“COME ON OVER HERE WITH THAT SUGAR STICKY SWEET STUFF.” Sugarland
I always think it’s a smart idea to develop a repertoire of good, simple, basic recipes. They are always there to fall back on in a pinch, stand in for something else, and be the basis or sidekicks for other great recipes. A fantastic caramel sauce is one of those basic necessities. I especially love to warm this in the fall and dip slices of fruit in it! I love to bake this in apple or pear pies. And of course, it’s great drizzled over ice cream! I made this delicious caramel sauce now because I’ll be using it in a frosting! However you choose to use it….it’s one of the simplest things to make and keep on hand…..
…..I ADORE this sugar sticky sweet stuff!
Yields: approximately 3 cups
Level of Difficulty: easy
CARAMEL SAUCE:
- 2 cups of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
- 2 Tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 big pinches Fleur de Sel, or other good quality sea salt
In a medium heavy bottom saucepan, mix the water and sugar. Cook over low heat for 5-10 minutes until the sugar dissolves, but do not stir! Increase the heat to medium and boil, uncovered for about 5-7 minutes, until the sugar turns a warm, chestnut brown. (Sounds like a hair color!) Swirl the pan to stir the sugar. But watch carefully at this point because it can go from caramel to burnt sugar very quickly! Take the pan off of the heat and slowly and carefully add the cream and vanilla. The cream will bubble and splatter and the caramel will solidify. Add the butter and salt. Simmer over low heat, stirring constantly until the caramel is well mixed and the sauce is smooth. Cool at least 4 hours. The caramel will thicken as it cools and when it is refrigerated.
Enjoy and come back and tell me how you used this sweet and sticky sauce!
Oh my, this looks heavenly. I’ve only made it once but it was so much fun. Love the jars.
Thanks Kim. So easy to make and I love to have it on hand, especially in the fall and winter. And I collect jelly jars!
Anne, your caramel sauce sounds so wonderful…I think it would be so delicious in some freshly pressed coffee! I love that you added Fleur de Sel…salted caramel is the best!
Cassie! AWESOME idea to add it to coffee! And I find I like adding a bit of salt to most things which are meant to be sweet!
I agree completely! There are so many things you can do with a good caramel sauce. I mean besides just lick it off the spoon as is…
Jen! I could eat a jar of this stuff….. :-O
Oh my gosh I’m drooling this looks sooo good!! I haven’t made caramel since culinary school, your post makes me want to get back into the habit. You’re making me so hungry right now lol I’m going to check out your Irish cream shots post next =]
LOL….I love this stuff. As you know…it’s really easy to whip up…..as are the Irish cream shots! ;- )
Anne, this sauce looks so great! I’m saving this one because I have always wanted to try to make my own caramel sauce! This seems like it would make great little gifts for the holidays too!
Stephanie…..super easy to make and a GREAT gift idea! : )
I can think of a myriad of uses for this. However, eating it right from the jar really sounds great!
So….should I break out 2 spoons, then Sandra? ;- }
Oh, I have SO buzzed this one! I love to make/eat/cook with caramel sauce….oooh, I hate that my doctor has put a limit to all the ooey, gooey stuff I want to make! Will you make them for me? As always, FAB pictures, recipe, everything…you’re a Dessert Rock Star!
Ann….I will make all the ooey, gooey stuff! But truth be told….I don’t eat it all either. Fortunately I work in a pretty good size office….so I have lots of wonderful taste testers! Thanks so much, Ann. You always make my day! : )
I’m all about gooey, sticky caramel sauce, and this one looks just perfect for me… especially since there’s just a hint of salt to keep it from being overwhelmingly sweet.
In fact, I’d probably eat this stuff right out of the jar with nothing more than a spoon (and, let’s be honest, I’d probably skip the spoon and use a finger instead… less dishes to wash later).
Isabelle…LOL…..you are too funny! But I’m with you…..the spoon just gets in the way! : )
This looks incredible; I could easily pour this sauce over almost anything!
Thanks Ashley….I could have this sauce with anything ….or nothing! ;- )
I adore the sticky stuff too! Great idea to make for gifts but I’m not sure I could stop myself from eating the entire batch!
Don’t you just love caramel?!!! I think this makes about 3 jars….2 as gifts and one for you!
Oh this cake just looks beyond awesome!! I am such a big caramel fan so I am really excited to try your sauce!!
Alicia…thank you so much! And if you are a big caramel fan as I am…..then you will love both the cake and the sauce. And the sauce is super simple….sweet, rich and buttery! : )
I love that caramel sauce is a basic necessity
It does look very yummy.
Kelly….I like to keep it basic and simple. Caramel sauce + spoon =
Fantastic Anne, beautiful layers you have made, making me hungry now for sure.
Thanks Nava! You should dip into some! ;- )