Name: Easy Homemade Caramel Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Easy Homemade Caramel Sauce

Caramel sauce is a versatile and delicious treat that can elevate any dessert. Whether you’re drizzling it over ice cream, topping a cake, or using it as a filling for a caramel apple, homemade caramel sauce is always a crowd-pleaser.

Making caramel sauce at home might seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple. With just a few basic ingredients and a little patience, you can create a rich and flavorful caramel sauce that’s better than anything you can buy.

The key to making a successful caramel sauce is to ensure that the sugar doesn’t crystallize. This can be prevented by using a clean saucepan and stirring the mixture constantly while it’s heating up. Once the sugar has melted and the mixture has thickened, you can add flavorings like vanilla and salt to enhance the taste.

Questions I often get asked about this recipe:

Can I use granulated sugar instead of brown sugar?
While you can use granulated sugar, brown sugar adds a molasses flavor and helps prevent crystallization.

What kind of heavy cream should I use?
Whole milk heavy cream is the best option for this recipe.

Can I use salted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter. If you do, you may want to reduce the amount of salt added at the end.

Why is it important to stir the mixture constantly?
Stirring prevents the sugar from crystallizing and ensures even heating.

How do I know when the caramel sauce is ready?
The sauce is ready when it coats the back of a spoon.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

What can I use caramel sauce for?
Caramel sauce can be used to top ice cream, cakes, cookies, and other desserts. It can also be used as a filling for caramel apples.

How long does the caramel sauce last?
The caramel sauce will last in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

What you need to make Easy Homemade Caramel Sauce:

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

How to make it:

Combine ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter.

Cook and stir: Stir constantly until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a simmer.

Simmer and thicken: Reduce heat to low and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Add flavorings: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.

Cool and serve: Let cool slightly before transferring to a jar or container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Tips:

For a thicker sauce, simmer for a few extra minutes.

To prevent the sugar from crystallizing, make sure the saucepan is clean and dry before adding the ingredients.

For a salted caramel sauce, add a pinch of sea salt to the mixture before cooling.

Latest Reviews:

This caramel sauce recipe is a game-changer! It’s so easy to follow and the taste is incredible. I love the rich, buttery flavor. Definitely a keeper! John G.

I’ve tried a few caramel sauce recipes before, but this one is by far the best. The texture is perfect and the flavor is just right. I’ll be making this again and again. Barbara P.

This recipe is a must-try for any caramel lover. The ingredients are simple and the process is straightforward. The end result is a delicious and homemade caramel sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over ice cream or cakes. Gina T.

Printable Recipe:

Yield: 1 cup