How to Make Caramel Sauce

How to Make Caramel Sauce is your ticket to a rich, buttery delight that makes everything better! Whether you’re drizzling it over ice cream, stirring it into your coffee, or swirled into oatmeal, this homemade caramel sauce recipe is super versatile and adds a sweet touch to just about anything. It’s quick to whip up and totally worth having on hand! Vegan Option.

Caramel sauce might seem a little intimidating at first, but once you learn How to Make Caramel Sauce yourself, you'll see just how simple it is! The first time you drizzle it over ice cream, cakes, or pancakes, you'll see just how simple + satisfying it is to whip up this sweet sticky treat at home.

Honestly, homemade caramel sauce is a total game changer --- Its rich flavor and nutty aroma make it amazing on everything from cheesecake and cupcakes to crisps and even iced coffee. Forget store-bought—once you try this, you won’t look back. With just three ingredients and a vegan option, it’s super easy to make and totally worth the extra touch of indulgence.

For all you caramel lovers out there, you’ve got to try this caramel in some delicious recipes! Drizzle it over a Caramel Oatmeal Apple Upside-Down Cake, mix it into this Caramel Macchiato Chia Pudding, or stir it into drinks like a Salted Caramel Banana Milkshake or a Caramel Oat Latte Mocktail. You won’t be disappointed!

What Is Caramel Sauce?

Caramel sauce is a rich, sweet sauce made by melting sugar until it turns golden brown and then mixing it with butter + cream. The result is a smooth, glossy sauce with a deep, caramelized flavor that’s perfect for drizzling over desserts like ice cream, cakes, or pancakes. You can also use it as a dip or stir it into coffee for a sweet twist. It’s surprisingly simple to make and can be customized with flavors like sea salt or vanilla to suit your taste.

Why You Will LOVE Learning How to Make Caramel Sauce

• The rich + buttery sweetness elevates any sweet treat or drink!
• 3 ingredients only ---- Just sugar, butter, and cream (with a vegan option!).
• Homemade tastes so much better than store-bought.
• It's SO versatile. Perfect for drizzling over ice cream, cakes, pancakes + more!
• Perfect for dipping! Use it for apple slices or other fruit.
• Stir into your coffee for a sweet upgraded twist.
• Perfect as a homemade gift that everyone will love.

Homemade Caramel Sauce Ingredients

You will only need 3 simple ingredients to make homemade caramel! Plus you can easily make it vegan/dairy-free!

CARAMEL SAUCE:

• Organic cane sugar. Provides the base sweetness + caramel flavor.
• Unsalted butter. Adds richness and a smooth, creamy texture. You can use dairy-free butter for a vegan option.
• Heavy cream. Creates a luscious, velvety consistency and balances the sweetness. My all-time fave is from Organic Valley. You can also use full-fat coconut milk or cream for a vegan/dairy-free option.

How To Make Homemade Caramel Sauce

• Heat the sugar in a medium skillet over medium heat and stir constantly using a rubber spatula until clumps are formed. This should take about 6 minutes with constant stirring. NOTE: The sugar should eventually turn into a thick brown, amber-colored liquid.
• Add the butter and continue to stir until everything has melted and become a dark 'amber-like' color. Continue to stir consistently until fully melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes. NOTE: If you notice that the butter is separating or the sugar clumps up, be sure to remove everything from heat and vigorously whisk to combine it again. Keep whisking until it combines again and then continue over the fire with cooking.
• Now, slowly whisk in the heavy cream and continue stirring until well incorporated and sauce has fully thickened, letting it all boil for about 1 minute. Remove from heat. NOTE: The caramel will be a thin liquid at this point, however, once it cools, it will thicken up nicely.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS SAUCE!

Here, I've curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this How to Make Caramel Sauce recipe. Everything from my fave cast iron pans, dutch ovens, immersion hand-blender, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

How To Use Homemade Caramel Sauce?

