Name: The Best Caramel Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; 6 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into pieces, at room temperature; ½ cup heavy cream, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon kosher salt

If you're looking for the most dreamy, silky, and downright irresistible caramel sauce, you've just found it! This is the best caramel sauce-seductively buttery, rich with deep amber flavor, and so easy you'll want it on repeat.

Imagine a warm, glossy caramel ribbon draping over ice cream, brownies, cakes, or even your morning latte. That perfect balance of sweet and salty, that ultra-creamy texture… this is caramel heaven in a jar.

What makes this caramel sauce a total must-try? You need just a handful of pantry staples and 15 minutes for show-stopping results-no candy thermometer, no fuss, just pure indulgence. It's my forever favorite for gifting or making any dessert feel gourmet.

Serve it at your next holiday gathering, drizzle onto apple slices for a quick snack, or swirl into coffee for café vibes at home. One spoonful and you'll never buy store-bought again!

A jar of luscious homemade caramel sauce, glistening and golden, with a spoonful dripping over the side.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Foolproof and fast-ready in just 15 minutes with zero stress
Ultra-creamy texture you won't get from store-bought
Perfectly balanced sweet and salty flavor
Versatile-drizzle over desserts, fruit, pancakes, and more

Key Ingredients for The Best Caramel Sauce

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Granulated Sugar

Sugar is the foundation of any caramel sauce, giving it that classic deep golden color and rich flavor. Opt for standard white granulated sugar for the most reliable melting and a clean caramel taste. Organic cane sugar will work too, but may produce a slightly lighter flavor and color. Avoid coarse or raw sugars, as they can be harder to melt evenly.

Unsalted Butter

Butter is what transforms caramel from a basic syrup to a decadent, velvety sauce. I recommend good-quality unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness. If you only have salted butter, simply reduce the added salt later to taste.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream adds luscious body and creaminess, creating that pourable, dreamy consistency. Make sure your cream is at room temperature (or at least slightly warm) to prevent the caramel from splattering or seizing when added. Half-and-half can work in a pinch, but your sauce will be thinner.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla enhances the deep caramel notes and gives that finishing sweet aroma. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. For a special twist, try vanilla bean paste for pretty specks throughout your sauce.

Kosher Salt

A pinch of salt elevates all the flavors and tames the sweetness. I love using flaky sea salt for finishing, too. If you only have table salt, just use a little less-it's a bit saltier by volume.

Instructions for The Best Caramel Sauce

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Melt the Sugar

Add 1 cup granulated sugar to a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Set over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly with a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon. The sugar will start clumping, then melt into a golden liquid-keep stirring and don't walk away!

Add the Butter

Once the sugar is fully melted and amber in color, immediately add 6 tablespoons of butter (be careful-mixture will bubble vigorously!). Stir rapidly until the butter is melted and fully combined, making sure all butter is incorporated before moving to the next step.

Pour in the Cream

Remove the pan from heat. Slowly pour in ½ cup heavy cream while stirring. The caramel will bubble up again, so work carefully. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and glossy.

Finish with Vanilla and Salt

Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Mix until evenly combined. The caramel sauce will thicken as it cools.

Cool and Store

Let the caramel cool for about 10 minutes in the pan, then pour into a clean heatproof jar or container. Cool to room temperature before sealing. Use warm or store for later!

Recipe Variations

Make It Dairy-Free

For a vegan or dairy-free caramel, swap out the butter for vegan butter and substitute canned full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream for the heavy cream. The flavor will have a subtle coconut note, but the richness and texture will be just as luscious.

Salted Caramel Dream

Amp up the salt! Stir in up to 1 full teaspoon of flaky sea salt at the end or sprinkle extra over the cooled sauce. It's perfect for anyone who loves that sweet-salty combo and elevates desserts like brownies or chocolate cake.

Bourbon Caramel

Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon with the vanilla for a grown-up twist. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a beautiful, complex warmth that pairs amazing with apple pie or bread pudding.

Spiced Variation

For a cozy autumn vibe, add ¼ teaspoon cinnamon and a tiny pinch of nutmeg or cardamom with the vanilla. It's incredible drizzled over roasted pears or pumpkin cheesecake.

Serving Suggestions

This caramel sauce turns any treat into a celebration. Drizzle generously over vanilla ice cream, apple pie, brownies, or bread pudding for a decadent touch. Stir a spoonful into warm coffee, swirl into oatmeal, or use as a dip for fresh apple slices! For extra flair, sprinkle with flaky sea salt or chopped toasted nuts just before serving.

Storage and Reheating

Store cooled caramel sauce in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, microwave the sauce in 10-15 second bursts, stirring in between, until warm and pourable. You can also reheat gently in a small saucepan over low heat. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months-thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Caramel Sauce (FAQ)

Q: Why did my caramel seize or turn grainy?

A: This usually happens if the sugar isn't fully melted or the cream is too cold. Always use room-temperature cream and stir well throughout each step.

Q: Can I double this recipe?

A: Absolutely! Simply use a larger saucepan and double all ingredients. Watch closely, as the sugar will take slightly longer to melt.

Q: How do I make my caramel thicker or thinner?

A: For a thicker caramel, simmer it for an extra minute or two after adding the cream. For a thinner sauce, add an extra tablespoon of cream at the end.

This really is the best caramel sauce-so easy, so rich, and so much better than anything store-bought! I can't wait for you to try it. If you give it a go, be sure to leave a comment or rating below and let me know how you served yours!

★★★★★ 4.90 from 176 ratings