Homemade caramel sauce is a delightful addition to many desserts, whether it’s drizzled over ice cream, poured over cakes, or used as a dip for fresh fruits. If you love rich, silky, and thick caramel sauce, this easy-to-follow recipe is just for you. With only a few ingredients and a little patience, you’ll soon have a jar of delicious caramel sauce that you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
This recipe makes about 1 cup of caramel sauce, perfect for adding a sweet and rich flavor to your favorite desserts.
Preparation:
Step 1: Melt the Sugar
In a medium-sized saucepan, add the 1 cup of granulated sugar and place it over medium heat. Continuously stir the sugar with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula. The sugar will begin to clump and melt into a thick, amber liquid. Be patient, as this process can take 5 to 8 minutes.
Note: Be sure to stir frequently to avoid burning the sugar, and keep a close eye on the color. The caramel should turn a deep amber color, but not too dark as this could cause a bitter taste.
Step 2: Add Butter
Once the sugar has fully melted and reached the desired caramel color, immediately add the 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cut into small pieces). Be careful at this stage as the caramel will bubble up vigorously. Stir the butter continuously until it has fully melted and combined with the sugar.
Step 3: Stir in Heavy Cream
Next, slowly pour in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream while continuing to stir. Again, the mixture will bubble rapidly, but keep stirring to help everything blend together smoothly. This step will take about 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 4: Add Salt for Balance
Once the cream has been fully incorporated, add 1/4 teaspoon salt to enhance the flavor of the caramel. Stir until the salt is dissolved and the caramel is smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Cool the Sauce
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the caramel cool slightly in the pan for about 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Afterward, you can transfer it to a glass jar or container.
Cooking Notes:
- Avoid stirring the sugar too much in the initial melting stage, as this could cause it to crystallize. Stir just enough to help the sugar melt evenly.
- If your caramel turns grainy, it might be due to undissolved sugar crystals. To fix this, add a small splash of water (about a tablespoon) to the caramel and gently heat it back up while stirring.
- Be extra cautious when adding the butter and cream as the hot caramel can bubble up aggressively, which might cause splattering.
- The caramel will thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny while still warm.
Serving Suggestions:
- Drizzle over desserts: This thick caramel sauce is ideal for drizzling over ice cream, brownies, or cheesecake.
- Use it as a dip: Enjoy the caramel sauce with apple slices, bananas, or even salty pretzels for a sweet and savory combo.
- Filling for pastries: Use it as a filling for cakes, cookies, or even homemade donuts!
- Coffee Sweetener: Add a spoonful to your morning coffee for a rich, sweet boost of flavor.
Tips:
- Storage: Store any leftover caramel sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop to restore its smooth consistency.
- Flavored Variations: For an extra twist, add a splash of vanilla extract or bourbon after adding the heavy cream. This will give the caramel a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Salted Caramel: If you love the taste of salted caramel, you can increase the salt to 1/2 teaspoon for a more pronounced salty-sweet contrast.
Prep Time:
- 5 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 10 minutes
Total Time:
- 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate values for a 2-tablespoon serving size):
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 0.3g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
Conclusion:
This thick caramel sauce recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your kitchen repertoire. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just four basic ingredients, and is ready in less than 15 minutes. Whether you use it as a topping, a dip, or a filling, this versatile sauce brings a luscious and buttery richness to every bite. Once you try this homemade caramel, you’ll never go back to store-bought versions again!
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Thick Caramel Sauce Recipe – A Decadent Treat You Won’t Want to Lose!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Melt the Sugar
In a medium-sized saucepan, add the 1 cup of granulated sugar and place it over medium heat. Continuously stir the sugar with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula. The sugar will begin to clump and melt into a thick, amber liquid. Be patient, as this process can take 5 to 8 minutes.
Note: Be sure to stir frequently to avoid burning the sugar, and keep a close eye on the color. The caramel should turn a deep amber color, but not too dark as this could cause a bitter taste.
Step 2: Add Butter
Once the sugar has fully melted and reached the desired caramel color, immediately add the 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cut into small pieces). Be careful at this stage as the caramel will bubble up vigorously. Stir the butter continuously until it has fully melted and combined with the sugar.
Step 3: Stir in Heavy Cream
Next, slowly pour in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream while continuing to stir. Again, the mixture will bubble rapidly, but keep stirring to help everything blend together smoothly. This step will take about 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 4: Add Salt for Balance
Once the cream has been fully incorporated, add 1/4 teaspoon salt to enhance the flavor of the caramel. Stir until the salt is dissolved and the caramel is smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Cool the Sauce
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the caramel cool slightly in the pan for about 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Afterward, you can transfer it to a glass jar or container.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sodium: 50mg
- Protein: 0.3g