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Home » Condiments

Homemade Caramel Sauce

Published: Sep 7, 2025 by Amira · This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

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This Homemade Caramel Sauce is creamy, buttery, rich, and sweet, with just the right hint of salt. And it’s got that glossy shine and looks great on top of Ice cream, lattes, brownies, even apples.

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  • Caramel Sauce
  • Pro Tip
  • Homemade Caramel Sauce
  • How to Make Caramel Sauce
  • FAQs
  • More Tips
  • Serving suggestions
  • You'll also like

Caramel Sauce


I remember the first time I made this. I was nervous, to be honest. It smelled amazing while it cooked, and when I finally tasted it over some vanilla ice cream? I was hooked. It tasted even better than the sauce at my favorite ice cream shop.

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Pro Tip

Resist the urge to crank the heat. I know, it’s tempting when things are taking a while. But low and slow wins here. Stir gently, let the sugar dissolve at its own pace, and trust the process.

A spoon scooping caramel sauce out of a jar.

Homemade Caramel Sauce

This homemade caramel sauce is deliciously rich, buttery, and smooth, with just a hint of sea salt. It’s easy to make in about 15 minutes and is perfect for drizzling over pie, ice cream, or any dessert.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal
Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cooling Time:: 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 16 Tablespoons
Calories: 51kcal
Author: Amira

Ingredients

  • 1 stick butter 113g
  • ½ cup granulated white sugar 100g
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon of sea salt

Instructions

  • Place a stick of butter and the sugar in a heavy bottom pot.
  • Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally as the butter melts and the sugar begins to dissolve.
  • Lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer.
  • Stir occasionally as it starts to bubble and turns golden brown. It should start to smell like caramel. This takes about 10 minutes.
  • Remove the pan from heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream (it may bubble up).
  • Return the pan to the heat and continue cooking for another 4–5 minutes, or until a candy thermometer reads 225°–230°F.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and salt.
  • Pour the hot caramel sauce into a heatproof bowl (glass or ceramic). Use caution—it's extremely hot. Heatproof gloves or oven mitts are recommended.
  • Let the sauce cool for at least 15 to 30 minutes before using.

Notes

Never taste or touch caramel sauce while it’s hot - it can cause serious burns.
Rinse your saucepan immediately after pouring the caramel out to prevent it from hardening and sticking.
If refrigerated, reheat the caramel in 15–20 second intervals before enjoying it over ice cream, cakes or favorite desserts.

Nutrition

Calories: 51kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 8mg | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 111IU | Vitamin C: 0.04mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.01mg
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How to Make Caramel Sauce

Are you ready to make this homemade caramel ice cream topping? So, gather your ingredients and a heavy-bottomed pot, and you will enjoy this treat in no time at all.

Ingredients for the caramel sauce on a countertop.

Step 1: Add the butter and sugar to the pot.

A stainless steel pot with butter and sugar.

Step 2: Heat over medium-low until the sugar and butter mixture starts to bubble. Turn the heat down and simmer about 10 minutes, whisking often.

Step 3: Remove from the heat and whisk in the heavy cream.

Pouring heavy cream over caramel in a sauce pan.

Step 4: Return to the heat and cook for 4-5 minutes or until it reaches 225-230 degrees F.

Caramel sauce with a whisk cooking in a sauce pan.

Step 5: Remove from the heat again, and stir in the vanilla and salt. Allow the mixture to cool for 15-30 minutes before using.

Adding vanilla and sea salt to the caramel sauce.

FAQs

Can I use light brown sugar instead of white?

You can, but it’ll change the flavor. White sugar gives you that buttery caramel taste.

What if I don’t have a thermometer?

No worries! Just cook until it thickens slightly and smells deeply caramelized.

How can I store homemade caramel?

Keep it in a sealed glass jar or container in the fridge for up to two weeks. To reheat, microwave in 15–20 second bursts, stirring in between, until warm and pourable.

Can I freeze caramel sauce?

Yes you can, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

More Tips

  • Always use a long-handled spoon or whisk; this can help prevent burns.
  • Don’t walk away while it’s bubbling because it can burn fast.
  • If sugar clumps form, keep stirring gently, and they’ll melt down.
  • Rinse your pot right away or soak it. You don't want the caramel to harden on the pot, then it's hard to clean.

Serving suggestions

Drizzle it over condensed milk ice cream, swirl it into Dr. Pepper Brownies, use it as a dip for apple slices, or stir it into coffee for an easy homemade caramel latte. Or, just eat it with a spoon, I won't judge.

You'll also like

Want to add more flavors to your drinks and desserts? Next time, make this Date Caramel Sauce, Hot Fudge Sauce, or Strawberry Coulis.

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About Amira

I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! My hope is to introduce you to new flavors, creative ways and fresh takes on favorites. To help you create food with style that will bring everyone around your kitchen table. From weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends.

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Hey Y'all, I'm Amira.
I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by!
I send warm greetings from sunny Colorado. This blog combines weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean.
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