Description
This homemade caramel sauce transforms desserts and drinks, filling your home with a sweet, buttery aroma. It’s perfect for cozy family moments or as an easy dinner dessert later in the week.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup (60 ml) water, or 2 tablespoons light corn syrup for extra crystallization stability
- 0.5 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, cold, cut into cubes
- 0.75 cup (180 ml) heavy cream, warmed, or full-fat coconut cream (warmed gently) for dairy-free needs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, or vanilla bean paste for visual appeal
- 0.25 teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Measure all items before you begin; this takes about 5 minutes and makes the cooking process much smoother.
- Melt Sugar: Combine the granulated sugar and water (or corn syrup) in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar completely dissolves, about 3-5 minutes, watching for a clear, shimmering liquid.
- Boil and Caramelize: Stop stirring once dissolved. Let it simmer undisturbed until it turns a deep amber color, about 5-10 minutes. Watch for a rich, nutty aroma. If sugar crystallizes on the sides, gently brush down the edges with a wet pastry brush.
- Remove from Heat and Add Butter: Once deep amber (340-350°F / 170-175°C), immediately remove from heat. Carefully whisk in cold, cubed butter until melted and smooth; it will bubble vigorously. This takes about 1 minute.
- Slowly Add Cream: Gradually pour in warm heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent seizing and ensure velvety smooth texture. Continue whisking until fully incorporated, about 2 minutes.
- Flavor and Finish: Stir in vanilla extract and salt. Let the sauce cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan; it will thicken considerably, becoming perfectly pourable.
Notes
Never walk away from the stove during the caramelization stage; it can go from perfect to burned in seconds. For dairy-free variations, ensure your coconut cream is gently warmed beforehand to prevent seizing when added to the hot sugar mixture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: General
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
- Calories: 195 calories
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 48 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: homemade caramel, dessert sauce, drink mixer, easy, dairy-free option, family-friendly, quick, meal prep