Description
A simple recipe for making smooth, rich caramel sauce at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place the sugar in a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Do not stir initially.
- Allow the sugar to melt completely, swirling the pan occasionally to ensure even melting. This will take about 5 to 8 minutes. The sugar will turn amber brown.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Carefully pour in the heavy cream. The mixture will bubble vigorously. Whisk until smooth.
- Add the butter pieces one at a time, whisking until each piece is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
- Return the pan to low heat for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the butter melts completely. Do not let it boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Pour the caramel into a heatproof jar or container. Let it cool completely before using.
Notes
- If the caramel hardens too much upon cooling, gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave in short bursts until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Use a light-colored pan so you can clearly see the sugar color change.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Dessert Topping
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 35
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 26
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 0
- Cholesterol: 30
Keywords: caramel sauce, homemade caramel, easy caramel, dessert topping, sweet sauce