Brown Sugar Caramel Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Brown sugar caramel sauce is a rich, buttery topping that adds a luscious sweetness to desserts and drinks. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a smooth, velvety sauce that’s perfect for ice cream, cakes, or even your morning coffee.
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch sea salt or sea salt flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a heavy saucepan, melt together the butter and brown sugar over medium heat.
- Step 2: Cook for a couple of minutes until the mixture is bubbly and fully combined.
- Step 3: Gently whisk in the heavy cream, pouring slowly as the mixture may bubble up. For a light and thin caramel sauce, remove the saucepan from heat now. For a darker and thicker sauce, simmer for several more minutes until the desired golden color is reached.
- Step 4: Once removed from heat, stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt if you like a hint of saltiness.
- Step 5: Transfer the caramel sauce to a heat-proof container and allow it to cool to room temperature. Cover with a lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tips & Variations
- Use unsalted butter if you prefer to control the saltiness, and add sea salt to taste at the end.
- For an extra depth of flavor, try adding a splash of bourbon or a pinch of cinnamon during the simmering stage.
- If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop while stirring.
Storage
Store the caramel sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Before using, warm gently to restore its smooth texture, either in the microwave for short bursts or in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular granulated sugar instead of brown sugar?
Brown sugar provides a richer, more complex flavor due to its molasses content. Using granulated sugar will result in a different caramel taste and color, but it can be used if needed.
Is this caramel sauce suitable for drizzling over ice cream?
Yes, this caramel sauce is perfect for drizzling over ice cream. For a thinner sauce ideal for drizzling, remove the saucepan from heat right after adding the cream.
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Brown Sugar Caramel Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 1 ¾ cups 1x
Description
This rich and velvety Brown Sugar Caramel Sauce is a simple homemade treat perfect for drizzling over ice cream, desserts, or even adding a sweet touch to your favorite drinks. Made with butter, light brown sugar, heavy cream, and a hint of vanilla, this sauce balances sweetness with a buttery depth and a touch of salt to enhance the flavors.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch sea salt or sea salt flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Brown Sugar: In a heavy saucepan, melt together the salted butter and packed light brown sugar over medium heat, stirring often to combine thoroughly.
- Cook Until Bubbly: Continue cooking the mixture for a couple of minutes until it becomes bubbly and the sugar is fully dissolved, creating a smooth base for the sauce.
- Incorporate Heavy Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy whipping cream while gently whisking, as the mixture may bubble up. For a light and thin sauce ideal for drinks or pouring over ice cream, remove the pan from heat immediately. For a darker, thicker caramel sauce, simmer the mixture for an additional several minutes until it reaches your desired golden color and thickness.
- Add Vanilla and Salt: Once removed from heat, stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt or salt flakes to enhance flavor complexity and balance sweetness.
- Cool and Store: Transfer the caramel sauce to a heat-proof container and allow it to cool to room temperature. Cover with a lid and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Warm gently before using if the sauce thickens too much.
Notes
- The salt is optional but highly recommended to balance the sweetness and bring out the caramel flavor.
- For a thinner sauce, remove from heat immediately after adding cream; for thicker sauce, simmer longer.
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: brown sugar caramel sauce, homemade caramel sauce, caramel sauce recipe, easy caramel sauce, dessert sauce
