Easy Caramel Sauce (Printer-friendly)
A smooth, golden caramel sauce made with sugar, butter, and cream. Perfect for desserts, coffee, or fruit dipping.
# What You'll Need:
→ Main Ingredients
01 - 1 cup granulated sugar
02 - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes
03 - 1/2 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
04 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt (optional, for salted caramel)
05 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
# Directions:
01 - In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly with a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon as the sugar melts, clumps, and then turns into a golden-brown liquid.
02 - Once all the sugar has melted and the caramel reaches a deep amber color, carefully add the butter cubes. The mixture will bubble vigorously—keep stirring until the butter is completely melted and incorporated.
03 - Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. The mixture will bubble up again; continue to stir until smooth and fully combined.
04 - Remove from heat. Stir in the salt and vanilla extract if using.
05 - Allow the sauce to cool for 10–15 minutes before using. The caramel will thicken as it cools.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Takes just 15 minutes from pantry to jar with zero special equipment
- Creates the most impressive DIY gift that everyone thinks took hours to master
02 -
- Sugar can go from perfect amber to burnt in seconds, so have all your ingredients measured and ready before you turn on the stove
- The sauce continues thickening as it cools, so don't worry if it looks thin when you first take it off the heat
03 -
- A heavy-bottomed saucepan distributes heat evenly and prevents hot spots that can burn your sugar before it fully melts
- Always add cream slowly and at room temperature to minimize the dramatic bubbling that can cause splatters and burns