Description
This Thick Caramel Sauce recipe yields a rich and velvety homemade caramel perfect for drizzling over ice cream, brownies, pancakes, and more. Made with simple ingredients like sugar, butter, and cream, it’s easy to prepare on the stovetop, resulting in a luscious, amber-colored sauce that thickens as it cools. Optional salt adds the perfect touch for salted caramel lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, for salted caramel)
Instructions
- Heat the Sugar: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, heat the sugar while stirring constantly with a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon. The sugar will clump initially, then melt into an amber-colored liquid—keep stirring to ensure even melting.
- Add the Butter: Once the sugar is fully melted and golden, carefully add the butter pieces. The mixture will bubble vigorously; stir continuously until the butter melts and is fully incorporated.
- Incorporate the Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. The mixture will bubble up again. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and uniform in texture.
- Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt, if using, to enhance the flavor.
- Cool the Sauce: Let the caramel sauce cool for 10–15 minutes. It will thicken as it cools. Transfer the sauce to a jar or airtight container for storage.
Notes
- Store the caramel sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to soften before using.
- This sauce is perfect for drizzling over desserts like ice cream, brownies, and pancakes.
