Looking to elevate your desserts in under 10 minutes? This 6-Minute Caramel Sauce is the answer! Silky, golden, and buttery-sweet, this homemade caramel can be whipped up quickly with just a few basic ingredients—and no candy thermometer needed. Whether drizzled over ice cream, poured onto cakes, or used for dipping fruit, this sauce delivers the perfect balance of rich flavor and creamy texture.
Ingredients
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1 cup granulated sugar (fine)
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6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes
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½ cup heavy cream
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
Directions
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Melt the Sugar
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly using a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula. The sugar will begin to form clumps before melting into a smooth, amber-colored liquid. -
Watch Closely
Keep stirring to prevent burning. Once all the clumps have dissolved and the sugar becomes a deep golden color, it’s ready for the next step. -
Add the Butter
Immediately add the cubed butter. The mixture will bubble vigorously—this is normal. Stir until the butter is completely melted and incorporated. -
Incorporate the Cream
Slowly and carefully pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Expect more bubbling as the cold cream hits the hot caramel. Continue stirring until smooth. -
Add Flavor
Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Mix until fully combined. -
Cool and Use
Let the caramel cool slightly before using or transferring to a jar for storage.
Serving Suggestions
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Drizzle over: ice cream, brownies, pancakes, or cheesecakes
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Dip with: apple slices, bananas, pretzels, or churros
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Stir into: coffee or milkshakes for a rich caramel twist
Storage Tips
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Store leftover caramel in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
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To reheat, microwave gently in 15–20 second intervals or warm on the stovetop over low heat.
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If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of cream while reheating.
Final Thoughts
This 6-Minute Caramel Sauce proves that you don’t need hours or fancy equipment to create something indulgent and delicious. With its deep, buttery flavor and versatile uses, this quick caramel will become your go-to topping for all things sweet.