Hey there, my sweet-toothed soulmate! Get ready to whip up something that’ll make your taste buds sing—butterscotch sauce. Picture this: a warm, velvety cascade of rich, buttery goodness with that deep, caramel-like sweetness that coats everything it touches in pure bliss. The kitchen’s about to fill with that irresistible aroma of melting sugar and butter that’ll have you dipping a spoon in before it’s even done. Trust me, you’re going to love this—it’s a total game-changer that’s as easy as it is indulgent. Whether you’re drizzling it over ice cream or sneaking a taste straight from the jar, this sauce is calling your name, and I’m so jazzed for you to make it!
Why You’ll Love Butterscotch Sauce
This isn’t just a sauce—it’s liquid gold. Imagine it: a cozy night with dessert, a brunch where you steal the show, or just you treating yourself to a little luxury. It’s versatile enough to elevate any moment. Here’s why it’s about to become your new obsession:
Versatile
Perfect for drizzling over cakes, dipping fruit, or jazzing up a latte. It’s your anytime, anywhere flavor boost.
Budget-Friendly
Butter, sugar, cream—basic stuff you’ve probably got, turned into something downright decadent.
Quick and Easy
Melt, stir, pour—no fancy gear or skills needed. You’ll be done in minutes with max payoff.
Customizable
Add a splash of bourbon, tweak the salt—make it your own sweet masterpiece.
Crowd-Pleasing
That rich, buttery sweetness? It’s a universal hug that wins over kids, adults, and dessert lovers alike.

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Ingredients in Butterscotch Sauce
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Here’s the lineup that makes this sauce pure magic. Simple goodies, huge flavor—let’s break it down:
Butter
The rich, golden backbone—gives that silky texture and unbeatable buttery taste.
Brown Sugar
Deep, molasses-y sweetness—it’s the soul of butterscotch, setting it apart from caramel.
Heavy Cream
Smooth and creamy—it mellows the intensity and makes it pourable perfection.
Vanilla Extract
A warm, floral note that rounds out the flavor and adds a cozy vibe.
Salt
Just a pinch—enhances the sweetness and keeps it from being too cloying.
Instructions
Let’s cook up this sweet dream—here’s how it happens:
Preheat Your Equipment
No oven needed—just grab a medium saucepan and set it over medium heat. Easy does it.
Combine Ingredients
Melt the butter, then stir in the brown sugar ‘til it’s a bubbling, happy mess. Pour in the cream, whisking ‘til it’s smooth and glossy—watch it transform into sauce gold.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel
That saucepan’s all you need—keep it clean and dry to start, and you’re good to go.
Assemble the Dish
Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring now and then, ‘til it thickens just right. Pull it off the heat and whisk in the vanilla and salt—bam, flavor boost!
Cook to Perfection
That 5-7 minutes on medium heat gets you a thick, luscious sauce—don’t rush it, let it build.
Finishing Touches
Let it cool for 10 minutes—it’ll thicken more as it sits. Stir it once more before serving or storing.
Serve and Enjoy
Drizzle it warm over anything—ice cream, pancakes, you name it—or let it cool and dip away!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8 (about 2 tablespoons each)
Calories per serving: 150 kcal
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 80mg
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
How to Serve Butterscotch Sauce
This sauce plays nice with everything—here’s how to make it shine:
Fresh Salads
Not a salad pal, but try it with sliced apples or pears for a sweet dip twist.
Crusty Bread
Drizzle it over warm cornbread or a biscuit—cozy vibes incoming.
Creamy Accompaniments
Spoon it over vanilla ice cream or whipped cream—dessert heaven unlocked.
Vegetable Sides
Skip the veggies—this is all about sweet indulgence!
As a Standalone
Warm it up and sip it like a dessert shot (kidding… or am I?). Store it in a jar and dip a spoon in anytime.
Pour it into a cute jar with a ribbon or drizzle it straight from the pan—either way, it’s a stunner.
Additional Tips
A few tricks to make your butterscotch even better:
Prep Ahead
Make it a day ahead—it keeps beautifully in the fridge and reheats like a dream.
Spice It Up
Add a splash of whiskey or a pinch of cinnamon for a grown-up twist.
Dietary Adjustments
Swap cream for coconut cream—still rich and delish for dairy-free folks.
Storage Tips
Keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in an airtight jar—give it a stir before using.
Double the Batch
Double it up in a bigger pan—freeze half for up to 3 months for instant sweet fixes.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute brown sugar with white sugar?
A1: You can, but it’ll taste more like caramel—brown sugar’s the butterscotch key.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yup! Cook it up, cool it, and stash it in the fridge—reheat when you’re ready.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Airtight jar in the fridge for 2 weeks—shake or stir before serving.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Totally! Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months—thaw in the fridge.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Low heat on the stove with a splash of cream—keeps it smooth and silky.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Oh yeah! Use a bigger pot—same cook time, just stir a bit more.
Q7: Is this recipe suitable for a specific diet?
A7: With swaps, sure! Try coconut cream for dairy-free or a sugar sub for keto.
Q8: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A8: Ice cream, pound cake, or a coffee to sip—sweet perfection.
Q9: How can I make this dish healthier?
A9: Cut the sugar a bit or use a lighter cream—still tasty, less guilt.
Q10: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?
A10: A medium saucepan—nonstick or stainless—keeps it smooth and easy.
Conclusion
There you have it, my friend—butterscotch sauce that’s about to steal a permanent spot in your kitchen playbook. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it’s got that rich, buttery sweetness that’ll have you finding excuses to drizzle it on everything. Whether you’re jazzing up a dessert or just sneaking a taste from the jar, this sauce brings the yum with zero hassle. So grab your saucepan, melt that butter, and let’s make something downright heavenly—you’ve got this in the bag!
Print
BUTTERSCOTCH SAUCE
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 1/2 cups (about 12 servings of 2 tbsp each) 1x
Description
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar (or light brown for a milder flavor)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt (or 1 tsp for salted butterscotch)
- Optional: 1 tbsp Scotch whisky or bourbon (for depth of flavor)
Instructions
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add Sugar: Stir in the brown sugar until fully combined with the melted butter. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture starts to bubble and looks smooth.
- Incorporate Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. The mixture will bubble up—keep stirring until it settles into a cohesive sauce, about 2-3 minutes.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly (it will thicken more as it cools).
- Finish: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, salt, and optional whisky or bourbon. Let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve or Store: Use warm as a topping, or let cool completely and store in a jar.
Notes
- For a thinner sauce, reduce simmering time to 3-4 minutes; for thicker, extend to 8-10 minutes.
- Sauce thickens significantly when refrigerated; reheat gently with a splash of cream to loosen it up.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce, Gravy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0.5
- Cholesterol: 30mg