Description
A rich and silky caramel sauce made in minutes with sugar, butter, cream, vanilla, and salt.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened and cubed
- 1/2 cup warm heavy cream
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
Instructions
- Heat sugar and water: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, spread sugar evenly and drizzle water over it. Let sit for 1 minute without stirring.
- Dissolve and simmer: Place over medium-low heat. Let sugar dissolve fully until clear, about 5 minutes. Without stirring, bring to a simmer on medium heat, swirling occasionally. Cook until light amber, 5–8 minutes.
- Incorporate butter: Reduce heat to medium-low. Whisk in half of the butter cubes, then add the rest. Continue whisking until fully combined.
- Add cream: Slowly pour in warm cream while whisking constantly. Cook until smooth, then remove from heat.
- Finish sauce: Stir in vanilla and salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cool and store: Let the sauce cool slightly—it will thicken as it cools. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Rewarm gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Tablespoon
- Calories: 112 kcal
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 148 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
