Brown Sugar Caramel Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Brown Sugar Caramel Sauce is a rich and buttery treat that elevates any dessert. With a simple combination of ingredients, you can create a luscious sauce perfect for drizzling over ice cream, cakes, or even stirring into drinks.
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 lighter, thinner sauce ideal for drinks or pouring, remove the saucepan from heat now. For a thicker, darker caramel, continue to simmer for several more minutes until you reach your desired golden color.
- Step 4: Once removed from heat, stir in the vanilla extract and add a pinch of salt, if using, to enhance the flavor.
- Step 5: Transfer the 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 and add salt separately if you want more control over the saltiness.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
- Add a splash of bourbon or rum after removing from heat for an adult twist.
- If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, gently warm it before serving.
Storage
Store the caramel sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Before using, reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, stirring occasionally to restore its smooth consistency.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular granulated sugar instead of brown sugar?
Brown sugar adds both sweetness and a deep molasses flavor that defines this sauce, so using granulated sugar will change the taste and texture. You can substitute but expect a lighter flavor.
Why did my caramel sauce become grainy?
Graininess can occur if the sugar crystals don’t dissolve fully or if the temperature fluctuates during cooking. Stirring constantly and using a heavy saucepan helps prevent this. Adding a little cream at the right time also smooths out the texture.
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Brown Sugar Caramel Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 1 1/2 cups 1x
Description
A rich and luscious Brown Sugar Caramel Sauce made with butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla. Perfect for drizzling over desserts, ice cream, or incorporating into drinks, this homemade caramel sauce offers a delightful balance of sweetness and depth with an optional touch of sea salt.
Ingredients
Brown Sugar Caramel Sauce 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 butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously to combine well and avoid burning.
- Cook Mixture Until Bubbly: Continue cooking for a couple of minutes until the mixture is bubbly and thoroughly combined, creating a smooth base for the sauce.
- Add Heavy Cream: Gently whisk in the heavy cream, pouring it slowly as the mixture may bubble up. For a light and thin sauce suited for drinks or as a drizzle, immediately remove from heat. To achieve a darker and thicker consistency, simmer the sauce for several more minutes until the desired golden color and thickness are reached.
- Finish with Vanilla and Salt: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract along with a pinch of sea salt if desired, enhancing the caramel’s depth and flavor complexity.
- Cool and Store: Transfer the 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, reheating gently before use if needed.
Notes
- Use heavy cream for a rich and creamy texture; half-and-half or milk will yield a thinner sauce.
- For saltier caramel, increase the pinch of sea salt or use fleur de sel for a gourmet finish.
- Store caramel sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator and warm it slightly before serving.
- If the sauce thickens too much when chilled, reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave while stirring.
- For vegan or dairy-free version, substitute butter with vegan butter and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: brown sugar caramel sauce, caramel sauce recipe, homemade caramel, sauce for desserts, easy caramel sauce
