Easy Homemade Caramel Sauce

This easy caramel sauce recipe is rich, buttery, and made with simple ingredients like brown sugar, butter, cream, and vanilla. It’s perfect for drizzling over ice cream, cheesecake, pancakes, coffee, and more. Whether you’re looking for a homemade caramel topping or a smooth, creamy salted caramel sauce, this quick recipe is ready in under 10 minutes. Plus, it’s great for gifting and stays fresh in the fridge for up to 2 weeks!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup half and half (or equal parts heavy cream and milk)
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a small or medium saucepan, combine all ingredients.
2. Cook over low heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and is no longer watery (about 6-9 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and let cool. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
4. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
6. Reheat slightly before serving to make it more drizzle-able.

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Tips:

• Stir constantly to prevent burning and ensure a smooth texture.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to adjust consistency.
• Let it cool slightly before tasting, as hot caramel can burn.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use full-fat coconut milk instead of half and half.
• Sweeter or Darker Flavor: Use dark brown sugar for a richer caramel taste.
• Salted Caramel: Increase the sea salt to 1 1/2 teaspoons for a bold salted caramel flavor.
• Bourbon Caramel: Add 1 Tbsp of bourbon for an extra depth of flavor.

FAQs:

Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
Yes, but the caramel flavor will be milder since brown sugar adds depth.

How do I fix grainy caramel?
If your caramel turns grainy, reheat it gently while stirring until smooth.

Serving Suggestions:

• Drizzle over ice cream, brownies, or cheesecake.
• Stir into coffee or hot chocolate for a homemade caramel latte.
• Use as a dip for apple slices or pretzels.
• Spread over pancakes, waffles, or French toast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Quick and easy—ready in under 10 minutes.
• Uses simple pantry ingredients.
• Perfectly smooth, rich, and versatile.
• Great for gifting or meal prep!