Caramel Sauce Recipe

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If you’ve ever thought about making caramel sauce from scratch but feared it might be too complicated, think again. This easy homemade Caramel Sauce recipe is here to change your mind! Made with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, this recipe skips the store-bought stuff and delivers that rich, buttery flavor you crave. It’s a versatile creamy caramel sauce that can top apple pie, be drizzled over vanilla ice cream, or be mixed into your morning coffee. 

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Sauce Recipe

This recipe is straightforward and stress-free, perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Unlike store-bought caramel filled with high fructose corn syrup, this easy recipe lets you control the quality and flavor. You can go from sugar and water to a deep amber color sauce in minutes. Plus, there’s no need for a candy thermometer! This sauce also offers flexibility; keep it plain or add a little sea salt for a sweet salted caramel sauce. Whatever your preference, this easy caramel sauce recipe is bound to become your new go-to recipe for all sorts of desserts.

Ingredients Needed For Caramel Sauce

Skip the store-bought version and make your own homemade Caramel Sauce with simple ingredients and just a few minutes! Here’s everything you’ll need:

• Granulated Sugar: The base of any good caramel recipe, white sugar melts down to a liquid gold.
• Water: Just a little water to help the sugar dissolve evenly.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a smooth texture. Use room temperature heavy whipping cream to avoid curdling.
• Unsalted Butter: Enhances flavor and adds that velvety finish to the caramel sauce.
• Vanilla Extract: For that extra layer of flavor; add it in at the end to prevent it from burning.

Variations

• Salted Caramel Sauce: Stir in a pinch of kosher salt or sea salt for a sweet and salty twist.
• Brown Sugar Caramel Sauce: Substitute some of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
• Dairy-Free: Swap the heavy cream and butter with coconut cream and vegan butter.
• Butterscotch Sauce: Use brown sugar instead of white sugar and add a bit of molasses for a richer, more complex flavor.

How To Make Caramel Sauce

For full recipe details, including ingredient measurements, see the printable recipe card down below. Here are my step by step instructions for making this easy caramel sauce:

1. Melt the Sugar

In a medium heavy-bottom saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium-low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and starts to bubble, swirling occasionally to avoid sugar crystals on the sides of the pan.

Pro Tip: If you notice sugar crystals forming on the sides of the pan. Use a pastry brush dipped in water to brush down the sides while cooking.

2. Caramelize the Sugar

Continue cooking until the mixture reaches a deep amber color. Keep a close attention as the sugar cooks; it can burn quickly.

3. Add Heavy Cream

Carefully whisk in the heavy cream. Be cautious; the mixture will bubble up. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Pro Tip: If your sauce is too thick, add a small amount of heavy whipping cream and gently reheat over medium-low heat.

4. Finish With Butter + Vanilla

Remove from heat, and whisk in unsalted butter and vanilla extract until well combined. Let the caramel cool before transferring to a mason jar or any airtight glass container.

Pro Tip: If you would like to make this into a salted caramel, add 1 teaspoon of sea salt at the end. 

Storage Directions For Caramel Sauce

Store caramel in a glass jar or airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to 2 weeks.

To Freeze: Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently.

Uses For This Homemade Caramel Sauce

Homemade caramel sauce is incredibly versatile and can elevate a wide range of dishes and treats. Here are some delicious ways to use it:

1. Drizzle Over Desserts: Pour warm caramel sauce over ice cream sundaes, brownies, cheesecake, pound cake, or apple pie for an extra touch of sweetness.
2. Dip for Fruits: Use it as a dip for fresh fruits like apple slices, bananas, or pears.
3. Top Your Breakfast: Drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, French toast, or oatmeal for a sweet start to your day.
4. Flavor Your Coffee: Stir a spoonful into your morning coffee, lattes, or caramel macchiatos for a homemade, coffee-shop vibe.
5. Fill Pastries and Cakes: Use it as a filling for cakes, cupcakes, or crepes, or drizzle it between layers for extra flavor.
6. Dip for Caramel Apples: Make gourmet caramel apples by dipping whole apples in the sauce and letting them set. Add nuts or chocolate chips for added crunch.

Recipes To Try Using Homemade Caramel Sauce

• Caramel Apple Crumble
• Caramel Filled Pumpkin Blondies
• Caramel Snickerdoodle Bars
• Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Ice Box Cake
• Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Whether you’re drizzling it over apple slices or stirring it into caramel macchiatos, this easy caramel sauce recipe will make all your favorite desserts even better! The printable recipe card is below. Have a great day, friends! 🙂

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.