Elevate your desserts with this easy Bourbon Caramel Sauce ready in just 15 minutes. It's rich, creamy and perfect for drizzling over ice cream, cakes, pies, and fruit, or stirring into coffee. With a hint of bourbon and the ideal sweet-salty balance, this sauce is sure to become a kitchen staple!
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Prep Time 5 minutesmins
Cook Time 10 minutesmins
Total Time 15 minutesmins
Servings 8servings
Ingredients
1/2cupgranulated sugar
1Tablespoonbourbon
1teaspoonvanilla extract
1/2teaspoonkosher salt
1/2cupheavy cream, at room temperature
4Tablespoonsunsalted butter, cubed and at room temperature
Instructions
Add the sugar in an even layer to a medium stainless steel skillet set over medium-low heat. Allow the sugar to melt and begin to caramelize into hard clumps then use a rubber spatula to stir it to combine.
Continue stirring until the sugar has completely melted and cook it until it reaches light amber in color.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the bourbon, vanilla and salt. Once combined, stir in the heavy cream and butter. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble up vigorously. Keep stirring until the caramel is smooth and well combined.
Serve warm or transfer to an airtight container and let cool completely before storing in the fridge.
Notes
Troubleshooting Tips: 1. Too thick after cooling? If your caramel becomes too thick after cooling, simply reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed to adjust the consistency. 2. Caramel crystallizing? If you notice crystals forming in your caramel, it might be because the sugar wasn’t fully dissolved or there was some water present. If this happens, try heating the caramel gently with a bit of water while stirring constantly until the crystals dissolve. 3. Burnt taste? Caramel can go from golden to burnt quickly. If you detect a burnt smell or taste, it’s best to start over with a new batch to avoid that bitter flavor.
Storage: After your caramel cools, pour it into a glass jar or container. Let it cool completely before sealing it with a lid. It'll keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. The sauce will thicken in the fridge, so you may need to warm it slightly in the microwave or gently on your stovetop before using. You can freeze this caramel sauce, too! Just store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before use, and warm gently if needed to reach the desired consistency.
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