Easy Homemade Caramel Recipe
This Easy Homemade Caramel Recipe is rich, buttery, and incredibly simple! Just four ingredients create a luscious caramel perfect for drizzling or dipping.
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Heat-resistant candy thermometer (optional)
- Glass jar or airtight container
Ingredients
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, add your stick of unsalted butter. Place the saucepan over medium heat and allow the butter to melt completely, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t brown.
- Once the butter is melted, add the packed light brown sugar to the saucepan. Stir the mixture until it is well combined and starts to bubble, making sure there are no lumps of sugar remaining.
- After the brown sugar has dissolved, slowly pour in the heavy whipping cream while stirring continuously. Be cautious as the mixture may bubble up. Keep stirring until fully combined.
- Sprinkle in the sea salt and stir it into the caramel mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed to balance the sweetness.
- Continue cooking the caramel, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired consistency. If using a candy thermometer, aim for around 240°F (soft ball stage). For a thicker caramel, cook a little longer.
- Remove the caramel from heat and carefully pour it into a glass jar or airtight container. Allow it to cool to room temperature before sealing.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
- Keep heat at medium to allow sugar to melt evenly and avoid burning.
- If caramel crystallizes, add a small splash of water and gently reheat to smooth it out.
- Try dark brown sugar for a deeper, richer flavor variation.
- Store caramel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.