Easy Caramel Sauce (Printable)

Rich and silky caramel sauce ready in 15 minutes. Perfect drizzle for desserts and fruits.

# 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
05 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

# 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 Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in just 15 minutes with ingredients you already have in your pantry
  • The texture is incredibly silky and smooth, never grainy or separated
  • This recipe works perfectly every single time, even for first time caramel makers
02 -
  • The sugar will clump into hard bits before melting completely, but keep stirring and it will smooth out
  • Room temperature cream is absolutely essential to prevent the caramel from seizing into a hard lump
  • The caramel continues cooking for about 30 seconds after you remove it from the pan
03 -
  • Use a light colored pan so you can accurately judge the caramel color as it darkens
  • Have all your ingredients measured and ready before you start because the process moves fast

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