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Ina Garten Caramel Sauce

Ina Garten Caramel Sauce

  • Author: Garin Elwood
  • Prep Time: 5
  • Cook Time: 10
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x
  • Category: Sauce/Dessert Topping
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Ina Garten’s Caramel Sauce is a classic homemade sauce made by cooking sugar until it melts and caramelizes, then adding butter and heavy cream to create a rich, smooth consistency. The result is a luxurious sauce with a deep amber color and a buttery, sweet flavor that can elevate any dessert. This sauce is perfect for drizzling over ice cream, pancakes, or even fresh fruit.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup of water
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) of unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt (optional, for salted caramel)

Instructions

  1. Melt the Sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved. Once the sugar is dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture cook.
  2. Caramelize the Sugar: Allow the sugar to cook until it turns a deep amber color. This process will take about 5-7 minutes, but watch carefully as it can burn quickly. Swirl the pan gently to ensure even cooking, but do not stir.
  3. Add the Butter: Once the sugar has caramelized, remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully add the butter, whisking constantly until it is fully incorporated. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious.
  4. Incorporate the Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If using, add the pinch of sea salt for a salted caramel version.
  5. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the caramel sauce.
  6. Cool and Store: Allow the caramel sauce to cool slightly in the saucepan before transferring it to a heatproof jar or container. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.