A 6-minute caramel sauce is a quick and easy way to make a delicious, creamy caramel without the need for a long, involved process. Here’s a simple recipe to whip up a batch of caramel sauce in just 6 minutes:
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Sugar:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula to ensure even melting and to prevent burning.
- Melt the Sugar:
- Continue stirring until the sugar completely melts and turns a deep amber color. Be careful not to let it burn. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Butter:
- Once the sugar is melted and has reached a deep amber color, carefully add the butter. The mixture will bubble up vigorously—this is normal. Stir until the butter is fully melted and combined.
- Add Cream:
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuing to stir. Again, the mixture will bubble up, but keep stirring until smooth and well combined.
- Add Salt and Vanilla:
- Stir in the sea salt. If you’re using vanilla extract, add it now and stir to combine.
- Cool:
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the caramel sauce cool slightly. It will thicken as it cools.
- Store:
- Transfer the caramel sauce to a heatproof jar or container. Once it’s completely cooled, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before using if it becomes too thick.
Tips
- Stirring: Constant stirring is crucial to prevent the sugar from burning. A heat-resistant spatula works well for this.
- Sugar Melting: If your sugar starts to clump or crystallize, don’t worry. Keep stirring, and it should eventually smooth out.
- Safety: Be cautious when working with hot caramel, as it can cause severe burns.
This 6-minute caramel sauce is perfect for drizzling over ice cream, pancakes, or waffles, or using as a dip for apples. Enjoy your quick and delicious caramel treat!