Description
This homemade caramel recipe creates a rich, buttery caramel sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over desserts, stirring into coffee, or enjoying with apples. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a luscious, smooth caramel sauce in no time!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (optional, for salted caramel)
Instructions
- Melt the sugar: In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant silicone spatula. The sugar will begin to melt and form clumps before turning into a smooth, amber-colored liquid. Be careful not to burn it—this process takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the butter: Once the sugar has melted and turned golden brown, add the cubed butter. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble up. Stir the butter into the caramel until fully melted and combined.
- Add the cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. The mixture will bubble up again. Continue to stir until the caramel is smooth and thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Finish the caramel: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, if using. Continue stirring until the caramel is fully combined and smooth.
- Cool and store: Remove from heat and allow the caramel to cool for a few minutes before using. The caramel will thicken as it cools. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Be very careful while working with hot sugar, as it can cause burns.
- For salted caramel, add the pinch of salt right at the end of cooking, or to taste.
- If the caramel hardens after cooling, gently reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra cream or water to loosen it up.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg