Caramel

Name: Caramel
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 cups
Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups sugar; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1 cup warm heavy whipping cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Total Time Prep/Total Time: 20 min.

Yield 2 cups

Test Kitchen Approved

Novice and professional bakers alike love our caramel recipe. This step-by-step guide walks you through the process of how to make the most perfect caramel, plus we give tips for avoiding common mishaps like a gritty texture or burnt caramel.

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup warm heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Place sugar in a large heavy saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, until sugar begins to melt. Gently swirl pan and use a wet pastry brush to wipe down any sugar that sticks to the sides of the pot; stir occasionally. Continue to cook until about two thirds of the sugar has melted. Reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until all sugar has melted. Continue to cook syrup until it turns a medium amber color, about 3-4 minutes.
Immediately remove from heat; carefully stir in butter until melted. Stir in heavy cream, vanilla extract, if desired, and salt.
Transfer to a small bowl; cool. Refrigerate until thickened.

Nutrition Facts

2 tablespoons: 175 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 87mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.

Fill your house with the smell of homemade caramel in just 20 minutes. This fresh caramel calls for only five ingredients and is perfect for drizzling over cakes, sundaes and more! —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan

Recipe Creator