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Simple, Creamy Homemade Caramel Sauce (No Thermometer Needed)

A spoonful of thick, rich caramel sauce is being poured into a small white cup, showing its smooth texture.
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Make rich, buttery caramel sauce from scratch easily. This beginner recipe requires no candy thermometer and results in a thick, pourable topping perfect for ice cream, coffee, or apple pie.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed slightly
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (optional, for salted caramel)

Instructions

  1. Place the sugar in a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Do not stir initially.
  2. Allow the sugar to melt around the edges. Once melting starts, gently stir the sugar constantly with a heatproof spatula until all the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color. Watch closely; this happens fast.
  3. Remove the pan from the heat immediately. Carefully whisk in the butter pieces, one piece at a time, until fully melted and incorporated. The mixture will bubble vigorously.
  4. Slowly pour in the warm heavy cream while whisking continuously. The mixture will bubble up again. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth.
  5. Return the pan to low heat for one minute, stirring constantly, to ensure everything is fully combined and smooth. Do not let it boil.
  6. Remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt, if using.
  7. Pour the caramel sauce into a heatproof jar or container. It will thicken as it cools. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Reheat gently before serving.

Notes

  • Warm your heavy cream slightly before adding it; cold cream can cause the hardened sugar to seize up.
  • If the sauce hardens too much upon cooling, reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until you reach your desired pourable caramel consistency.
  • This recipe makes a wonderful caramel drizzle for desserts and coffee drinks.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://purecookingjoy.com/easy-caramel-sauce-no-thermometer/

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