Authentic Caramel Sauce Recipe

Elevate your desserts with this authentic caramel sauce recipe! Rich, smooth, and intensely flavorful, it's the perfect topping for ice cream, cakes, and more. Learn how to make restaurant-quality caramel sauce from scratch in just 35 minutes.

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Calories 165.4 kcal
Protein 3g
Rating 4.5 (2 Reviews)
Authentic Caramel Sauce

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Authentic Caramel Sauce

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Boiling Water
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk

How to Make Authentic Caramel Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Do not stir.
  2. Cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and turns a light amber color. This will take about 8-10 minutes. Be patient and avoid stirring as this can cause crystallization.
  3. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the butter until melted and incorporated. Be careful as the mixture will be very hot.
  4. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream. The mixture will bubble up – whisk continuously to prevent scorching.
  5. Stir in the salt and vanilla extract (if using).
  6. Pour the caramel sauce into a heatproof bowl or jar. Let it cool completely before using or storing.
  7. Once cooled, store the caramel sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Chef's secret: layers of flavor make a dish truly memorable! Consider what a little extra something could bring – perhaps a touch of acidity like a good vinegar or citrus zest, a hint of smokiness from paprika, a bit of umami from mushrooms or soy sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. Experiment and taste as you go!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

1 g

Sugar

146g

Fat

5g

Carbs

12g