This Thick Caramel Sauce is pure indulgence in liquid form. Smooth, glossy, and perfectly balanced between buttery richness and deep caramelized sweetness, it’s a versatile treat that transforms any dessert into something extraordinary. Drizzle it over ice cream, spoon it onto pies, swirl it into coffee, or dip apple slices for an instant cozy upgrade.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Velvety Texture: Silky smooth and thick enough to coat a spoon.
Simple Ingredients: Made with just pantry staples.
Versatile: Use as a topping, filling, or drizzle.
Better Than Store-Bought: Fresh, rich, and made in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup heavy cream (room temperature)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Melt the Sugar
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Stir gently until sugar dissolves, then stop stirring. Let it cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the mixture turns a deep amber color (about 6–8 minutes).
2. Add Cream & Butter
Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream—it will bubble vigorously. Stir until smooth, then whisk in the butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
3. Cool Slightly
Let the sauce cool for 5–10 minutes. It will thicken as it cools.
4. Serve or Store
Transfer to a heat-safe jar and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Warm gently before serving.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 80
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fat: 4g
Protein: 0g
Fiber: 0g
Tips for Success
- Use Room-Temperature Cream & Butter: Prevents the caramel from seizing.
- Don’t Stir Once Boiling: Swirl the pan instead to avoid crystallization.
- Watch Closely: Caramel can go from perfect to burnt in seconds—remove from heat when amber.
- Thicker Sauce: Simmer an extra 1–2 minutes after adding cream for a denser consistency.
Why This Recipe Works
By caramelizing sugar with care and enriching it with butter and cream, this recipe achieves that dreamy balance of sweetness, depth, and creaminess. The pinch of salt enhances the flavors, creating a sauce that’s indulgent without being overwhelming.
Thick Caramel Sauce is the ultimate finishing touch for countless desserts. Its rich, velvety texture and buttery sweetness make it a kitchen staple for anyone who loves to elevate simple treats. Whether you drizzle, dip, or swirl, this caramel sauce is guaranteed to delight every time.
Thick Caramel Sauce – Rich, Velvety, and Perfectly Sweet
1 ½ cups
servings5
minutes10
minutes80
kcal15
minutesThis Thick Caramel Sauce is pure indulgence in liquid form. Smooth, glossy, and perfectly balanced between buttery richness and deep caramelized sweetness, it’s a versatile treat that transforms any dessert into something extraordinary. Drizzle it over ice cream, spoon it onto pies, swirl it into coffee, or dip apple slices for an instant cozy upgrade.
Ingredients
1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup water
½ cup heavy cream (room temperature)
3 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Melt the Sugar
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Stir gently until sugar dissolves, then stop stirring. Let it cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the mixture turns a deep amber color (about 6–8 minutes). - Add Cream & Butter
Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream—it will bubble vigorously. Stir until smooth, then whisk in the butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. - Cool Slightly
Let the sauce cool for 5–10 minutes. It will thicken as it cools. - Serve or Store
Transfer to a heat-safe jar and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Warm gently before serving.
Notes
- Use Room-Temperature Cream & Butter: Prevents the caramel from seizing.
Don’t Stir Once Boiling: Swirl the pan instead to avoid crystallization.
Watch Closely: Caramel can go from perfect to burnt in seconds—remove from heat when amber.
Thicker Sauce: Simmer an extra 1–2 minutes after adding cream for a denser consistency.