Print

Homemade Caramel Recipe

Homemade Caramel Recipe

5.2 from 15 reviews

This Homemade Caramel Recipe creates a rich and buttery caramel sauce perfect for drizzling over desserts, ice creams, or incorporating into various sweet treats. Made with simple ingredients like sugar, butter, and cream, this sauce boasts a smooth texture and a deep amber color with a hint of vanilla and salt to enhance its flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Melt the Sugar: In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly with a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon until it melts completely and turns an amber color. Be careful to keep stirring to avoid burning the sugar.
  2. Add Butter: Once the sugar is fully melted and amber-colored, add the pieces of unsalted butter to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the butter is fully melted and incorporated into the caramelized sugar, resulting in a smooth mixture.
  3. Pour in Cream: Slowly and carefully pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. This mixture will bubble vigorously, so add the cream gradually to prevent splattering. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
  4. Season: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, if using, to enhance the flavors. Let the caramel cool slightly before using it to drizzle over desserts or store it for later use.

Notes

  • Make sure to stir continuously when melting sugar to prevent burning or uneven caramelization.
  • Cream can be warmed slightly before adding to reduce splattering.
  • Store leftover caramel sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Reheat gently before use.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a vegan butter alternative.
  • Use caution when working with hot caramel as it can cause severe burns.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade caramel, caramel sauce, easy caramel recipe, dessert sauce, buttery caramel, how to make caramel