Homemade Caramel Sauce Recipe

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Keeping things sweet today with this easy Homemade Caramel Sauce! With only 5 simple ingredients and no need for a candy thermometer, it’s so simple to make. Plus, it’s gluten-free, vegetarian, and tastes SO much better than store-bought!

Caramel sauce is a dessert must-have! It’s a classic topping that adds amazing flavor to anything. While it may seem tricky to make, this recipe is surprisingly easy. The hardest part? Waiting for it to cool! But, once it’s done, you can use it on all your favorite desserts!

I, personally, am a huge fan of just vanilla ice cream with lots of this caramel and chocolate sauce top. It’s classic! But, you can really add this to just about anything. From cakes, to pies, or even cookies! But between you and me, my personal favorite lately is the caramel sauce drizzled over the top of beignets!

What Makes This Salted Caramel Sauce Recipe Special?

• You don’t need a candy thermometer!
• Comes together quickly (ready in about 15 minutes)
• Only 6 ingredients that you probably already have in your fridge/pantry
• Thoroughly tested and used in MANY of our recipes
• Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian friendly

What’s The Difference Between Caramel, Butterscotch, and Toffee?

Caramel, butterscotch, and toffee are all made from sugar, but they differ in taste and texture! Caramel is made by heating sugar until it melts and develops a rich, sweet flavor. Butterscotch is made with brown sugar and butter, resulting in a smoother, buttery taste. Toffee is cooked to a higher temperature, creating a hard, crunchy texture with a buttery, caramelized flavor. Each has its own unique taste and is used in a variety of desserts.

Did You Know?

Salted caramel sauce is a classic topping for many desserts but it can be used inside recipes like buttercream frosting, chocolate lava cakes, cupcakes, upside down cakes…and so much more!

The 6 Ingredients You Need To Make Caramel

• Granulated Sugar – The foundation of the caramel sauce – the sugar is melted down and caramelized, creating that signature sweet, rich, and caramel-y flavor.
• Salt – A crucial ingredient, salt provides balance by cutting through the sweetness and enhancing the caramel’s overall flavor.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds a luxuriously creamy texture and a delicious buttery flavor. Using unsalted butter allows us to control the saltiness of the caramel sauce.
• Heavy Cream – Provides the velvety smooth consistency of the sauce and also plays a role in halting the sugar from cooking further, preventing it from burning. It’s essential to use full-fat heavy cream for the best results.
• Vanilla Extract – A classic addition that infuses a subtle depth and rounds out the flavors of the caramel sauce. Pure vanilla extract will deliver the most authentic and pleasant vanilla flavor.

How To Make Salted Caramel Sauce

While it may seem tricky, caramel sauce is actually really easy to make. Here is a quick break down of of how to make your very own caramel sauce with helpful tips & tricks!

• Caramelize sugar. Cook the sugar and salt over medium-low heat, stirring continually with a wooden spoon until sugar melts. The sugar may lump together as it starts to melt. Don’t worry if this happens! Just keep stirring until you have a smooth, lightly golden caramel in your pot.

TIP: Use a heavy saucepan to ensure even distribution of heat. If a lighter pot is used, it may cause some of the sugar to burn before the sugar can evenly dissolve.

• Remove from the heat. Once the sugar is light golden color, immediately take off the heat to prevent it from burning, and add the butter one piece at a time, stirring well in-between.
• Stir in cream.

TIP: Lightly heat your cream over low heat to ensure that it’s not too cold when adding it to your caramel. If your cream is too cold, it may cause the caramel to seize. But, don’t boil your cream either! Just slightly warm it over the stove.

• Add the vanilla. Set aside to cool!

✳ Caramel Sauce FAQ’s

What Should I Make With Caramel Sauce?

One of the best parts about caramel sauce is that it is SO versatile. It tastes good with almost anything but here are a few of our favorites:

• Caramel Apple Ice Cream
• Spiced Caramelized Pear Bread
• Pumpkin Bars (& Maple Pumpkin Bars!)
• Turtle Ice Cream Pie
• Fudgy Skillet Brownies
• Funnel Cakes
• Mini Apple Pies
• + MORE!

Be sure to let us know what you drizzle this caramel sauce on top of! 😊

More Recipes You May Like:

When you make this Homemade Caramel Sauce Recipe, leave a comment down below! We love hearing from you and answering any questions you might have! Also, be sure to tag us on social media and hashtag it #BakersTable.

Happy baking!
x, Caylie

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