Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring gently only once it begins to liquefy to prevent crystallization.
- Continue cooking until the sugar turns a deep golden amber color, then immediately remove from heat.
- Carefully stir in the butter—it will bubble vigorously.
- Slowly whisk in the heavy cream until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Return the pan to low heat and cook for 1–2 more minutes, whisking to blend everything.
- Stir in vanilla extract and salt. Let cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a jar.
Notes
- Use flaky sea salt or increase salt to ½ tsp for a salted caramel variation.
- Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon after the cream for a boozy twist.
- Spice it up with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for fall flavors.
- Substitute coconut cream and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
- Ensure sugar reaches a rich amber color to avoid overly sweet or bitter sauce.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Universal
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
