Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Brown Sugar Caramel Sauce is the ultimate addition to any dessert. The richness of brown sugar combined with the creamy texture of heavy cream and butter results in a luxuriously smooth sauce with a deep, comforting flavor. The vanilla extract and pinch of salt add the perfect finishing touch, balancing the sweetness with a hint of warmth. Best of all, it’s super easy to make and can be stored for later use.

Ingredients

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Brown Sugar Caramel Sauce

Directions

Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted, add the brown sugar and stir until fully combined.
Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture thickens slightly.
Add the Heavy Cream: Gradually add the heavy cream while stirring, then bring the mixture back to a simmer. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, continuing to stir frequently.
Finish the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
Cool and Serve: Let the caramel sauce cool slightly before using. If it thickens too much as it cools, you can reheat it gently over low heat or in the microwave.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: Makes about 1 cup

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist on your caramel sauce.
Boozy Flavor: Stir in a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to infuse the caramel sauce with a rich, boozy depth.
Vegan Option: Use dairy-free butter and coconut cream as substitutes for the butter and heavy cream to make a vegan caramel sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: This caramel sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in an airtight container.
Reheating: If the sauce thickens too much after cooling, gently reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a little water or cream if needed to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?

While white sugar can be used, brown sugar gives the sauce its signature rich flavor and darker color. It’s best to stick with brown sugar for this recipe.

2. How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Be sure to keep the heat on medium and stir constantly to prevent the mixture from burning. Caramel can burn quickly if left unattended.

3. Can I make this caramel sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can make this sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently when you’re ready to use it.

4. Can I use this sauce for making caramel apples?

Yes, this sauce works great for dipping caramel apples. Let it cool slightly so it thickens to the right consistency for dipping.

5. How can I adjust the consistency of the sauce?

If the sauce is too thick, simply add a bit more cream or water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken.

6. Can I add chocolate to make a chocolate caramel sauce?

Absolutely! You can melt some chocolate into the caramel sauce for a chocolate caramel twist.

7. How do I know when the caramel is ready?

The caramel should have thickened slightly and become glossy. If you dip a spoon into it, it should coat the back of the spoon.

8. Can I use this sauce in baked goods?

Yes! This caramel sauce works wonderfully in cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or even as a filling for pies and pastries.

9. Can I freeze this caramel sauce?

While it’s not ideal, you can freeze the caramel sauce. Store it in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to use it, let it thaw and reheat gently.

10. Can I make this without heavy cream?

Heavy cream gives the sauce its creamy consistency, but you can substitute with half-and-half or a non-dairy option like coconut cream for a lighter version.

Conclusion

This Brown Sugar Caramel Sauce is the perfect sweet addition to any dessert. It’s creamy, rich, and easy to make with just a few ingredients. Drizzle it over ice cream, cakes, pancakes, or use it as a dip for fruits or cookies. With its comforting flavor and smooth texture, this sauce will become your go-to for all things caramel!

Brown Sugar Caramel Sauce

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Brown Sugar Caramel Sauce is a rich, velvety treat made with brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, and vanilla, perfect for drizzling over desserts like ice cream, pancakes, or cakes.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: Makes about 1 cup
Category: Dessert Sauce
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar and stir until fully combined.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture thickens slightly.
Gradually add the heavy cream while stirring, then bring the mixture back to a simmer. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, continuing to stir frequently.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
Let the caramel sauce cool slightly before using. If it thickens too much as it cools, gently reheat it over low heat or in the microwave.