Indulge in the rich, velvety decadence of homemade Creamy Caramel Sauce—a versatile topping that elevates everything from ice cream and pancakes to fresh fruit and baked goodies. This luxurious sauce is crafted with simple pantry staples like granulated sugar, heavy cream, and butter, combined with a splash of vanilla and a pinch of salt to strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory. With just 20 minutes of effort, this foolproof recipe transforms into a silky, golden caramel bursting with deep, buttery flavor. Whether drizzled warm over desserts or stored for later indulgence, this caramel sauce is a must-have for any home baker or sweets enthusiast. Make your desserts shine with this easy, crowd-pleasing classic!
In a medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Gently stir to moisten the sugar but avoid splashing it up the sides of the pan.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and let the sugar dissolve completely without stirring. You can gently swirl the pan if needed to ensure even cooking.
Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it cook until it turns a deep amber color, about 6-8 minutes. Watch closely as caramel can burn quickly.
Immediately remove the pan from heat and carefully whisk in the unsalted butter. The mixture will bubble vigorously—use caution!
Gradually pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously. The sauce may bubble up again but will quickly settle down.
Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for enhanced flavor.
Let the caramel sauce cool for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a jar or airtight container. It will thicken as it cools.
Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving, if needed.
Calories |
1611 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 91.4 g | 117% | |
| Saturated Fat | 54.0 g | 270% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 253 mg | 84% | |
| Sodium | 190 mg | 8% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 200.5 g | 73% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 200.5 g | ||
| Protein | 0.4 g | 1% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 17 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 0.0 mg | 0% | |
| Potassium | 22 mg | 0% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.