Thick Caramel Sauce

Introduction

When it comes to homemade treats, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a rich, gooey caramel that’s made from scratch. This Thick Caramel Sauce has quickly become a favorite in our household. The smooth, sweet, and buttery flavor makes it perfect for drizzling over ice cream, pancakes, or even enjoyed straight off a spoon! The recipe is simple, easy to follow, and can be made with just a few basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. I’ve made this recipe on several occasions for family gatherings, and it never fails to be a hit. The kids love it, and the adults can’t get enough of its creamy texture and deep caramel flavor. If you’re looking for a way to elevate your desserts or simply enjoy caramel on a whole new level, this recipe is exactly what you need.

Why You’ll Love This Thick Caramel Sauce

This Thick Caramel Sauce is the ideal solution for anyone who loves a good caramel treat. It’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a perfect go-to recipe when you want to add something sweet to your dishes. The combination of butter, sugar, Karo syrup, and sweetened condensed milk gives it a smooth, creamy texture that’s perfect for a variety of uses. Whether you want to pour it over a bowl of vanilla ice cream, spread it on pancakes, or dip apples in it for a sweet snack, this caramel sauce does it all. Plus, the recipe is quick, taking less than 15 minutes to prepare, so you won’t be waiting long to enjoy your homemade caramel.

Ingredients

For this delicious Thick Caramel Sauce, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup light Karo syrup
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

Making this Thick Caramel Sauce is simple and straightforward. Just follow these easy steps:

1. Combine the ingredients: In a heavy saucepan, combine the butter, white sugar, brown sugar, Karo syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir to mix the ingredients together.
2. Cook over medium heat: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook for 6 minutes, stirring every two minutes. Keep an eye on the mixture to ensure it doesn’t burn or stick to the bottom of the pan.
3. Stir and pour: Once the mixture has thickened and the sugars have dissolved, stir the caramel sauce again and pour it into a lightly greased dish to cool.
4. Let it cool: Allow the caramel sauce to cool at room temperature. As it cools, it will continue to thicken to the perfect consistency.
5. Cut and wrap: Once the caramel has cooled and hardened, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Wrap each piece in wax paper to prevent them from sticking together.
6. Store: Store the wrapped caramel pieces in an airtight container. They should stay fresh for up to a week, though they are usually gone much sooner in our house!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12-16 pieces (depending on how large you cut them)
Calories per serving: 80-100 calories (varies depending on size)

Nutrition per piece:

• Calories: 80
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 20mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 6 minutes
• Total time: 11 minutes

How to Serve

This Thick Caramel Sauce is incredibly versatile, and you can use it in several ways. Here are some ideas for serving it:

• Over ice cream: Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over your favorite ice cream flavor for a decadent dessert.
• With pancakes or waffles: Pour it over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a deliciously sweet breakfast or brunch.
• As a dip: Serve it as a dip for apple slices, strawberries, or other fruits for a tasty snack.
• On cakes or cupcakes: Use it to drizzle over cakes, cupcakes, or brownies for extra sweetness.
• In coffee or hot chocolate: Stir it into your coffee or hot chocolate for a caramel-flavored treat.

Additional Tips

1. Control the thickness: If you prefer a thinner caramel sauce, cook it for less time. For a thicker consistency, cook it a little longer.
2. Add flavor: Experiment with adding a pinch of sea salt to make salted caramel or stir in vanilla extract for a deeper flavor.
3. Use a candy thermometer: For perfect caramel every time, use a candy thermometer to check the temperature. Cook until the mixture reaches 230°F to get a soft, chewy texture.
4. Storage tip: Store any leftover caramel sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop when you’re ready to use it again.
5. Make it a gift: Wrap small pieces of caramel in wax paper and give them as a sweet homemade gift for friends and family.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use regular syrup instead of Karo syrup? While light Karo syrup is ideal, you can substitute it with other light corn syrups or even honey, though the flavor may slightly differ.
2. How long does this caramel sauce last? It lasts up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated.
3. Can I freeze the caramel sauce? Yes, you can freeze the caramel in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To use, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up.
4. Can I make this caramel sauce without sweetened condensed milk? Sweetened condensed milk is essential for achieving the creamy, thick texture, so it’s not recommended to leave it out.
5. Can I use half-and-half or regular milk instead of sweetened condensed milk? Sweetened condensed milk is a key ingredient, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute it with a mix of regular milk and sugar (about 3/4 cup milk and 1/4 cup sugar for each can of condensed milk).
6. What if my caramel sauce turns out too thin? If the caramel sauce is too thin, return it to the heat and cook it for a few more minutes until it thickens.
7. How can I make this caramel sauce less sweet? To reduce the sweetness, you can cut back slightly on the sugar or mix in a little unsweetened cocoa powder for a deeper flavor.
8. Can I add flavorings like vanilla or cinnamon? Yes, feel free to experiment with adding vanilla extract, cinnamon, or even a splash of bourbon for a unique twist on the caramel sauce.
9. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter? Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch of salt to the mixture if you prefer a salted caramel flavor.
10. Is this caramel sauce suitable for vegan diets? This recipe contains dairy and butter, so it is not vegan. However, you can substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk alternative.

Conclusion

This Thick Caramel Sauce is the perfect addition to your homemade dessert arsenal. It’s rich, creamy, and incredibly versatile, enhancing everything from ice cream and fruit to cakes and coffee. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a sweet treat that will delight everyone. Whether you’re making it for a family dessert night or to share as a gift, this caramel sauce is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy the warm, indulgent taste of homemade caramel in every bite!

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