With its rich, buttery texture, this versatile and simple caramel sauce elevates even the simplest dessert and takes just minutes to make.
Basics by The BakerMama
Welcome to Basics by The BakerMama! I created this how-to series to help beginner cooks hone their skills, make the most of their time in the kitchen, and create great family memories. I hope you enjoy!
Versatile and Easy Caramel Sauce Recipe
This simple caramel sauce recipe makes for the perfect topping for ice cream, dip for fruit, or drizzle for your favorite desserts. It takes just minutes to make and stores beautifully in the refrigerator so you can use it again and again.
Confection Perfection
This easy caramel sauce has the perfect consistency for drizzling and a buttery finish that is impossible to resist. Spoon it on my Caramel Apple Pecan Shortcakes, drizzle it on apple nachos, dip baked churros in it, spread it on my Touchdown Brownies, or create some sweet sweet memories with an apple dipping board. It doesn’t matter how you enjoy this caramel sauce, it’s guaranteed to hit the spot.
Ingredients and Supplies
(see recipe card at the bottom of this post for measurements and details)
Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter: adds richness to the caramel sauce. You can use salted butter, but then omit the pinch of salt.
- Light brown sugar: adds sweetness and a hint of rich molasses flavor.
- Heavy cream: adds moisture and helps thicken the caramel sauce.
- Vanilla extract: flavor enhancer that complements the butter and molasses notes with a warm, sweet aroma.
- Kosher salt (just a pinch!): helps to balance out the sweetness of the brown sugar will adding depth of flavor.
Supplies:
How to Make a Simple Caramel Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream.
- Stir continuously as the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
- Once it starts to bubble, lower the heat slightly and let it gently simmer for about 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until thickened and glossy.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Let the caramel cool for about 10–15 minutes before serving. It will thicken as it cools.
Variations and Tips
- If you like a deeper, slightly burnt-sugar flavor, simmer an extra 2 minutes.
- If you want more of a nutty depth to the flavor, brown the butter first. Before adding the brown sugar and cream, melt the butter in your saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 3–4 minutes). Then whisk the sugar and cream right into the browned butter for a rich, toasty caramel flavor.
- For salted caramel, add 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt at the end.
Storage
Stores beautifully in the fridge for up to a week. Just rewarm for 10–15 seconds in the microwave or over low heat on the stovetop before using.
More Simple Sauces
- Get ready to lick your fingers! This easy, All-Purpose Homemade Barbecue Sauce recipe does double duty as a delicious baste for grilling and a condiment for dipping.
- This Champagne Vinaigrette is my go-to salad dressing for turning even the most basic greens into a flavorful, memorable salad.
- Warm, gooey Easy Cheese Sauce is a snack time must-have. Pair it with your favorite soft pretzels for a simply satisfying good time!
- A chocolate lover’s must make! My Chocolate Ganache is rich and chocolatey with a smooth, glossy finish.
I hope you find these simple basics helpful! When you make something with the help of my BakerMama’s Basics series, be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @thebakermama or join and share to our Friends of The BakerMama group so I can see and others can be inspired! Enjoy!
xoxo,
How to Make Simple Caramel Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup
Description
This versatile and simple caramel sauce elevates even the simplest dessert and takes just minutes to make.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Stir continuously as the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
- Once it starts to bubble, lower the heat slightly and let it gently simmer for about 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until thickened and glossy.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Let the caramel cool for about 10–15 minutes before serving. It will thicken as it cools.
