Description
This classic caramel sauce recipe delivers a rich, buttery, and smooth sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over desserts, ice cream, or even stirring into coffee. Made from just a handful of simple ingredients and cooked on the stovetop, it’s quick to prepare and sure to impress with its deep caramel flavor and silky texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup heavy cream, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Melt the sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. The sugar will first clump and then gradually melt into an amber-colored liquid. Be patient and keep stirring to prevent burning.
- Add the butter: Once the sugar is completely melted, carefully add the cubed unsalted butter. The mixture will bubble vigorously—continue stirring until the butter is fully melted and combined into the sugar syrup.
- Incorporate heavy cream: Slowly pour in the room temperature heavy cream while stirring continuously. The sauce will bubble up again. Allow it to boil gently for 1 minute, which helps create a smooth and creamy texture before removing it from the heat.
- Add vanilla and salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, if desired, to enhance the flavor. Let the caramel sauce cool for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly before transferring it to a storage jar.
- Storage and serving: Store the caramel sauce in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. When ready to use, warm it slightly to restore its pourable consistency.
Notes
- Use room temperature heavy cream to prevent the caramel from seizing when added.
- Keep stirring constantly when melting sugar to avoid burning and achieve a smooth caramel.
- Adjust salt quantity to your liking; salted caramel is a popular variation.
- Rewarm the sauce gently in a microwave or on low heat before serving if it thickens too much in the fridge.
- This sauce pairs wonderfully with ice cream, cakes, pancakes, and coffee.
