Quick Caramel Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This quick caramel sauce is a simple yet decadent topping perfect for ice cream, cakes, or coffee. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a rich, buttery caramel that elevates any dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 1 pinch kosher salt (Diamond Crystal brand recommended)
Instructions
- Step 1: Pour sugar into a large skillet, spreading it evenly over the surface. Cook over low heat without stirring until the sugar begins to melt. Once melting starts, gently swirl the pan once to promote even melting and avoid burning.
- Step 2: When the sugar is completely melted, add the butter and whisk until fully combined. The mixture will sputter, which is normal.
- Step 3: Stir in the heavy cream while whisking; the mixture will sputter vigorously again. Continue whisking until smooth, then whisk in a pinch of kosher salt. Remove from heat immediately.
- Step 4: Transfer the caramel sauce to a heatproof container and let it cool before using.
Tips & Variations
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning the sugar.
- For a deeper flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract after removing from heat.
- If your caramel hardens, gently reheat it over low heat and whisk in a little extra cream to loosen it.
Storage
Store the caramel sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat before using to restore its smooth texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
What do I do if my sugar crystallizes?
If the sugar crystallizes, don’t stir. Instead, add a tablespoon of water and gently heat until the crystals dissolve. Be patient and swirl the pan instead of stirring.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added kosher salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty caramel.
PrintQuick Caramel Sauce Recipe
This quick caramel sauce recipe delivers a rich and creamy topping perfect for desserts, from ice cream to cakes. Made with simple ingredients like sugar, butter, heavy cream, and a pinch of kosher salt, this sauce comes together in minutes on the stovetop, offering a luscious, buttery flavor with a slight saltiness that balances the sweetness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup of caramel sauce 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 1 pinch kosher salt (Diamond Crystal brand recommended)
Instructions
- Melt the sugar: Pour the granulated sugar evenly into a large skillet and cook over low heat without stirring. Once the sugar begins to melt, gently swirl the skillet to encourage even melting and prevent burning.
- Add the butter: When the sugar is fully melted into a golden amber color, add the unsalted butter and whisk continuously until the mixture is combined. Expect some sputtering as the butter melts.
- Incorporate the cream and salt: Slowly stir in the heavy cream while whisking. The mixture will sputter vigorously—continue whisking until smooth. Then whisk in a pinch of kosher salt for flavor balance. Immediately remove the skillet from heat to prevent overcooking.
- Cool and store: Transfer the hot caramel sauce to a heatproof container and allow to cool before using or storing. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
Notes
- Use low heat to avoid burning the sugar during melting.
- Swirling instead of stirring the sugar initially helps prevent crystallization.
- The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
- Rewarm gently before use if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Use kosher salt to control seasoning precisely; adjust amount as desired.
Keywords: caramel sauce, quick caramel, homemade caramel, dessert sauce, easy caramel sauce
