Caramel Sauce

Name: Caramel Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 1-3/4 cups
Ingredients: 1/2 cup water; 1-1/2 cups sugar; 1 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional

Total Time Prep/Total Time: 25 min.

Yield 1-3/4 cups

Test Kitchen Approved

This homemade caramel sauce recipe has a rich flavor and a smooth, creamy texture. It's thin enough to drizzle onto ice cream, cheesecake or apple pie, or to swirl into morning coffee. Here's how to make caramel sauce—without a candy thermometer!

Ingredients

1/2 cup water
1-1/2 cups sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional

Directions

In a large heavy saucepan, combine sugar and water; stir gently to moisten all the sugar. Cook over medium-low heat, until sugar is dissolved.
Continue to cook until syrup turns a medium amber color, about 6-8 minutes. Reduce heat to low, and cook until sugar reaches 360°, about 5 minutes longer.
Immediately remove from heat and carefully stir in heavy cream, salt and if desired, vanilla.

Nutrition Facts

2 tablespoons: 142 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 73mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.

Take away the intimidation and make caramel flawlessly every time with these step-by-step instructions. The recipe results in a rich, smooth sauce that elevates everything from plain apples to ice cream. —Lindsay Mattison, Hillsboro, Oregon

Recipe Creator