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Caramel Sauce
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Make your desserts unforgettable with this quick and easy homemade caramel sauce! It’s rich, buttery, and perfect for drizzling on everything from ice cream to brownies. With just five simple ingredients, you can whip up this sweet treat in minutes. Try it once, and you’ll want to make it again and again!
This caramel sauce recipe is super easy to follow, and our guide below walks you through every step. We’ve included step-by-step photos, pro tips, and tricks to ensure perfect results. Don’t miss our answers to the most frequently asked questions to make your dessert topping even better!
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Whip up this quick caramel sauce in just 15 minutes! Perfect for topping ice cream, cakes, or even pancakes, this rich and buttery treat elevates any dessert. It’s the ideal addition to a party, potluck, or cozy family dinner, making every bite more delicious. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll love creating this homemade caramel that tastes better than store-bought—guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
What you'll need to make this Caramel Sauce:
- 2 cups of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of corn syrup
- ⅓ cup of water
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ½ cup of unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Substitutions and Additions
Personalize your recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding tasty extras! These easy changes can make your caramel sauce uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
Add Bourbon: Add a splash of bourbon for a grown-up twist with a hint of smoky flavor. These easy substitutions and additions can easily be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of this
Substitute Heavy Cream: Use coconut milk for a dairy-free caramel that adds a subtle tropical flavor.
Substitute Granulated Sugar: Swap in brown sugar for a deeper, richer caramel taste with hints of molasses.
Add Sea Salt: Sprinkle in a pinch of sea salt for a delicious salted caramel variation.
How to Make Caramel Sauce:
Follow along with our step-by-step pictures, instructions, and tips below to create the perfect caramel sauce. Let’s get started and make something delicious!
FIRST STEP: In a heavy medium saucepan, stir together the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir until combined.
SECOND STEP: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
During this time, stir the mixture with a wooden spoon to ensure that the sugar dissolves evenly and completely as it heats.
THIRD STEP: Use a wet pastry brush to wash down the sides of the pot, making sure that no sugar crystals remain stuck to the pan above the line of the mixture.
Pro Tip
Washing down the sides of the pan and avoiding agitation once the caramelization process begins are helpful steps to avoid a grainy caramel.
The corn syrup also aids in preventing grainy caramel.
FOURTH STEP: Once the mixture comes to a simmer and the pan has been washed down, do not stir any longer.
FIFTH STEP: Place a candy thermometer in the melted sugar mixture.
Monitor it as it heats until the color turns amber and the candy thermometer has reached about 355 to 360°F.
Pro Tip
Medium caramel comes from a medium amber color at 355 to 360°F.
Dark caramel comes from a deeper amber color heating to 375 to 380°F.
Pay close attention, once the sugar begins to caramelize, the temperature can increase quickly and burn.
SIXTH STEP: Remove the caramelized sugar from the heat and slowly stir in the cream, taking care as the mixture will splatter.
SEVENTH STEP: Stir in the vanilla extract and then the pieces of butter, two tablespoons at a time.
EIGHTH STEP: Cool the hot caramel to room temperature.
Pro Tip
The sauce might thicken as it cools. Once it is completely cool, if it is too thick to pour smoothly, it can be reheated for 10 to 15 seconds at a time in the microwave to make it more pourable.
How to Serve Caramel Sauce
This caramel sauce is incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion! Whether you're celebrating a special event or enjoying a cozy night at home, this recipe will make your desserts shine. Here are three delicious ways to serve this delicious sauce:
- Family Gatherings and Holidays: Serve this caramel sauce over apple pie or warm brownies for a comforting dessert everyone will love. It’s a hit during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas when you want to impress with something special.
- Kids' Parties and Summer Treats: Drizzle the caramel sauce over ice cream or mix it into milkshakes for a kid-friendly treat. This sweet sauce is perfect for birthdays, summer parties, and any time you want to delight little ones with a fun dessert.
