- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup heavy cream (room temperature or warm)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt (optional, for salted caramel)
🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions
Melt the sugar
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the sugar. Stir constantly with a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon as it melts. It will go from granules to clumps to a smooth, golden amber liquid — this takes 5–7 minutes .
🔥 Tip: Don’t walk away — sugar burns easily!Add the butter
Once the sugar is fully melted, add the butter one piece at a time, stirring until completely melted and incorporated.Whisk in the cream
Slowly drizzle in the warm heavy cream. The mixture will bubble up — keep stirring until smooth and well blended.Finish with flavor
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt (if using). Let cool for 10–15 minutes — it will thicken as it cools.Store or serve
Transfer to a glass jar or squeeze bottle. Drizzle over your favorite treats — or save for later!
Tips for the Perfect Caramel
- Use a light-colored saucepan so you can see the color change as the sugar caramelizes.
- Keep the heat medium — too high = burnt caramel.
- Warm the cream slightly to prevent the caramel from seizing.
- Stir constantly — no shortcuts!
- For a thinner sauce , add 1–2 tablespoons of water or extra cream.
- For a darker, deeper flavor , cook the sugar a little longer (but watch closely!).
How to Use Your Homemade Caramel Sauce
This luscious sauce is incredibly versatile . Try it with:
- 🍨 Ice cream or frozen yogurt – Drizzle generously
- 🍎 Apple slices or banana halves – A sweet, crunchy treat
- 🧁 Brownies, cakes, or cheesecake – Swirl it in or top it off
- 🥞 Pancakes or waffles – Swap syrup for caramel
- ☕ Coffee or hot chocolate – Stir in for a rich, sweet twist
- 🥥 Churros or donuts – Dip and indulge
Creative Ways to Customize Your Caramel
Make it your own with these fun twists:
- 🧂 Salted Caramel – Add ½ tsp flaky sea salt
- 🍫 Chocolate Caramel – Stir in 2 tbsp cocoa powder or melted chocolate
- 🥃 Boozy Caramel – Add 1 tbsp bourbon, rum, or Baileys
- 🌰 Nutty Caramel – Mix in toasted pecans or walnuts
- 🍊 Citrus Caramel – Add orange zest or a splash of Grand Marnier
- 🥥 Coconut Caramel – Replace cream with coconut milk
How to Store Homemade Caramel Sauce
- Fridge : Store in an airtight jar for up to 3 weeks .
- Reheat : Warm gently in the microwave (15–20 sec) or on the stove with a splash of cream.
- Freezer : Freeze for up to 3 months . Thaw in the fridge and reheat before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich . For best results, stick with heavy cream .
❓ Why did my caramel turn out grainy?
This usually happens when the sugar crystallizes . To prevent it, avoid stirring too early and use room-temperature cream .
❓ Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Use coconut oil , vegan butter , and full-fat coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
❓ Is it safe to can homemade caramel?
No — this is a refrigerated sauce and not designed for long-term shelf stability. Do not can unless using a tested preservation method.
Final Thoughts
There’s no comparison between homemade caramel sauce and the store-bought kind — the flavor, texture, and freshness are in a league of their own.
Once you make this easy, 10-minute recipe, you’ll never go back to the jar . Plus, it makes a gorgeous homemade gift — just pour into a pretty bottle, add a ribbon, and label it “Love, Made by Me.”
So go ahead — grab a saucepan, a spoon, and get ready to drizzle your way to caramel heaven .