Caramel Sauce
This easy homemade caramel sauce is rich, buttery, and smooth, with a delicious golden caramel flavor. It is made on the stovetop with simple ingredients like sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Drizzle this caramel sauce over ice cream, pancakes, cake, cheesecake, or sliced apples for an easy dessert topping.
Servings: 10
Calories: 179kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp salt or up to 1/2 teaspoon for a more salted caramel flavor
Instructions
- Add the sugar and water to a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir gently until combined and spread into an even layer.
- Heat the saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and starts bubbling. Once bubbling, do not stir.
- Continue cooking over medium heat until the mixture thickens and turns a deep golden honey color, watching carefully so it does not burn.
- Carefully add the butter and whisk until melted. Remove the saucepan from the heat, then slowly whisk in the heavy cream until smooth.
- Whisk in the vanilla extract and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Add more salt to taste for salted caramel sauce.
- Let the sauce cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then pour it into a lidded glass jar. Cool completely before refrigerating.
Notes
- For salted caramel sauce, add extra salt to taste, starting with a small amount.
- Store the caramel sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Reheat briefly in the microwave before serving, as it thickens when chilled.
Nutrition
Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 34mg | Potassium: 14mg | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 385IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.02mg