You can make rich, buttery caramel sauce at home in minutes. This simple recipe is perfect for drizzling over desserts or adding to your coffee.
Author:purejoyalex
Prep Time:5 min
Cook Time:15 min
Total Time:20 min
Yield:About 1 1/4 cups1x
Category:Dessert Topping
Method:Stovetop Cooking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed slightly
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or more to taste)
Instructions
Place the granulated sugar in a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Do not stir initially.
Allow the sugar to melt without stirring until it liquefies around the edges, about 5 to 8 minutes. Gently swirl the pan occasionally to help the sugar melt evenly.
Once the sugar is completely melted and turns a deep amber color, remove the pan from the heat immediately.
Carefully add the pieces of butter to the melted sugar. The mixture will bubble vigorously. Whisk constantly until the butter is fully incorporated and smooth.
Slowly pour in the warmed heavy cream while whisking continuously. The mixture will bubble up again. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth.
Return the saucepan to low heat and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to ensure everything is combined. Do not let it boil rapidly.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt.
Let the caramel sauce cool slightly before using. It will thicken as it cools. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Notes
Warm your heavy cream slightly before adding it to the melted sugar; cold cream can cause the sugar to seize up.
If the sugar hardens when you add the butter, return the pan to low heat and gently whisk until the hardened sugar melts back into the butter.
This sauce is excellent for making decadent caramel treats or as a quick caramel topping for ice cream.