Description
This easy wet caramel recipe is perfect for drizzling over various desserts, offering a rich, golden hue and buttery aroma that elevates any sweet treat. It’s a versatile, game-changing sauce that adds elegance to simple meals.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup water
- 0.5 cup heavy cream, warmed (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold (or dairy-free butter alternative)
- 0.25 teaspoon sea salt, optional
Instructions
- Dissolve Sugar: Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 0.25 cup water in a heavy-bottomed 2-quart saucepan. Stir gently over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until sugar dissolves and liquid is clear.
- Boil Syrup: Stop stirring. Increase heat slightly to medium-high and boil the syrup without stirring for 8-12 minutes, swirling occasionally, until it turns a rich amber color. If crystals form, brush them down with a damp brush.
- Add Warm Cream: Immediately remove from heat. Slowly and carefully whisk in 0.5 cup warm heavy cream until smooth and combined. (It will bubble vigorously.)
- Stir in Butter and Salt: Stir in 4 tablespoons unsalted butter and 0.25 teaspoon sea salt until butter is melted and caramel is smooth and shiny.
- Cool and Store: Let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes to thicken, then pour into a heatproof jar.
Notes
This caramel sauce can be stored in an airtight jar in the fridge for 2-3 weeks, or frozen for up to 3 months; gently reheat before serving. For a dairy-free option, swap heavy cream for full-fat canned coconut milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative. Always warm heavy cream gently before adding to prevent seizing. Practice mise en place for a smooth process. Crucially, do not stir the sugar once it boils to avoid crystallization; instead, swirl the pan. Watch the caramel color closely as it can burn quickly; remove from heat immediately when it reaches a rich amber.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30 mL)
- Calories: 110 calories
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 25 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 18 mg
Keywords: easy caramel, wet caramel, dessert topping, caramel sauce, homemade caramel, sweet treat, stovetop, dairy-free option, rich, buttery