Description
This 6-Minute Perfect Caramel recipe delivers rich, buttery, and smooth caramel quickly using simple pantry staples. Perfect for drizzling over desserts, stirring into drinks, or enjoying by the spoonful, it provides a reliable texture and irresistible flavor every time.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Granulated Sugar – 1 cup (200g)
- Unsalted Butter – 6 tablespoons (85g), cut into pieces
- Heavy Cream – 1/2 cup (120ml), room temperature
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
- Salt (optional) – pinch
Instructions
- Step 1: Melt the Sugar – Begin by adding granulated sugar to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Heat the sugar slowly, stirring occasionally at first, until it begins to melt and turns a rich amber color. This step is crucial for developing the deep caramel flavor without burning.
- Step 2: Add Butter – Once the sugar is fully melted and fragrant, immediately add the unsalted butter. Stir vigorously to combine, allowing the butter to melt completely and create a smooth mixture.
- Step 3: Stir in the Cream – Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. The mixture will bubble vigorously, so careful attention here leads to gorgeous, creamy caramel. Keep stirring until fully combined.
- Step 4: Add Vanilla and Salt – Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt if desired. This final touch boosts aroma and balances the sweetness thoughtfully.
- Step 5: Cool and Store – Let your caramel cool slightly before transferring it to a heat-safe jar or container. It will thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks a bit runny initially.
Notes
- Use fresh cream and butter for the best flavor and texture.
- Watch the sugar closely to prevent burning; sugar can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
- Adding room temperature cream prevents the caramel from seizing or clumping.
- Stir constantly after adding butter to create an evenly smooth consistency.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan to avoid hot spots and uneven caramelization.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: caramel sauce, quick caramel, homemade caramel, easy caramel recipe, buttery caramel