It is so easy to learn how to make caramel sauce. This is seriously so decadent and creamy. Spoon this over ice cream, apple pie, fruit and anything you like.
Homemade caramel sauce recipe
This caramel sauce is heavenly. I have to stop myself from just eating it from the jar. It is that good.
I look for any excuse to make this recipe and it never disappoints. You are going to love it too.
It is so easy to make and ready in minutes. Skip the store bought jars and taste the difference with this homemade sauce. You will not be disappointed. You might also like our Homemade Butterscotch Sauce or the The Best Blueberry Sauce.
Let’s make this easy caramel sauce!
Once you give it a try, you will never go back to store bought. It’s so yummy and easy to make.
However you decide to enjoy it, I promise it will be amazing. It is so delicious.
Everyone will think you spent all this time in the kitchen when really it took minutes. Just minutes. Can you believe you can enjoy something so fabulous with so little time?
It is just the best.
Ingredients for homemade caramel sauce:
- light brown sugar, packed
- heavy cream
- unsalted butter
- salt
- vanilla extract
With only a few simple ingredients, you can have this amazing homemade sauce in minutes. It is so good.
How to make caramel sauce:
- First, you will need a saucepan. Add the butter, brown sugar, salt and heavy whipping cream to the pan.
- Next, bring this mixture to a boil and allow the sugar to dissolve. Let it cook for about 5 to 7 minutes and make sure to stir it constantly. Watch the time carefully because you want to cook it just until it has thickened.
- Finally, remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. It will be amber colored. Let it cool slightly to room temperature.
How to Store Caramel Sauce
Give the caramel enough time to cool a little and pour it into a jar or container with lid. We like to use mason jars to store the homemade caramel.
These jars are spill proof and reusable. Such a budget friendly idea.
Do you need to refrigerate homemade caramel sauce?
Yes, it needs to be refrigerated. It will keep up to 2 weeks as long as you store it inside an airtight container.
Serve immediately or store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in airtight sealed container.
How to reheat:
To reheat, cook for 30 seconds in a microwave safe bowl. Stir and heat in 10 second intervals until it is heated through and the desired consistency.
You will definitely need to reheat the sauce when ready to enjoy. It can become quite thick once cool.
Make sure to reheat the sauce in increments stirring in between so it does not burn.
Do I need a Candy Thermometer?
You don’t need a candy thermometer to make this homemade caramel recipe. Just make sure to follow the instructions and pay careful attention to the cooking time as it boils.
How to use caramel sauce
- Caramel Apple Dump Cake – This is even better with homemade caramel sauce drizzled on top.
- Mini Brownie Bites. Top with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream. It is so amazing.
- Easy caramel apple nachos recipe – Perfect for parties or family movie night.
- Caramel Apple Ice Cream– Caramel ice cream is even more delicious topped with homemade caramel sauce.
- Crock Pot Apple Pie Dump Cake – This cake is wonderful with ice cream and a drizzle of caramel.
- Apple Slices – I often just cup up apples and let the kids dip the slices into the yummy sauce. Such an easy but tasty treat.
- Top on Ice cream – This is delicious on ice cream. See all our Ice Cream Sundae Toppings.
Truly the ideas are endless for using this homemade sauce.
Can I use this caramel sauce for caramel apples?
No, this sauce is not thick enough to coat caramel apples. However, it is perfect for dipping apple slices or drizzling over apple nachos.
Why isn’t my caramel sauce thickening?
You may need to simmer the sauce longer over medium heat. Just remember that the sauce will continue to thicken significantly as it cools.
Often it will appear thin and you may think it isn’t going to be the right consistency. However, once it sits awhile and cools, it thickens a lot.
Don’t make the mistake of assuming it will stay thin and over cooking the sauce. You will really see a big change in the consistency once it has cooled.
Now you know how to make caramel sauce.
I told you it was so easy. Anyone can make this and it will turn out amazing.
From apples and apple pie to ice cream and more, this delicious and easy homemade sauce is always a hit. It is amazing what a few simple ingredients can combine to make.
This is one of our favorite sauces and we all just love it.
Save money and make homemade caramel sauce recipe.
I used to buy the store bought caramel sauce and the cost adds up. Plus, the jars are pretty small. If you have a large family, it does not take long to use a jar like that.
It is a much better value to make your own at home and it tastes far better. This is the perfect example of enjoying delicious recipes at home and saving money as well.
Your grocery budget will thank you and your family gets to enjoy fabulous treats. It is truly a win all around.
Let us know how it turns out for you and what you use the homemade caramel sauce for. I know it will be delicious.
It is such an easy recipe for salted caramel sauce without any corn syrup needed. The results are delicious.
Print thebest caramel sauce recipe below:
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Homemade Caramel Sauce
4.29 from 46 votes
It is so easy to learn how to make caramel sauce. This is seriously so decadent and creamy. Spoon this over ice cream, apple pie, fruit and more!
Prep Time 2 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 12 minutes mins
Servings 16 (makes 2.5 cups)
Cuisine American
Course Dessert
Calories 211
Author Carrie Barnard
Ingredients
- 2 cups light brown sugar packed
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
Instructions
In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, salt and heavy whipping cream
Bring to boil and cook stirring constantly for 5-7 minutes or until thickened
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract
Let cool slightly
Add to jar or container with lid
Serve immediately or store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in airtight sealed container
To reheat, cook for 30 seconds in a microwave safe bowl. Stir and heat for an additional 10 seconds or longer if necessary
Nutrition Facts
Calories 211kcal, Carbohydrates 28g, Protein 1g, Fat 11g, Saturated Fat 7g, Cholesterol 36mg, Sodium 51mg, Potassium 50mg, Sugar 27g, Vitamin A 396IU, Vitamin C 1mg, Calcium 34mg, Iron 1mg
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More Caramel recipes to try:
- Caramel Chocolate Poke Cake
- Caramel Dip Recipe
- Homemade Caramel Popcorn
- Salted Caramel Fudge
- Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
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About the Author
Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Desserts on a Dime!
I’m on a mission to help you create delicious desserts on a budget and do not require a ton of time. Together, we are going to make something sweet that the entire family will love!