Caramel sauce

30 min.
Enjoy an easy and delicious caramel sauce – a great sauce for ice cream, chocolate cake, and baked apples. This homemade caramel sauce is so easy to make and in a matter of only 30 minutes, you have a delicious dipping, drizzle, or ingredient in baked goods. It is thick and smooth and can be enjoyed both warm and cold. The golden sauce pairs beautifully with many sweet treats and can take any dessert to the next level!

Ingredients

1 portions

Instructions

Tip

When making caramel sauce, you will likely feel tempted to stir the mixture. Stirring will cause the sugar to crystallize, and you risk ruining the sauce. Instead, gently swirl the pan as you go and allow the sugar to caramelize and cook evenly without burning. The darker the caramel gets, the richer the flavor will be – so long as you do not let it burn! Keep the temperature low to avoid burning the mixture. Follow the instructions in the recipe carefully when heating the caramel, and never melt it at the highest setting. This can cause the caramel to scorch and produce a bitter and burnt taste. Also, stay away from different sugar types that could potentially clump the sauce. Instead, stick to refined white sugar for a smooth texture.

Questions about caramel sauce

With our caramel sauce recipe, you always have a delicious sauce at hand for your sweet treats. We have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about this sweet sauce, so you can get ready to drizzle your desserts.
How to make caramel sauce?

Make easy caramel sauce by melting sugar in a thick-bottomed pan without stirring until the edges turn golden. Turn down the heat and add butter while stirring the mixture. Next, pour water and whipping cream into the pan and stir until it has a smooth, slightly thick texture. Finally, let it simmer for a few minutes before pouring the sauce into a bowl or jug and letting it cool completely or enjoy it lukewarm.

How to thicken caramel sauce?

The caramel sauce will start to thicken as it cools. But if you find your sauce is too thin, let it simmer on the stove until it cooks down. Once the liquid in the sauce evaporates, it will thicken considerably. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water. Stir the mixture at low heat until the sauce begins to thicken.

How to store caramel sauce?

Store the thick caramel sauce in an airtight container – preferably a glass mason jar – at room temperature for up to 3 days. When stored in the fridge, the sauce will keep well for even longer, so you can use it for 2-3 weeks. However, the sauce will harden slightly because of the cold temperature. You can leave it at room temperature for a few hours or warm it in the microwave at low heat until the texture is smooth again.

What to do with caramel sauce?

The thick golden sauce is a popular topping for many delightful treats. Use the caramel sauce for coffee, drizzle it on top of soft velvety ice cream, or pour it into a cake batter. The sweet caramel flavor pairs wonderfully with dessert and snacks. But the delicious sauce can also be used as a coating for chicken nuggets, combining crispy and sweet flavors – you need to try it before you judge it. 

Can you freeze caramel sauce?

Hold on to your caramel sauce for a little longer by freezing it. Allow the sauce to cool and transfer it to an airtight freezer-safe container. Leave at least 1-2 cm of space at the top of the container to give the sauce room to expand as it freezes. The sauce can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you are ready to use it, defrost the sauce overnight in the fridge or for a few hours at room temperature and warm it slowly before using it to get a smoother texture.

How long does caramel sauce last?

Depending on how it is stored, caramel sauce can last between 3 days to 3 months. If you know you are going to use it all at once, you can simply let it sit in a jar at room temperature. But if you want to keep it longer, it needs to be stored in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

How to reheat caramel sauce?

There are two ways to reheat caramel. If the sauce is frozen, it needs to thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before heating it. Scoop the thick caramel into a microwave-safe container and heat it in 30-second increments until the sauce is smooth and pourable. Alternatively, put the sauce in a bowl and place it in a pan with simmering water. Stir the caramel for a few minutes until it is warm and smooth.

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Caramel sauce – homemade and easy

Making caramel sauce from scratch is much easier than you might think once you get the hang of the technique. With a handful of ingredients, you get to enjoy a rich, thick, and creamy sauce that can transform any treat into an elegant dessert. Become a caramel enthusiast in no time with our easy recipe. The spreadable texture is a true delight for anyone with a sweet tooth. It is pure heaven that is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

On the lookout for other tasty and sweet toppings or dips? Check out our dark chocolate sauce Try it with our recipe for soft homemade vanilla ice cream.

Serve warm or cold

Caramel sauce is excellent served both warm and cold; it tastes delightful either way. Simply spoon the sauce onto a slice of apple pie or cake. The buttery caramel is great with crispy, tart apples. If you prefer a more spreadable texture, enjoy the sauce immediately or warm it in the microwave. Drizzle it on top of your ice cream, let the caramel melt the cold treat, and experience the wonderful combination of warm and cold with each spoonful.

Delicious uses for caramel sauce

There is not just one way to use this sauce! It is great for different desserts – both inside and drizzled on top. Use the smooth sauce for apples, dipping slices in it to enjoy a crunchy snack covered in smooth and thick caramel sauce. Love a sweet, iced latte? Drizzle the sauce on the sides of the glass, use our recipe for iced latte and pour the cold drink into the caramel-drizzled glass. Top with a few drops of sauce on top and enjoy!

You can also spoon it over ice cream or swirl it through ice cream to create a wonderful texture with chewy caramel and soft ice cream, drizzle it over warm giant cinnamon rolls, or top cookies with it. The sweet sauce is also delicious when drizzled over salty popcorn. Or garnish your favorite pies or cake with a generous dollop of golden caramel.

Make a salted caramel sauce

Combine sweet and salty, and you will have a delicious topping for your favorite desserts. Use sea salt flakes to give the sauce a bit of crunch and balance the sweet flavors of the caramel. Add the salt flakes at the end right after adding whipping cream and water, and carefully stir the mixture until the sauce has a smooth texture. Do not go overboard with the salt. Start with a tiny bit, and then you can always add more if needed. Salt brings out all the wonderful flavors and takes this quick caramel sauce from excellent to shockingly delectable.

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