Indulge in the luxurious, velvety richness of homemade caramel sauce that will transform any dessert into a decadent masterpiece. Whether you drizzle it over ice cream, dip apple slices, or swirl it into your morning coffee, this caramel sauce is irresistibly sweet with a perfect balance of buttery and creamy flavors. It’s surprisingly simple to make, using just a handful of ingredients, and can be whipped up in under 15 minutes. Say goodbye to store-bought caramel and hello to this deeply flavorful, golden goodness.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
- ½ cup heavy cream (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional, for salted caramel)
Instructions:
- Melt the sugar
In a medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly with a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon as the sugar melts and starts to caramelize. It will first clump up, then slowly turn into a golden-brown liquid. Be patient, as the sugar may take a few minutes to fully melt and caramelize. - Add butter
Once the sugar has completely melted and reached a rich amber color, carefully add the butter cubes. The mixture will bubble up vigorously, so be cautious. Stir the butter into the caramel until fully combined, which should take about 2 minutes. - Incorporate heavy cream
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuing to stir. The mixture will bubble up again, but keep stirring until the cream is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth. This step takes about 1-2 minutes. - Add vanilla and salt (optional)
Stir in the vanilla extract and, if you prefer salted caramel, add the salt. Mix well to combine all flavors. - Cool and store
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the caramel sauce cool for 10-15 minutes before using. It will thicken as it cools. Store any leftover caramel in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Enjoy your homemade caramel sauce as a perfect topping for desserts, drinks, or even as a dip for fresh fruit!