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
