• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Sweet Occasion

Learn. Bake. Enjoy.

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert
      • All Categories
      • Brownies & Bars
      • Cakes & Cupcakes
      • Cookies
      • Custards, Parfaits & Pudding
      • Frostings & Fillings
      • Frozen
      • Pies, Tarts & Crisps
    • Pastry
  • Guides
    • Baking Techniques
    • Baking Tips
    • Ingredient Guides
  • About
  • Contact
Home » Frostings & Fillings » Baking 101: How to Make Caramel Sauce

Baking 101: How to Make Caramel Sauce

March 29, 2019 By Maria Leave a Comment

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Simple steps to making homemade caramel sauce without the use of a thermometer or any special equipment.  Delicious for pies, cinnamon rolls, cakes, brownies, cheesecake, parfaits, ice cream and more!

Caramel Sauce

I use to associate caramel sauce only with the fall (aside from using it as a sundae topping).  Caramel apples and caramel apple pie to be exact.  But I have come to realize that it is definitely delicious year around and on a variety of sweets.  I can still remember the first time I made caramel buttercream when I worked as a cake decorator.  It was amazing, almost life changing.

There is nothing like making caramel sauce from scratch.  It’s absolutely delicious, so much better than store-bought, and simple to make at home without the need of a thermometer or any other special equipment.  Just a pot, basic ingredients and 15 minutes (making cleanup easy too!).

After making caramel sauce, my saucepan usually has sugar residue.  A simple way to clean this is to fill your pot with water and bring it to a boil.  This will melt your sugar and make for an easy clean up.

Caramel Sauce

How to Make Caramel Sauce

First, bring your sugar and water to a boil.  It’s important not to stir as it can cause sugar crystallization.  Allow to boil for 10-12 minutes until your mixture turns an amber color and immediately remove from the heat.  It’s key to watch your mixture closely, as even half a minute can result in overcooking (I always make sure not to have any distractions when making caramel or else I end up having to remake it).  Heavy cream and vanilla are then added followed by the butter and salt.  Everything gets whisked together and just like that you have caramel sauce.

No Thermometer Caramel Sauce

Often caramel sauce recipes require the use of a candy thermometer.  However, I much prefer to keep a close eye on the sauce and determine when it is ready by sight.  It’s one less piece of equipment to use and clean plus it’s simple to do.  Once the boiling sugar begins to take on color, I am careful not to take my eyes off the mixture until it turns amber and I remove it from the heat.  The total process of making caramel only takes about 15 minutes.

How to Store Caramel Sauce

Allow the caramel sauce to cool before transferring to a jar or container.  Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.  The caramel will thicken as it cools.  Before serving, heat on the stove for a thinner consistency.  If you prefer, you can also freeze the caramel for up to 3 months.  To use, thaw in the refrigerator and warm slightly before using.

 

Caramel Sauce

This caramel sauce is delicious and easy to make.  You are going to want to use it to drizzle on cakes, pies, cheesecakes, brownies, apple slices, cinnamon rolls, cookies, or even drizzle it in your coffee.  Enjoy!

Print
clock clock icon cutlery cutlery icon flag flag icon folder folder icon instagram instagram icon pinterest pinterest icon facebook facebook icon print print icon squares squares icon
Caramel Sauce

Caramel Sauce

  • Author: Maria
  • Yield: 1 cup 1x
  • Category: Frostings & Fillings
Print
Pin

Description

Simple steps to making homemade caramel sauce without the use of a thermometer or any special equipment.  Delicious for pies, cinnamon rolls, cakes, brownies, cheesecake, parfaits, ice cream and more!


Scale

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (120 g) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) water
  • 5 tablespoons (75 g) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

  1. In a measuring cup combine heavy cream and vanilla.  Set aside.
  2. In a small heavy bottomed saucepan, bring the sugar and water to a boil over medium high heat.  Do not stir.  Allow to boil for 10-12 minutes until it turns an amber color.  Remove from heat and whisk in cream mixture (careful the mixture will bubble up).  Whisk in butter and salt.  Allow to cool.

