep whisking until the cream is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth. -
Add Vanilla and Salt
Whisk in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The caramel will be hot and liquid, but it will thicken up as it cools. -
Cool and Store
Set the caramel aside to cool in the pot for 10 minutes. After it cools, transfer it to a lidded glass jar. Let it cool completely. The caramel will thicken and solidify into a chewy texture as it cools. Store it in the fridge, as it contains dairy. -
Reheat for Use
To use again, simply reheat the caramel in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, or until it reaches the desired consistency.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 10 servings (2 tablespoons per serving)
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Prep Time: 2 minutes
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Cook Time: 10 minutes
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Cool Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 22 minutes
Storage
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Refrigeration – Store tightly sealed in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
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Freezing – It can also be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to use, simply reheat it in the microwave.
FAQs
How long does it take to make caramel sauce?
It only takes about 10 minutes to cook the sugar, and another 5 minutes to incorporate the butter and cream. The rest is just cooling time!
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes! Brown sugar will give the caramel a richer, more molasses-like flavor, which is perfect if you love deeper, more robust caramel.
Can I make this caramel sauce dairy-free?
Yes, you can use coconut oil instead of butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
What if my caramel is too thick?
If the caramel becomes too thick after cooling, simply reheat it and add a little more cream or water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
Can I make this salted caramel?
Absolutely! To make salted caramel, simply add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel after adding the vanilla and salt. For a stronger salty kick, sprinkle more sea salt over the caramel once it’s in your jar.
Conclusion
This Easy Caramel Sauce is a must-have recipe for anyone who loves rich, buttery caramel. It’s quick, simple, and absolutely delicious—perfect for drizzling on ice cream, pancakes, or even just by the spoonful. The homemade touch makes it extra special, and once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought caramel again!
Print
Easy Caramel Sauce
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 1 ¼ cups (about 10 servings, 2 tablespoons per serving)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Caramel Sauce is a quick and simple recipe that only takes 10 minutes to make. With just a few pantry ingredients, you can create a rich, smooth caramel sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over ice cream, pancakes, or any of your favorite desserts. It’s the ultimate homemade treat with a creamy texture and a deep, buttery flavor!
Ingredients
1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup water
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Prepare the Sugar Mixture: Add the granulated sugar and water to a 3-quart heavy-bottomed pot. Stir slightly to combine and make sure the sugar sits in an even layer (try to avoid letting it go up the sides of the pot).
Dissolve the Sugar: Heat the pot over medium heat. Allow the sugar to dissolve and turn from cloudy to clear as it begins to bubble. Do not stir once the sugar begins bubbling.
Cook to Golden Brown: Let the mixture continue to bubble and cook until it turns a deep gold color, like honey. This can take anywhere from 8-15 minutes, depending on your heat and cookware. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Add the Butter: Once the sugar has turned golden, carefully add the butter and whisk until completely melted. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble up rapidly.
Add the Cream: Remove the pot from the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously. Keep whisking until the cream is fully incorporated into the caramel sauce.
Add Vanilla and Salt: Whisk in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Continue whisking until smooth and fully combined.
Cool and Store: Allow the caramel sauce to cool in the pot for 10 minutes. Then, pour it into a lidded glass jar and let it cool completely. It will thicken as it cools, turning into a delicious, chewy texture.
Notes
Patience is Key: The cooking time can vary based on your pot, heat source, and even the weather. Keep a close watch on the sugar as it caramelizes to avoid burning.
Storage: This caramel sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. The caramel will solidify in the fridge, so be sure to reheat it (usually 10-15 seconds in the microwave) before using.
Consistency: The caramel will be liquid when first made but will thicken as it cools. If it’s too thick, simply warm it up again before serving.
Salted Caramel: To make salted caramel, simply add an extra ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt when whisking in the vanilla.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
