Hamdi Saidani This Easy Caramel Sauce is a quick and smooth recipe, which is made with brown sugar and butter. It’s the perfect dessert topping, ready in about 10 minutes.
Easy Caramel Sauce Ingredients
- 1 packed cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Pinch salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
How To Make Easy Caramel Sauce
- Combine ingredients: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, mix the brown sugar, half-and-half, butter, and a pinch of salt.
- Simmer and thicken: Cook the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes, whisking gently, until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add vanilla and finish: Stir in the vanilla extract and continue to cook for one more minute to allow the sauce to thicken further. Turn off the heat, let it cool slightly, and then pour it into a jar.
Recipe Tips
- How to get a smooth caramel sauce? The key is to whisk gently but consistently while the sauce is cooking. This helps the brown sugar to dissolve completely without crystallizing and ensures the butter and cream incorporate smoothly.
- Can I use a different kind of sugar? Dark brown sugar will give a deeper, more molasses-like flavor. Light brown sugar is also perfect. While you can use white sugar, it will result in a different, less traditional caramel flavor.
- How do I know when the sauce is thick enough? The sauce will thicken significantly as it cools. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon when it’s done cooking on the stove.
- Can I make this dairy-free? Yes. You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and the half-and-half with an equal amount of full-fat coconut cream for a rich, dairy-free version.
What To Serve With Caramel Sauce
This versatile sauce is the perfect finishing touch for countless desserts.
- Drizzled over a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
- As a dip for fresh apple slices
- Poured over a slice of cheesecake or apple pie
- As a topping for brownies, bread pudding, or pancakes
How To Store Caramel Sauce
- Refrigerate: Store the cooled caramel sauce in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. The sauce will become very thick when chilled.
- Reheat: To rewarm, you can microwave the sauce in short 15-20 second bursts, stirring in between, or gently heat it in a saucepan over low heat until it is pourable again.
Caramel Sauce Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 0.5g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Why did my caramel sauce turn out grainy?
A grainy texture is usually a sign that the sugar did not dissolve completely. Make sure you are whisking gently but consistently over a steady medium-low heat until the sauce is completely smooth.
Can I make this sauce thicker?
Yes. If you want a much thicker sauce, you can simply let it simmer for an extra 2-3 minutes on the stove. Remember that it will continue to thicken a lot as it cools.
Can I add other flavorings?
Absolutely. A pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon stirred in with the vanilla extract would be a delicious addition.
Easy Caramel Sauce Recipe
Description
A quick, easy, and foolproof recipe for a rich and smooth brown sugar caramel sauce, perfect for drizzling over all your favorite desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine brown sugar, half-and-half, butter, and salt in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Cook, whisking gently, for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and cook for one more minute.
- Remove from heat, let it cool slightly, then pour into a jar to store.
Notes
- Whisking gently and constantly is the key to a smooth, non-grainy sauce.
- The sauce will thicken significantly as it cools, so don’t be tempted to over-cook it on the stove.
- This is a fantastic and simple recipe to have on hand for an instant dessert upgrade.
- For a salted caramel version, increase the salt to ½ teaspoon.
