Homemade Caramel Sauce Recipe
This classic caramel sauce recipe creates a rich, smooth, and buttery sauce perfect for drizzling over desserts like ice cream, cakes, or pancakes. Made from simple ingredients including sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, and butter, it delivers a deep amber flavor with a silky texture, achieved by careful simmering and caramelizing of sugar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 1 1/2 cups caramel sauce 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Base
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- 1/3 cup water
Finishing Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a heavy saucepan, stir together 2 cups granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons corn syrup, and 1/3 cup water until well combined.
- Simmer the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir constantly to dissolve the sugar evenly as it heats.
- Wash Down Sugar Crystals: Using a pastry brush dipped in water, wash down the sides of the pan thoroughly to remove any sugar crystals that might remain stuck above the liquid line, preventing crystallization.
- Stop Stirring and Monitor: Once the mixture is simmering and the pan sides are clean, stop stirring. Attach a candy thermometer and let the mixture cook undisturbed until it reaches an amber color and a temperature of about 355-360°F (180-182°C).
- Add Cream Carefully: Remove the pan from heat and slowly pour in 1 cup heavy cream while stirring continuously. Be cautious as the mixture will splatter vigorously.
- Incorporate Vanilla and Butter: Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then gradually add the 1/2 cup unsalted butter in pieces, about 2 tablespoons at a time, stirring until fully melted and combined.
- Cool Down: Allow the caramel sauce to cool to room temperature before using, so it thickens slightly and achieves the perfect consistency for drizzling or pouring.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- Do not stir the mixture once it begins to boil and the sides have been washed down; stirring can cause crystallization.
- Be very careful when adding the cream to hot caramel, as it will bubble and splatter.
- Store any leftover caramel sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat before using.
- This sauce can be customized by adding a pinch of sea salt for salted caramel flavor.
Keywords: caramel sauce, homemade caramel, dessert sauce, caramel topping, sweet sauce
Find it online: https://kitchenbyrita.com/homemade-caramel-sauce-recipe/
