If you’re a fan of sweet, velvety caramel sauce, this Super Easy Caramel Sauce recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s rich, indulgent, and perfect for drizzling over ice cream, pancakes, or any of your favorite desserts. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal time, I can make this caramel sauce from scratch with ease.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
In a medium saucepan, I melt the butter over medium heat.
Stir in the brown sugar and bring to a simmer. I let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sugar has fully dissolved.
Slowly add the heavy cream while stirring, and allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil. I cook it for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Once thickened, I remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
I let the sauce cool for a few minutes before serving. It will thicken as it cools down.
Servings and timing
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 195 kcal per serving
Variations
Salted Caramel: For an extra touch of flavor, I sometimes add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel sauce while cooking. It really brings out the sweetness and creates a balance that’s irresistible.
Caramel with Cinnamon: For a warm twist, I like to add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon along with the vanilla extract. It’s perfect for fall or holiday desserts.
Vegan Caramel: If I want a dairy-free version, I swap the butter for vegan butter and the heavy cream for coconut cream. The result is still smooth, sweet, and indulgent.
Storage/Reheating
I always store any leftover caramel sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for about a week. When I’m ready to use it again, I gently heat it up in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, I add a little extra cream to bring it back to a smooth, pourable consistency.
FAQs
How can I make my caramel sauce thicker?
If I want a thicker caramel sauce, I simply let it cook for a little longer before removing it from the heat. The more it cooks, the thicker it becomes. Just be sure to keep stirring to avoid burning it.
Can I use this caramel sauce for other desserts?
Absolutely! I love using this sauce as a topping for ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or even in coffee drinks. It’s versatile enough to complement almost any dessert, including cakes and pies.
Is it possible to make this sauce without brown sugar?
Brown sugar gives the sauce its rich flavor, but if I run out, I can use white sugar instead. The flavor will be a bit different, but still delicious.
How do I store leftover caramel sauce?
I store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It’s easy to reheat and use whenever I’m craving something sweet.
Can I make this caramel sauce ahead of time?
Yes! I love making this sauce ahead of time. I store it in the fridge and just reheat it when I’m ready to serve it. It keeps well for up to a week, and it’s always handy to have on hand.
Conclusion
This super easy caramel sauce is a game changer when it comes to dessert toppings. It’s so simple, yet the rich flavor and creamy texture will elevate any treat. I’m always amazed by how quickly it comes together and how delicious it tastes. Whether I’m drizzling it over ice cream or pancakes, I can’t get enough of this sweet, homemade caramel sauce.
📖 Recipe:
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Super Easy Caramel Sauce
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This super easy caramel sauce is rich, smooth, and perfect for drizzling over desserts like ice cream, pancakes, and more. Made with just a handful of ingredients and ready in 10 minutes, it’s the perfect indulgent treat.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sugar has fully dissolved.
- Slowly add the heavy cream while stirring, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Let the sauce cool for a few minutes before serving. It will thicken as it cools down.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat gently before using.
If you want a thicker sauce, cook it for a bit longer before removing from heat.
For a salted caramel version, add a pinch of sea salt while cooking.
For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for vegan butter and the heavy cream for coconut cream.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 195 kcal
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