- Elegant Dinner Parties: Pair this caramel sauce with a rich chocolate cake or drizzled over panna cotta for a sophisticated touch.
Why You'll Love This Caramel Sauce Recipe
Caramel Sauce is more than just a topping—it’s a beloved favorite for several irresistible reasons:
- A Rich and Buttery Delight: This caramel sauce offers a luxurious blend of rich butter and sweet caramel flavors. Each spoonful adds a luscious sweetness that transforms ordinary desserts into extraordinary treats. It's pure indulgence in every drop.
- Versatile and Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, this caramel sauce comes together in minutes. Its versatility means you can drizzle it on everything from ice cream to apple pie, making it a go-to favorite for any occasion.
- A Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages: Whether it’s a family gathering or a kids’ party, this caramel sauce brings joy to everyone. Its smooth, sweet flavor appeals to both kids and adults, making it a universal favorite that’s always in demand.
This isn’t just a recipe—it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that adds a touch of sweetness to every occasion.
Recipe FAQ
Why did my caramel sauce turn grainy?
Grainy caramel happens if sugar crystals form during cooking. Stir gently and avoid splashing sugar onto the pot’s sides.
How can I make my caramel sauce thicker?
To thicken your sauce, cook it a bit longer until it reduces. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter. It will add a slight salty flavor, but it still tastes delicious!
Why did my caramel sauce separate?
Separation happens if the heat is too high or the ingredients aren't mixed properly. Lower the heat and whisk until smooth.
Serving FAQ
How should I serve this caramel sauce at a party?
Serve your sauce warm in a small bowl with a ladle for drizzling over desserts like ice cream or cake.
Can I serve this caramel sauce cold?
Yes, you can serve it cold, but it will be thicker. Warm it slightly to regain its smooth, pourable consistency.
How do I prevent caramel sauce from hardening when serving?
Keep the sauce warm in a slow cooker or on a warming plate to maintain its perfect drizzling consistency.
What desserts pair best with this caramel sauce?
This sauce pairs beautifully with ice cream, apple pie, and even pancakes. It enhances the flavor of any sweet treat!
Storage FAQ
Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below for optimal storage of your caramel sauce. From making it ahead to reheating, we've got you covered.
Can I prepare caramel sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
What’s the best way to store leftover caramel sauce?
Store leftover caramel sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and flavorful for up to two weeks.
Is it possible to freeze caramel sauce?
Yes, it can be stored in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before use.
How do I thaw and reheat frozen caramel?
Thaw the sauce in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth and warm.
Can I reheat caramel sauce in the microwave?
Yes, microwave your sauce in short 15-20 second intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches the desired consistency. Be careful not to overheat.
Caramel Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
DIRECTIONS
- In a heavy saucepan, stir together granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir until combined.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. During this time, stir the mixture to ensure that the sugar dissolves evenly and completely as it heats.
- Use a pastry brush dipped in water to wash down the sides of the pan, making sure that no sugar crystals remain stuck to the pan above the line of the mixture.
- Once the mixture comes to a simmer and the pan has been washed down, do not stir any longer.
- Place a candy thermometer in the sugar mixture and monitor it as it heats until the color turns amber and the candy thermometer has reached about 355-360°F.
- Remove the caramelized sugar from the heat and slowly stir in the cream, taking care as the mixture will splatter.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and then the pieces of butter, 2 tablespoons at a time.
- Cool to room temperature.
Notes
- Washing down the sides of the pan and avoiding agitation once the caramelization process begins are helpful steps to avoid a grainy caramel. The corn syrup also aids in preventing grainy caramel.
- Medium caramel comes from a medium amber color at 355 to 360°F, and dark caramel comes from a deeper amber color heating to 375 to 380°F. Pay close attention, once the sugar begins to caramelize (change color), the temperature can increase quickly and burn.
- The caramel sauce might thicken as it cools. Once it is completely cool, if it is too thick to pour smoothly, it can be reheated for 10 to 15 seconds at a time in the microwave to make it more pourable.
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