Caramel Sauce is a versatile and flavorful condiment that can be added to many recipes and desserts for added sweetness. I used this caramel to make my Salted Caramel Brownie Hi-Hats and it worked beautifully! If you love caramel, be sure to try my Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars.
Caramel Sauce
Caramel Sauce is great to have on hand. It can be drizzled over a bowl of ice cream, on Turtle Cheesecake, or Banana Split Nachos. It can also be used in a variety of recipes like Dwight’s Caramel Apple Pie and Caramel Apple Cheesecake. Plus, once you make a batch of caramel sauce, it can be used hot or cold and stored in the refrigerator for up to a month! I also have Butterscotch Sauce you will love!
Caramel Sauce Ingredients
With just three ingredients, you can get this caramel sauce made and stored to use whenever you are craving ooey-gooey sweetness.
Sugar: I prefer granulated sugar in this caramel sauce.
Butter: I used salted butter in this recipe, but you could also use unsalted. It is important that the butter is room temperature or warmer, but not melted. Temperature is important in making caramel.
Heavy Cream: Make sure the heavy cream, also known as heavy whipping cream, is at room temperature before adding it to the sauce. You can pop it into the microwave for 30-40 seconds, just be sure to stir it well after heating. Milk is not a good substitute in this recipe.
Tools for Homemade Caramel
I like a heavy bottom, high-sided saucepan for caramel sauce. (affiliate link)
How to Store
I prefer to store caramel in a glass jar, but most air-tight containers should work. Should you plan on reheating it in the container, I do recommend glass. You can store it in the refrigerator, where it will harden slightly because of the temperature. In the refrigerator, it should last a few weeks.
How to Freeze
You may want to freeze it in smaller portions as it will need to come to room temperature before it can be used again. I like small air-tight jars, but any sealing container will work. Just try to fill it up to the top (without spilling) so there is as little air as possible.
More Syrups and Sauces
Caramel Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup heavy cream, room temperature
Instructions
- In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, add the granulated sugar. Stir constantly, being careful not to burn. Sugar will take on an amber color. (this can take 10-15 minutes)
- Once the sugar melts completely, add butter and melt, whisking constantly until combined. The sugar mixture will bubble up in this step, which is exactly what you want. If butter separates, remove from heat and continue whisking until combined again.
- Once fully combined, cook for 1 more minute and then slowly drizzle in room temperature heavy cream. Stir to combine and then let simmer for 1 more minute.
- Remove from heat and allow thicken as it cools. Can be used warm or cold.
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Recipe inspired by Simply Recipes.
Thank you Amanda for your delicious recipes! I have tried many of them and I have not been disappointed! They are all wonderful! I’m always looking for something new to cook so thank you for sharing with us!
I am looking to make caramel apples for treats this year. Will this caramel set well to coat apples?
I want to thank you for all of your wonderful recipes, my family always ask if I am going to make your recipes. That is a real compliment coming from my tribe…
Thank you! This will be a bit too thin for coating caramel apples. I would use this:
1 cup butter
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Stir butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk together in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and reduce heat to medium. Cook until a candy thermometer reads 248°F, 25 to 30 minutes; stir constantly to prevent burning. Remove caramel from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
I just made this.. Its so good..
Your recipes are easy to follow and always look so delious keep up the good work in sharing always looking for something different to share with my friends and family
Going to try this and wondered if the recipe can be doubled. Want to give as gifts in little jars.
Does the finished product have to be refrigerated?
Looks good. I have a question. Why is it so important to have the butter at room temperature. It will be melted into caramel after all. Thanks!!
Never mind my question. I think I would actually read the entire post if it wasn’t so full of pop ups. But I know you make more money the more people are enticed to click.
Hey! What’s the best way to store this and for how long is it good for ? Any of the other ones I’ve made have said to refrigerate. Thanks! It was super easy to make!!
Oo never mind I apparently didn’t read all the way or something didn’t load properly! Whoops!