Brown Sugar Caramel Sauce

A quick and decadent caramel sauce made with brown sugar, butter, and cream — perfect for drizzling over ice cream, pancakes, or your favorite desserts.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: ~15 minutes
Yield: ~1.5 cups
Dietary: Gluten-free, Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • Light brown sugar – 1 cup, packed

  • Unsalted butter – ½ cup

  • Heavy cream – ½ cup (slightly warmed)

  • Salt – ¼ tsp

  • Vanilla extract – 1 tsp

Instructions

  1. Prepare ingredients: Measure all ingredients. Warm the heavy cream slightly in a small saucepan or microwave (about 30 seconds) to prevent seizing.

  2. Melt sugar: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, add the brown sugar. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula until the sugar begins to melt and bubble (2–3 minutes). Continue until smooth.

  3. Add butter: Add the butter all at once. Expect vigorous bubbling — keep stirring until fully incorporated (1–2 minutes).

  4. Add cream: Slowly pour in the warmed cream while stirring. The mixture will bubble up dramatically — keep stirring until smooth and cohesive (about 1–2 minutes).

  5. Season & finish: Remove from heat. Stir in the salt and vanilla extract. Taste and adjust salt as needed.

  6. Cool & serve: Let the sauce cool for 5–10 minutes. It will thicken as it cools to the perfect drizzling consistency.

Quick Notes & Pro Tips

  • Temperature control: Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the sugar.

  • Use a heavy-bottomed pan: It helps distribute heat evenly and prevents scorching.

  • Don’t panic at the bubbling: This is normal when adding butter and cream — just keep stirring.

  • Make it salted caramel: Increase the salt to ½ tsp for a salted caramel variation.

Why You’ll Love It

This recipe is foolproof, quick, and delivers a rich, buttery caramel flavor with a touch of molasses from the brown sugar. It’s pourable when warm and thickens to a spoonable consistency when cooled — perfect for desserts, breakfast treats, or even as a dip for fruit.

Serving Suggestions

  • Drizzle over ice cream, cheesecake, or apple pie

  • Spoon onto pancakes, waffles, or crepes

  • Swirl into coffee or hot chocolate for a caramel latte

  • Use as a dip for apple slices or churros

Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Refrigerate: Store in a jar or airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

  • Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.

  • Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Q: Can I use dark brown sugar?
A: Yes, but expect a deeper, more pronounced molasses flavor.

Q: Why is my sauce grainy?
A: It may have crystallized from high heat. Stir constantly and avoid overcooking.

Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Absolutely — just use a larger saucepan and stir continuously for even cooking.

Personal Note

This is my go-to caramel when I need a fast, luxurious topping. It takes only minutes, yet the flavor is incredible — the perfect finishing touch for homemade desserts or even a weekday treat.

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