Minute Caramel Recipe
Making homemade caramel in just a few minutes is quick and easy. Here’s a simple recipe for a quick caramel sauce:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark, depending on your preference)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions:
- Melt the Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir it constantly to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- Add Brown Sugar: Once the butter is fully melted, add the brown sugar to the saucepan. Continue stirring.
- Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Keep stirring constantly. This will take 1-2 minutes.
- Add Heavy Cream: Gradually pour in the heavy cream while continuing to stir. Be careful, as the mixture will bubble up when you add the cream.
- Cook and Thicken: Allow the mixture to boil for another 2-3 minutes while stirring. The caramel sauce will thicken as it cooks.
- Remove from Heat: Once the caramel sauce has thickened to your desired consistency (usually after about 3-5 minutes of boiling), remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Add Vanilla and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt if you like a salted caramel flavor. Be cautious with the salt; you can always add more to taste.
- Cool and Serve: Let the caramel sauce cool for a few minutes in the saucepan. It will thicken further as it cools. You can use it warm or at room temperature.
- Store: If you have any leftover caramel sauce, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop when you want to use it again.
This homemade caramel sauce is perfect for drizzling over ice cream, dipping apples, topping desserts, or using as a sweetener in various recipes. Enjoy your quick and easy caramel sauce!