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This has been a favorite Café recipe for years, and though I shared it in the early days of the blog (with these Cider Poached Apples w/ Cinnamon Pastry Stems), it's difficult, if not impossible to find in the deep, dark recesses of The Café archives.
I felt like the delicious, unadulterated sauce needed a page of it's own, so here it is! Once you make it, I think you'll agree; it's so much better than anything you can purchase.
And guess what? I'm quite certain you already have all the ingredients needed to prepare it. If you have 10 minutes to spare, (less time than it takes to run to the market) you can have your own jar, cruet, bottle of this fabulous Ridiculously Easy Caramel Sauce. And you'll NEVER use that grocery store stuff again.
P.S. Did you notice the yummy dessert in the photos? You'll want to make a batch of Ridiculously Easy Caramel Sauce over the weekend. That way you'll be all set for the World's Easiest Apple Crumble, Monday's post. You don't want to miss this one!
- 1 stick butter 4 ounces
- ¾ cup dark brown sugar you can use light brown sugar too, but the sauce will be a bit lighter in color
- ½ cup whipping or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla or vanilla bean paste
- a pinch of sea salt
-
Melt butter in a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and whisk vigorously to combine.
-
Add cream. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add vanilla and a pinch of sea salt. Stir until combined. Serve warm or allow to cool. Stir vigorously, then store in refrigerator. Mixture will thicken as it cools. After refrigeration, warm slightly in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Mari @ Once Upon a Plate says
I almost licked the screen! Delicious, Easy, and Beautiful??! Just the kind of recipes I like ~ and I cannot wait for the Apple Crumble recipe, absolutely perfect for this time of year. Thanks for sharing Chris. 🙂
Kitchen Riffs says
It's odd, I know how easy it is to make caramel sauce, but I never do. But that's going to change - you've inspired me! Totally fun post - thanks.
Julia | JuliasAlbum.com says
Love that huge jar full of caramel sauce - it looks like you made a ton! 🙂 or maybe the jar just looks huge in the photos. Anyway, I'd like to have this glass jar filled with homemade caramel sauce in my house right now!
Anonymous says
How long would this caramel sauce keep in a mason jar in the fridge?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi, I have, on occasion, kept it for several weeks, though ususally it doesn't last that long 🙂 Chris
Liz Berg says
Oh, man, both your apple dessert and caramel sauce sound incredible!!! I know I need both recipes in my repertoire 🙂
Andrea_TheKitchenLioness says
Chris, I love ALL your recipe ideas - always so very inspiring. And, yes, I have all the ingredienst on hand, this will be lovely with our vanilla ice cream on Monday - thanks for sharing this wonderful sauce recipe! Looking forward to the apple crumble recipe on Monday - taking the kids to a farm today, I shall get some extra apples then!
Have a great Sunday! Und liebe Grüße aus Bonn!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Ooh Chris I don't think I should be making something like this at the moment. I'd probably drink it two seconds after making it. Yum!
Joy Bee says
This is easy. I'm already thinking of yummy things to our it over like pancakes, waffles, apple fritters, cinnamon buns....wow.
Sue/the view from great island says
Love how it dribbles and drips...:)
Debra Eliotseats says
I see a dessert that highlights this sauce in our weekend eating!!!!!!
Ms Lemon of Make Mine Lemon says
I am getting ready to make an apple crumble, so now I guess it is getting a little caramel on it. Chris this just looks delicious.
Angie Schneider says
Indeed very easy, Chris. Thanks for sharing.
Have a great weekend!
Esther@thefussfreechef says
Wow Chris, this sauce sounds fantastic! My only problem is finding good quality vanilla bean paste....once i get that, i will make this! Thanks for sharing great and simple recipes like these 🙂
Ginny says
This looks awesome and would be great on vanilla ice-cream. But the vanilla bean paste, wonder if it would be almost a good if left out...I have never seen any.
Hovkonditorn says
Oh, it looks so delicious! Thanks for sharing this great recipe.
Cathy says
Yummy! I can just taste this on some apple dumplings! Or vanilla ice cream! Or....
Georgia | The Comfort of Cooking says
This easy caramel sauce would be SO dangerous in my house! It looks incredible, Chris! I'd drizzle it over everything and sprinkle on a little salt...
Cher Rockwell says
Yes! Homemade caramel totally rules. (I think the sea salt is mandatory!)
Looking forward to the crumble.
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
You made this sauce look so darn easy, I have to make it!
Lynn@Happier Than a Pig in Mud says
That really is easy! Sounds good too:@)
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Oh yes, I absolutely need this sauce in my life!
La Table De Nana says
Perfectly easy! Must be great on that crumble:)
We love butter brickle en groupe and this would be great for it..Thanks!
Have a good weekend~
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
Your recipe sounds great Chris. I love to make homemade caramel sauce and each recipe I've tried is great in its own way. (P.S. butter sticks are 8 tablespoons - so maybe that's the confusion.)
Anonymous says
I am confused....isn't 1 stick of butter 8 oz?
Chris Scheuer says
HI, It can be a bit confusing but 1 stick is 4 oz. There are 4 sticks in a pound box.
Latoyia Thomas says
1 stick is 8 tablespoons, maybe that's what you're thinking of.
Latoyia Thomas says
One stick is 8 tablespoons, maybe that's what you're thinking of.
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
Beautiful caramel sauce...One of my favs because resembles dulce de leche! Over the apple crumb, it is to die for.