Description
Luxurious “thick caramel sauce” drizzles pure indulgence over desserts with rich, golden simplicity. Sweet memories melt into each spoonful, promising delightful moments that elevate ordinary treats into extraordinary culinary experiences you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (200 g / 7.05 ounces) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fluid ounces) water
Dairy Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons (90 g / 3.17 ounces) unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fluid ounces) heavy cream, at room temperature
Flavor Enhancers:
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional, for salted caramel)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Heat sugar in a medium saucepan over medium temperature, continuously stirring with a heat-resistant spatula until it transforms from granular clusters into a smooth, amber-toned liquid. Monitor closely to prevent burning, which could impart an unpleasant bitter taste.
- When sugar liquefies completely, cautiously introduce butter, anticipating vigorous bubbling. Vigorously stir until butter melts seamlessly into the caramel, creating a rich, glossy texture.
- Gradually stream heavy cream into the molten sugar mixture while stirring persistently. Exercise careful attention, as the liquid will react dramatically upon contact, potentially causing rapid expansion and splashing.
- Remove saucepan from heat source and incorporate vanilla extract and salt. The salt amplifies the caramel’s complex flavor profile, while vanilla contributes a nuanced aromatic dimension.
- Allow the caramel sauce to rest and naturally cool, observing its gradual thickening. The consistency will progressively become more dense and viscous. For a firmer texture, extend the cooling duration before serving or storing.
Notes
- Prevent sugar burning by stirring constantly and maintaining medium heat to ensure smooth, even caramelization.
- Choose unsalted butter for better control of the sauce’s saltiness and achieve a rich, silky texture.
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to distribute heat evenly and prevent hot spots that could cause sugar to burn quickly.
- Adjust consistency by adding more cream for a thinner sauce or letting it cool longer for a thicker, more decadent topping.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 321
- Sugar: 200 g
- Sodium: 0.5 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 61 mg