How to make easy, creamy, and irresistible homemade caramel!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.
Don’t you just love the warming comfort of smooth and creamy caramel? I, personally, can’t get enough of it and I absolutely love incorporating that caramel-y goodness into my autumn and winter recipes. From pumpkin pie spice treats to baked apple desserts, caramel is obviously the go-to for the ultimate, irresistible, autumn flavor combinations. However, not everyone realizes just how easy it can be to make your own batch of creamy caramel right at home! Well, I’m going to remedy that for you by breaking down my simple process on how to make this Homemade Caramel!
I’ll go ahead and tell you, this caramel is just downright delectable! Once you give this caramel recipe a try it will be almost impossible to buy it from the grocery store ever again. Something about adding a little bit of love that can only come from homemade recipes really brings out the fresher flavors that you just can’t get from the manufactured caramel. So if you’re ready to make your own batch of this irresistible creamy caramel comfort food, then let’s get started!
To make the easy homemade caramel, all you need is sugar, kosher salt, water, heavy cream, butter, a saucepan, and a silicone spatula. First, preheat the saucepan over medium heat and add in the sugar, salt, and cover with water. Bring the mixture to a simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, increase the heat to medium-high and cook the caramel mixture, without stirring, until it reaches a deep golden color. Once the mixture reaches the right color, remove from heat and mix in the heavy cream and butter. Finally, let the caramel cool slightly in the pan before pouring over a cooled pastry.
Simple Caramel Equipment
This easy caramel recipe is only going to require the use of 4 kitchen tools. These tools are pretty common amongst frequent bakers, so you probably won’t have to worry about a last-minute equipment run.
Creamy Caramel Ingredients
Now let’s go over the creamy caramel ingredients! For this easy recipe, you will only need to round up 5 common baking ingredients. Again, if you bake often then you probably already have these in your kitchen.
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- ¼ tsp Kosher Salt
- ¼ cup Water
- ¼ cup Heavy Cream
- 4 tbsp Butter – cubed
How to Make Easy and Creamy Homemade Caramel
Ready to make some magic happen? I know you must be getting antsy to get your hands on some of this delightful and creamy caramel so here we go! Here’s how to make this simple homemade caramel:
- First, preheat a small saucepan over medium heat, and add in the sugar and salt, and cover with water.
- Next, bring the mixture to a simmer for about 5 minutes or until the sugar is completely dissolved, stirring only occasionally with a silicone spatula.
- Then, increase the heat to medium-high, and continue to cook the caramel mixture, without stirring, until it reaches a deep golden color.
- Brush the inside edges of the saucepan with a silicone brush and some water to avoid the caramel hardening on the sides while it simmers.
- If you have a candy thermometer, the caramel should reach 350°F.
- Once the caramel is a deep copper color, turn off the heat and immediately stir in the heavy cream and butter.
- Finally, let the caramel mixture cool just slightly in the pan, then immediately pour it on top of the cooled pastry before it starts to harden.
- Remember to let the caramel cool just to the touch, since it will begin to harden pretty quickly.
Smooth and Creamy Serving Ideas
Can’t get enough of that divine, creamy caramel? Then, you’re in luck because I have a few snacking suggestions and autumn recipes that might help you curb those cravings! Here are some top favorite snacks to dip in or drizzle with this homemade caramel.
This creamy caramel pairs perfectly with:
- Apple slices
- Blondies
- Cookies
- Popcorn
- Pretzels
Some of my top favorite autumn recipes:
- Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Glaze
- Apple Oatmeal Cookies
- Black Caramel Apples
- Pumpkin Pancakes
- Coconut Banana Pancakes
- Pumpkin Pie Mug Cake
- Pumpkin Bread
- Caramel Banana Muffins
- Pumpkin Bundt Cake
- French Toast
Other sweet and satisfying glazes and frostings to try:
- Toffee Glaze
- Caramel Glaze for Bundt Cakes
- The caramel glaze is made using a different recipe than this caramel sauce.
- Chocolate Glaze for Bundt Cakes
- Homemade Whipped Cream
- Meringue Frosting
- Homemade Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
- Chocolate Ganache
- Buttercream Frosting
- Easy Bundt Cake Glaze
- Easy Bundt Cake Frosting
- Store-bought Buttercream Frosting Hacks
Homemade Caramel
Ingredients
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- ¼ tsp Kosher Salt
- ¼ cup Water
- ¼ cup Heavy Cream
- 4 tbsp Butter Cubed
Instructions
- First, preheat a small saucepan over medium heat, and add in the sugar and salt, and cover with water.
- Next, bring the mixture to a simmer for about 5 minutes or until the sugar is completely dissolved, stirring only occasionally with a silicone spatula.
- Then, increase the heat to medium-high, and continue to cook the caramel mixture, without stirring, until it reaches a deep golden color.Brush the inside edges of the saucepan with a silicone brush and some water to avoid the caramel hardening on the sides while it simmers.If you have a candy thermometer, the caramel should reach 350°F.
- Once the caramel is a deep copper color, turn off the heat and immediately stir in the heavy cream and butter.
- Finally, let the caramel mixture cool just slightly in the pan, then immediately pour it on top of the cooled pastry before it starts to harden. Remember to let the caramel cool just to the touch, since it will begin to harden pretty quickly.
A complete list of my photography equipment
Leave a Reply