🍬 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This thick caramel sauce recipe is:

• ✅ Easy to make with just a few ingredients
• ✅ Perfectly smooth and rich — no graininess or bitterness
• ✅ Versatile — use it for desserts, drinks, or gifting
• ✅ Customizable — make it classic, salted, or even spiced

The secret to a perfect caramel is patience and precision — and with this simple step-by-step method, you’ll master it in no time.

🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• A pinch of salt (or up to ½ teaspoon for salted caramel)

That’s it — just five ingredients to caramel perfection!

🍯 How to Make Thick Caramel Sauce

1. Melt the sugar

Place the sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly with a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon as it melts. The sugar will first clump, then gradually turn into a golden amber liquid. Be patient — this part takes a few minutes.

2. Add the butter

Once the sugar is fully melted and a deep golden color, add the butter. It will bubble up vigorously — that’s normal! Stir until the butter is completely melted and combined.

3. Pour in the cream

Slowly and carefully pour in the heavy cream while stirring. The mixture will bubble again but will smooth out as it cooks. Let it simmer for about 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly.

4. Add flavor

Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

5. Cool and store

Let the caramel cool for about 15 minutes before pouring it into a glass jar or container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Reheat gently in the microwave or over low heat to serve.

🍎 Serving Ideas

This thick, luscious caramel sauce pairs beautifully with just about anything. Try it:

• Drizzled over ice cream or cheesecake
• Swirled into coffee, hot chocolate, or milkshakes
• Poured over pancakes, waffles, or French toast
• Used as a dip for apples or pretzels
• Added between cake layers or on top of brownies

And if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top makes it absolutely irresistible.

💡 Tips for Success

• Use a heavy-bottomed pan — it prevents burning.
• Warm the cream slightly before adding to avoid sudden bubbling.
• Don’t walk away! Sugar can go from perfect to burnt in seconds.
• For an extra-thick texture, simmer an additional minute or two after adding the cream.