Description
This rich and creamy caramel sauce recipe is perfect for drizzling over desserts, ice cream, or adding to your favorite beverages. Made with simple ingredients like sugar, butter, and cream, it creates a smooth, buttery sauce with a deep amber color and a hint of vanilla. You can easily adjust it to a salted caramel version by adding a pinch of salt for that perfect balance of sweet and salty.
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
- Combine sugar and water: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and water. Stir gently until the sugar is completely dissolved, then stop stirring to prevent crystallization. Allow the mixture to boil, carefully watching for it to turn a deep amber color, which should take approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Add warm cream: Once the caramel reaches the desired color, carefully pour the warmed heavy cream into the saucepan. Whisk constantly while pouring, as the mixture will bubble vigorously. This step integrates the cream smoothly into the caramel.
- Incorporate butter and flavorings: Add the cubed unsalted butter to the caramel mixture and whisk until the butter is completely melted and combined. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract along with the optional salt to create a salted caramel flavor if desired.
- Cool and store: Allow the caramel sauce to cool for 10-15 minutes to thicken slightly before using. Transfer to a jar and refrigerate; the sauce can be stored for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even heating and prevent burning.
- Be very careful when adding the cream as the caramel mixture will bubble vigorously and can splatter.
- Warming the cream beforehand prevents the caramel from seizing.
- If the caramel hardens after refrigeration, gently warm it before use.
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality vanilla extract and unsalted butter.
- The optional salt enhances and balances the sweetness but can be omitted for a classic caramel sauce.
