Rich, buttery homemade caramel perfect for topping desserts or enjoying as a sweet treat.
Prep
5 min
Cook
15 min
Total
20 min
Servings
8
Difficulty
Medium
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients
Ensure all your ingredients are measured and ready to go, as the caramel-making process moves quickly.
Pro tip: Keep the heavy cream at room temperature to prevent it from seizing the caramel.
Melt the sugar
In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
Pro tip: Use a heat-resistant spatula to stir, ensuring the sugar doesn't stick to the sides.
Caramelize the sugar
Stop stirring and allow the mixture to boil until it turns a deep amber colour, about 8-10 minutes.
Pro tip: Watch closely to prevent burning; the colour should be a rich amber, not dark brown.
Add the butter
Carefully add the butter pieces, stirring constantly until fully melted.
Pro tip: The mixture will bubble vigorously, so add the butter slowly.
Incorporate the cream
Remove the pan from heat and carefully pour in the cream, stirring constantly until smooth.
Pro tip: Be cautious as the mixture will bubble up when the cream is added.
Finish the caramel
Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Let the caramel cool slightly before transferring to a jar.
Pro tip: For a thicker caramel, allow it to cool completely before using.
Tips & Tricks
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning.
- Stir constantly to ensure even heating.
- Be cautious when adding cream to avoid splattering.
- Store caramel in a sealed jar to keep it fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make homemade caramel?
Follow the steps in this recipe to make delicious homemade caramel with sugar, water, butter, cream, vanilla, and salt.
What is the best way to store homemade caramel?
Store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Can I use salted butter in caramel?
Yes, but adjust the added salt to taste if using salted butter.
Why did my caramel crystallize?
Crystallization can occur if the sugar was not fully dissolved before boiling or if sugar crystals formed on the sides of the pan.
How can I fix grainy caramel?
Reheat gently and add a little water. Stir until smooth and reboil if necessary.
Serving Suggestions
Nutrition per serving
190
Calories
0g
Protein
9g
Fat
27g
Carbs
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Kitchen & BBQ gear
What we use for recipes like this
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MOOTACO Stainless Steel Stock Pot, 36 Liters Induction Stockpot, Tri-Ply Composite Bottom Stewing Soup Pot Cater Commercial Boiling Cooking Pan with Lid (38.1 Quarts)
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A-Maze-N 6" Smoke Tube
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