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Silky Brown Sugar Caramel Sauce

Silky Brown Sugar Caramel Sauce is a timeless topping that transforms desserts and drinks into luxuriously sweet indulgences. Rooted in French pastry tradition, caramel emerged in the 17th century as artisans discovered that gently heated sugar took on deep amber hues and rich, nutty aromas. This version blends packed brown sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream for a sauce that’s silky smooth with warm molasses undertones and a luscious mouthfeel. In American coffee culture, caramel sauce has become iconic, elevating lattes, frappes, and iced coffees with its velvety sweetness. Beyond cafes, it drizzles elegantly over ice cream, pancakes, and savory dishes like roasted squash or grilled pork for a harmonious balance of sweet and savory. The pinch of salt in this recipe accentuates its nuanced flavors, making each spoonful irresistibly complex. Easy to make on the stovetop with pantry staples, this caramel sauce can be prepared in minutes and stored for up to a week, ready to enrich everything from breakfast to evening treats. Yielding about 3/4 cup (180 mL), this sauce is perfect for adorning treats or storing in the fridge until your next craving.

French | Egg-Free | Gluten-Free | Nut-Free | Shellfish-Free | Soy-Free | Vegetarian | Caramel Sauce | Saucepan | Stovetop | Brown Sugar | Heavy Cream | Unsalted Butter | Simmering | Stirring | Under 1 Hour | Under 30 Minutes | Under 45 Minutes
Time to complete

Prep

5min

Cook

11min

Wait

15min

Total

31min

Ingredients (3/4 cup (180 mL), yields 6 servings (2 tablespoons/30 mL each))
  • 1/2 cup (110 g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (60 mL) heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
  • Calories: 334
  • Fat: 12
  • Protein: 1.1
  • Carbohydrates: 57
  • Fiber: 0
Directions

Preparation

  • 1. Gather and measure all ingredients.

Cooking the Caramel

  • 2. In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the brown sugar, unsalted butter, heavy cream, and salt over medium-low heat.
  • 3. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the butter melts, about 1 minute.
  • 4. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and turns a deep amber color, about 10 minutes.

Finishing and Cooling

  • 5. Remove the pan from heat and let the sauce cool for 15 minutes to thicken.
  • 6. Transfer to a jar or airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Cookix's Secrets

Boozy

  • Stir in 2 tablespoons of bourbon or rum after removing from heat for an adult-friendly sauce.

Chocolate

  • Whisk in 2 ounces (56 g) of chopped dark chocolate off the heat for a mocha caramel.

Dairy-Free

  • Replace heavy cream and butter with coconut cream and dairy-free margarine for a vegan caramel sauce.

Flavor Enhancement

  • Stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract off the heat for a deeper flavor.
  • Add a pinch of flaky sea salt at the end for a salted caramel twist.

Healthier

  • Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a lower-glycemic version.

Spiced

  • Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice during simmering for a seasonal twist.

Storage

  • Reheat gently in a warm water bath before serving to restore pourable consistency.

Technique

  • Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent hotspots.
  • Warm the heavy cream before adding to the caramel to avoid temperature shock and seizing.