Keywords: caramel sauce

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @thesweetoccasion on Instagram and hashtag it #thesweetoccasion

Filed Under: Frostings & Fillings

Previous Post: « Baking 101: 7 Tips to Be a Better Baker
Next Post: Simple Carrot Cake Recipe »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Meet Maria!

Professionally trained pastry chef at your fingertips. I provide the baking knowledge and tools for bakers like you to successfully create in your kitchen. Read More…

What's holiday baking without some delicious fruit What's holiday baking without some delicious fruit desserts?  I was excited to make this simple tart using @starrrachgrowers apples, basic pastry dough, and a sprinkling of sugar and butter.  These @juici_apple apples give a beautiful hue of red and have the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavor.  What's your favorite holiday apple recipe?  #EatBakeLove⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#StarrRanchGrowers #JUICIOfficial #thesweetoccasion #apples #applebaking #appletart #holidaybaking #tart #bakingfromscratch #bakinglove #bakersofinstagram #bakingblog #piedough
New Peppermint Cake up on the blog! This three-la New Peppermint Cake up on the blog!  This three-layer white cake is flavored with peppermint and frosted with a white chocolate peppermint swiss meringue buttercream.  Add crushed candy canes for an extra fun holiday cake!  Recipe link in bio!⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip: To check for cake doneness, use the bounce-back test.  Gently press down on the cake.  If an indentation is left in the cake, then it needs more time.  If it bounces back, then it's fully baked.  You will also notice that the sides of the cake begin to pull away from the pan.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#peppermint #cake #whitechocolate #thesweetoccasion #cakesofinstagram #christmascake #layercake #cakelover #bakegram #madefromscratch #holidaybaking #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #christmascakes #holidaycake #bakingblog #bakingtips #swissmeringuebuttercream #christmasdessert #christmascakedecorating⁠
Coffee Cupcakes are definitely for the coffee love Coffee Cupcakes are definitely for the coffee lover.  Made with a delicious coffee-flavored batter that’s baked to perfection and topped with a light and airy coffee buttercream.  They’re easy-to-make using staple pantry ingredients with the exception of espresso powder that is easily found at your local supermarket.  Recipe link in bio.⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  Use a cookie scoop to easily fill your cupcake liners.  Only fill 2/3 full to prevent the cupcakes from spilling or sinking.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#coffeelover #cupcakes #thesweetoccasion #delalloeats #coffeedaily #cupcakesofinstagram #coffeecupcakes #buttercream #coffeebuttercream #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #sweets #bakingtips #cupcakestagram #bakersofinstagram #cupcakesdaily #cupcakesfordays #bakingfromscratch #bakinglove
Almond cream is such a versatile recipe that's per Almond cream is such a versatile recipe that's perfect for holiday baking.  It can be used for filling pastries like croissants, topping sliced brioche and baking until golden brown, or filling an unbaked tart shell, adding fruit, and baking until set.  Almond cream will become your best friend when creating impressive desserts for your family and friends.  Recipe link in bio!⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  If you'd like to make this cream with another nut flour, substitute half of the almond flour with your choice of nut flour.  You will still benefit from using almond flour while also using a stronger flavored nut.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#frangipane #almondcream #almond #filling #thesweetoccasion #holidaybaking #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #bakersofinstagram #bakingblog #bakingtips #frenchpastry #frenchdesserts #pastrychef #tartfilling
⁠Looking for an easy recipe this holiday season? ⁠Looking for an easy recipe this holiday season?  Try this creamy Coconut Cheesecake made with @naturesgreatestfoods organic coconut cream.  It's a decadent and delicious dessert made with a coconut graham cracker crust.  For extra flavor and texture, top this cheesecake with toasted coconut.  Recipe link in bio.⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  Do not overmix your filling, as overmixing can cause your cheesecake to crack.  Only mix until all the ingredients are just combined.  Use the paddle attachment to mix your ingredients on medium-low speed to avoid beating too much air into your filling.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#coconut #coconutcheesecake #thesweetoccasion #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #lifeofabaker #coconutcream #cheesecakes #coconutcake #toastedcoconut #grahamcracker #grahamcrackercrust #sweets #foodgram #bakegram #bakersofinstagram #cheesecakelove #cheesecakelovers⁠
