Description
A silky, boozy caramel that’s ideal for drizzling over ice cream, stirring into coffee, or jarred up as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp light corn syrup
- pinch fine salt
- 1/2 cup heavy (whipping) cream
- 1 tbsp bourbon
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (½ stick), cut into pieces
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place the sugar, water, corn syrup, and salt in a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Warm over medium–high heat, gently swirling the pan now and then so the sugar cooks evenly.
- Keep a close eye as the mixture changes from clear to pale gold and then to a deep amber — think the color of strong iced tea. This color change can happen quickly once it starts, so don’t wander off.
- Once the caramel reaches that rich amber tone, remove the pan from the heat. Stand back and slowly pour in the heavy cream — the mixture will bubble and steam, so add it cautiously. Whisk until the foam settles and the sauce smooths out.
- Off the heat, whisk in the bourbon, then add the butter pieces a few at a time until fully incorporated and glossy. Stir in the vanilla last.
- Let the sauce cool slightly, then transfer it into a heatproof jar or container. It will thicken as it cools.
Notes
- Storage & Use
- Keep refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to 2–3 weeks.
- To loosen the sauce, warm gently in the microwave in short bursts (10–15 seconds) or heat slowly in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring to recombine.
- Delicious warm over ice cream, spooned onto pound cake, mixed into coffee, or used as a dip for apple slices.
- Quick Tips
- Use a heavy pan to prevent hot spots and burning.
- Do not stir the sugar mixture while it’s cooking — gentle swirling is safer and reduces the chance of crystallization.
- If you’d rather skip alcohol, omit the bourbon and add an extra 1/2 tsp vanilla for depth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2tablespoons
- Calories: 146kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 47mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Cholesterol: 21mg