There are countless ways to enjoy homemade caramel sauce, and it's a treat you’ll find yourself reaching for often. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:

• Drizzle over ice cream for a classic, indulgent topping.
• Pour some caramel sauce over popcorn for a salty-sweet treat.
• Add a spoonful to pancakes or waffles for extra sweetness.
• Swirl into yogurt, chia pudding or oatmeal.
• Top a slice of cheesecake or apple pie with a rich caramel layer.
• Stir into coffee or hot chocolate.
• Use as a dip for apple slices or pretzels.
• Pour over a layer cake or cupcakes for a beautiful finish.
• Drizzle over roasted nuts for a crunchy, sweet snack.
• Add a touch to milkshakes or smoothies for extra flavor.

Can I Add Flavors To The Caramel Sauce?

Absolutely! Adding flavors to caramel sauce is a fantastic way to customize it to your taste. Here are a few ideas:

• Vanilla extract. Adds a warm, sweet depth.
• Sea salt. Enhances the caramel’s richness and provides a nice contrast.
• Espresso powder. Infuses a coffee flavor for a mocha twist.
• Cinnamon. Adds a cozy, spiced note.
• Bourbon. Introduces a subtle, smoky complexity.
• Coconut. For a tropical flair, stir in a bit of coconut extract.
• Pumpkin spice. Perfect for fall, giving a festive touch.

Homemade Caramel Sauce Recipe Q + A's

More Droolworthy Caramel-Infused Recipes

Looking for ways to use your homemade caramel sauce? Check out these delicious caramel-loaded recipes next!

• No-Churn Caramel Cone Ice Cream
• Iced Caramel Latte [with Coffee Ice Cubes]
• Caramel Apple Pear Crisp
• Caramel Apple Cheesecake
• Salted Caramel Apple Crisp
• Apple Caramel Espresso Martini 

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried this How to Make Caramel Sauce recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

How to Make Caramel Sauce

August 25, 2024 •

By Shanika

No ratings yet

How to Make Caramel Sauce is your ticket to a rich, buttery delight that makes everything better! Whether you’re drizzling it over ice cream, stirring it into your coffee, or swirled into oatmeal, this homemade caramel sauce is super versatile and adds a sweet touch to just about anything. It’s quick to whip up and totally worth having on hand! Vegan Option.

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time: 20 minutes mins

Serves: 1 cup

Units:

US Customary|Metric

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Ingredients

CARAMEL SAUCE:

• 1 cup organic cane sugar
• 6 Tbsps unsalted butter
• ½ cup organic heavy cream

Instructions

TO MAKE THE CARAMEL SAUCE:

• Heat the sugar in a medium skillet over medium heat and stir constantly using a rubber spatula until clumps are formed. This should take about 6 minutes with constant stirring. NOTE: The sugar should eventually turn into a thick brown, amber-colored liquid.
• Add the butter and continue to stir until everything has melted and become a dark 'amber-like' color. Continue to stir consistently until fully melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes. NOTE: If you notice that the butter is separating or the sugar clumps up, be sure to remove everything from heat and vigorously whisk to combine it again. Keep whisking until it combines again and then continue over the fire with cooking.
• Now, slowly whisk in the heavy cream and continue stirring until well incorporated and sauce has fully thickened, letting it all boil for about 1 minute. Remove from heat.
• NOTE: The caramel will be a thin liquid at this point, however, once it cools, it will thicken up nicely.
• Feel free to use this caramel sauce in your favorite sweet treats like lattes, coffee, desserts, etc.
• Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

• STORAGE: Leftovers are best covered tightly (in a mason jar or container) and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Just know that caramel sauce solidifies in the refrigerator, therefore, for the smooth texture simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop to desired consistency when ready to use.
• VEGAN OPTION: To make vegan caramel sauce, simply substitute the butter with vegan butter and the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 1673kcal | Carbohydrates: 203g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 111g | Saturated Fat: 71g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 28g | Trans Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 315mg | Sodium: 41mg | Potassium: 199mg | Sugar: 204g | Vitamin A: 3848IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 0.1mg

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