The holidays are a time for lots of baking. Add c The holidays are a time for lots of baking.  Add carrot bundt cake to your list.  It's filled with a layer of cream cheese and topped with a cream cheese frosting for a delicious spiced cake that's a real crowd-pleaser.⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  Do not use store-bought shredded carrots, as it will affect your cake's moisture content.  They are very dry and lack sweetness compared to shredding your own carrots. ⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#carrotcake #creamcheesefrosting #bakedfromscratch #lifeofabaker #bakefeed #instayummy #delish #thebakefeed #holidaybaking #holidaycake #thesweetoccasion #fromscratch #easyrecipe #bakingblog #bakersofinstagram #bakingtips #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #scratchbaking #bakingblog #carrotbundtcake
⁠Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are a holiday favori ⁠Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are a holiday favorite.  They’re made with molasses and filled with a brown sugar spiced filling for a gooey and delicious winter-inspired roll.  As if these soft and fluffy rolls aren't enough, they're topped with a brown sugar cream cheese frosting for a real treat.⁠ Recipe link in bio.⁠
⁠
⁠✨Pastry pro tip:⁠ To reheat cinnamon rolls in the microwave, place a microwave-safe cup containing water in the microwave and heat thoroughly.  Add the cinnamon rolls next to the water and heat.  The steam from the hot water will prevent the rolls from becoming too dry or too soggy.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#gingerbread #cinnamonrolls #holidaybaking ##breakfastideas #thesweetoccasion #learntobake #bakingblog #learnbakeenjoy #bakingtips #scratchbaking #bakinggoals #christmasbreakfast #holidaybreakfast #creamcheesefrosting #bakefeed #foodgram #thefeedfeed #bakegram #bakersofinstagram #lifeofabaker #scratchbaking #ilovebaking #sweets #bakinglove⁠
Holiday baking can get overwhelming. To help ⁠e Holiday baking can get overwhelming.  To help ⁠ease the stress, head on over to the blog for my tips on how to freeze cookie dough.  It's convenient to do, perfect for gifting, and allows you to get ahead for all your cookie baking.⁠ Grab these tips from the link in my profile.⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  For cookies that call for rolling in sugar, such as snickerdoodle cookies, prepare the dough as directed without rolling in the sugar and add it just before baking.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#cookiedough #cookiesofinstagram #thesweetoccasion #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #bakingtips #bakingtechniques #bakinglove #madefromstratch #giftgiving #cookiegifts #bakingfromscratch #bakingcookies #freezingcookies #housewarmingcookies
⁠Dessert or breakfast? Coconut rice pudding can ⁠Dessert or breakfast?  Coconut rice pudding can certainly be either.  It's a simple-one pot pudding that is creamy and perfectly tender without being mushy.  Add a bit of granola and you have a simple yet flavorful breakfast ready in no time.⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  When making this coconut rice pudding, do not rinse the rice.  The starchiness is key to creating a creamy and thick mixture.⁠
⁠
Recipe link in bio!⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#coconutrice #ricepudding #thesweetoccasion #learntobake #bakingblog #bakersofinstagram #bakedfromscratch #learnbakeenjoy #bakingtips #pudding #instapudding #lifeofabaker #foodgram #bakegram #onepot #lovetobake #onepot
Follow on Instagram

Categories

Latest Posts

  • Brown Butter Toffee Cookies
  • Peppermint Cake
  • Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
  • Zucchini Puff Pastry Tarts
  • Birthday Cake Cookies

Archives

Footer

Follow Me

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Meet Maria!

Professionally trained pastry chef, wife, and a mom to two. Sharing my recipes, tips & techniques so that any occasion can be a sweet occasion. Read More…

  • Privacy Policy

The Latest Recipes!

Stack of brown butter cookies with toffee bits on a French wire cooling rack with milk in the backgroud.
Peppermint flavored cake with white chocolate peppermint swiss meringue buttercream on a marble round board.
Pan with frosted gingerbread flavored cinnamon rolls in a baking pan with some cinnamon rolls.

Copyright © 2021 · thesweetoccasion.com