If you love homemade caramel, this quick recipe is one to save! With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a smooth, rich caramel sauce in minutes. It’s perfect for drizzling over ice cream, pancakes, cakes, cheesecake, apples, or your favorite desserts.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, optional
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Combine the Sugar and Water
Add the sugar and water to a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir gently just until the sugar is evenly moistened.
2. Heat the Mixture
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Let the mixture cook without stirring until the sugar begins to turn golden amber.
Keep a close eye on it because caramel can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly.
3. Add the Cream
Once the sugar reaches a deep golden-amber color, carefully pour in the heavy cream slowly while whisking.
⚠️ Be careful: The mixture will bubble vigorously and produce hot steam when the cream is added.
4. Add Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, if using.
5. Let It Cool
Allow the caramel to cool for a few minutes. It will thicken as it cools.
6. Serve
Pour the warm caramel over ice cream, brownies, pancakes, waffles, cheesecake, fruit, or your favorite dessert.
🍯 Storage
Let the caramel cool completely, then transfer it to a clean, airtight container. Refrigerate and use within about 1–2 weeks. Reheat gently if it becomes too thick.
❤️ Tip
For the smoothest caramel, avoid stirring the sugar once it starts boiling. Swirling the saucepan gently can help distribute the color evenly.
Save this recipe—you’ll want to make it again! 🍮
See more on the next page