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Brown Sugar Caramel Sauce Recipe

4.8 from 56 reviews

This luscious Brown Sugar Caramel Sauce is a quick and easy recipe made by melting butter and brown sugar together, then whisking in heavy cream to create a smooth, rich sauce. With the option to simmer longer for a thicker, darker caramel or keep it light and pourable, it’s perfect for drizzling over ice cream, desserts, or adding a sweet touch to drinks. The addition of vanilla and a pinch of sea salt enhances its decadent flavor.

Ingredients

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Ingredients

  • ½ cup salted butter
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Pinch sea salt or sea salt flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Melt butter and brown sugar: In a heavy saucepan, melt together the butter and packed light brown sugar over medium heat, stirring until fully combined and bubbly.
  2. Whisk in heavy cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while gently whisking. Be cautious as the mixture may bubble up.
  3. Adjust caramel thickness and color: For a light, thin sauce ideal for drinks or pouring over desserts, remove the saucepan from heat now. For a darker, thicker caramel, return to a gentle simmer and cook for several more minutes until the desired golden color and thickness are reached.
  4. Add vanilla and salt: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract along with a pinch of sea salt if desired to enhance flavor.
  5. Cool and store: Transfer the caramel sauce to a heat-proof container and allow it to cool to room temperature. Cover with a lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently before serving if the sauce thickens too much.

Notes

  • Recipe yields approximately 1 ½ cups of caramel sauce.
  • The sauce thickens as it cools; simmer longer for thicker caramel.
  • To restore pourable consistency after cooling, gently reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.
  • This recipe uses a non-traditional method by melting brown sugar with butter and cream, so no thermometer is required and it’s quick to make.
  • If the sauce becomes grainy, reheat with a bit of lemon juice or light corn syrup to smooth it out.

Keywords: brown sugar caramel sauce, caramel sauce recipe, easy caramel sauce, homemade caramel, caramel topping, dessert sauce