Easy 4 Ingredient Homemade Caramel Sauce

This post may contain Affiliate Links. Please read our privacy policy here.

This is the easiest homemade caramel sauce recipe! This caramel is the best and easiest recipe you’ll find. It’s foolproof and only uses four ingredients. It’s the perfect topping for many desserts and one of our most popular recipes.

5-star rating for caramel sauce.
easy caramel sauce - medium heat, vanilla extract, caramel recipes, whipping cream

Our delicious caramel sauce has a creamy, rich, buttery flavor and can be used as a topping for desserts like pound cakechocolate cake, and apple crumble bars or as a dipping sauce for fruit.

Caramels are so versatile. From candies to dipping sauces, you can pour it all over bananas, an ice cream sundae cake, or brownies for an extra gooey kick.

It also makes the perfect topping for an ice cream or waffle bar or drizzled all over our gooey monkey bread or apple crisp.

how to make caramel sauce - medium heat, heavy whipping cream

History Of Caramel

We also love the rich history behind caramel. It’s part of our history with food. Early findings date caramel back to the 1650s when American settlers made hard caramel candies in a kettle. 

Our updated version has added extra fat and milk, making the modern caramel we know and love today.

If you have an event, birthday party, or dinner coming up or want to play around in the kitchen, try making your caramel sauce.

quick caramel sauce - medium heat, caramel apples, hot caramel, room temperature, easy caramel sauce

Why This Recipe Works

What we love about this easy caramel sauce recipe is that it’s straightforward and fool proof. Using these 4 ingredients, you will get a creamy sauce perfect for dipping and desserts. It’s the best best caramel sauce!

No Candy Thermometer Needed

Another great thing about this recipe is that you don’t need a candy thermometer to make it. Many recipes call for a thermometer, but this is simple and makes a creamy caramel without it. There is no special equipment needed besides a medium saucepan and a whisk. 

brown sugar, butter, sweetened condensed milk and corn syrup on a marble counter.

How to Make Creamy Caramel Sauce

Ingredients Notes

You only need 4 simple ingredients to make this easy caramel sauce! This recipe has no heavy cream, making it even easier. The full recipe and measurements are in the recipe card below.

Butter – Gives it a buttery, creamy flavor. Use pure butter for this recipe. You can use salted or unsalted butter. If you use unsalted, add a pinch of salt to the recipe while it’s heating.

Dark Brown sugar – Creates a sweet flavor and a dark amber color. It gives the caramel a sweet taste. 

Sweetened condensed milk  – The base of the sauce. It has a thick texture and is used in pies and desserts. 

Corn syrup – Helps give it a smooth texture and thickens it.

butter melting with brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk.

Directions

  • This recipe is as easy as it gets. Here are the steps you’ll take to make a homemade caramel sauce. It’s perfect for anyone making caramel for the first time.
  • Melt the butter and brown sugar in a medium saucepan on medium-low heat 
  • Then, add in the sweetened condensed milk and corn syrup. 
  • While the sauce thickens, use a whisk to mix until it thickens and the sugar melts gently. Scrape the sides of the pot too. Please pay close attention to the texture of the caramel as it’s simmering.
  • Lastly, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool a bit.

Tips for Recipe Success 

Make it ahead of time. Store it in an airtight glass container, such as a Mason Jar, and leave it in the refrigerator for 3 weeks. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. If you’re gifting it, it can stay out for 1 day.

Never leave the sauce unattended. It can quickly burn, so you want to watch it closely as it’s cooking. 

Use salted butter for the salted caramel sauce or add a little salt. Something like fleur de sel is lovely sprinkled over the top.

Use a wooden spoon or heat-proof silicone spatula to stir.

Add a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for a richer flavor.

How to Store

Once the caramel cools, add it to a glass container that you can seal with a lid. For example, Weck Jars are perfect for storing caramel sauce.

Once it’s cooled, any airtight container will work. However, it would be best to be transferred to a heatproof container to reheat it.

Refrigerate

Then, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. However, it will become hard in the refrigerator, so you must reheat the sauce before serving.

It can be reheated in a microwave-safe container in the microwave or on the stovetop. It will change the texture a little but will still work as a good dipping sauce.

Freezing

You can also freeze homemade caramel sauce for up to 3 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container, properly sealed. Just note that when reheated, the texture will become a little more liquid.

caramel sauce in a saucepan on a marble table.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between Caramel Sauce and Caramel Topping?

Admittedly, there is not much difference between sauce and topping. The biggest difference between the two is in the thickness.
Caramel sauce is thicker and usually richer, whereas a topping is thinner and sweeter. 

What Is the Shelf-Life?

It keeps nicely for up to two weeks. It must be in an air-tight container and stored in the fridge. You can also freeze caramel sauce for up to three months while maintaining its quality.

To use after it’s been in the refrigerator, simply warm the sauce up.

How Do You Make Caramel Sauce Thicker?

To make that classic, thick caramel sauce, what needs to happen?

First, keep in mind that caramel will thicken as it cools. If it’s still not as thick as you’d like, simmer it on medium heat for 5-10 minutes. This should thicken it without changing the flavor or color.

This recipe will also thicken as it sits. You won’t have any problem getting a perfect caramel sauce with the easy 4 ingredients we share below.

Is Dulce de Leche the Same as Caramel Sauce?

There’s a common misconception that caramel sauce and dulce de leche are the same, and understandably so. They are often used interchangeably because of how similar they are.

The main difference between the two is in their ingredients. Dulce de leche means “sweet milk,” and the making of it requires heating condensed milk. The sugar in the milk browns, giving it that caramel color.

Caramel, on the other hand, typically uses ingredients like butter, brown sugar, evaporated milk, salt, and sometimes vanilla extract. Recipes vary, however.

Uses for Caramel Sauce

One fun way to use your homemade caramel sauce is for dipping. Add it to a fruit board with apple slices, pears, and other delicious fruit, and dip away! It also makes the perfect dip for a dessert platter.

We even added a bowl of flaky sea salt to sprinkle on the caramel for salted caramel.

You might want to try this bourbon caramel apple recipe, as well.

Drizzle it over vanilla ice cream, ice cream sundaes, or coffee drinks.

It works wonders paired with any of these recipes too:

Sweet sauce in a glass.

This recipe requires minimal ingredients, time, or labor, and the result is a fantastic treat you can drizzle over your other favorite desserts and snacks!

Now that you know how to make one of my favorite caramel sauces, let us know what you think.

Leave a comment and review if you make this caramel recipe. We’d love to know your thoughts!

You can also FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious recipes, cocktails, desserts, and parties!

how to make caramel sauce

Easy Caramel Sauce

An easy recipe for a creamy the buttery caramel sauce!
4.51 from 146 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2 cups
Calories: 1702kcal
Author: Eden

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup salted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk, 14 ounces
  • 1/2 cup corn syrup

Instructions

  • Over medium-low heat, melt the butter and brown sugar and a medium saucepan.
    butter and brown sugar in a saucepan
  • Add the sweetened condensed and corn syrup.
  • While the sauce thickens over the next 5-7 minutes, continue to gently whisk the mixture until it thickens and the sugar melts. 
    butter melting with brown sugar
  • Take it off the heat, allow it to cool a bit. It will thicken as it cools too.
    how to make caramel sauce

Notes

  • Make it ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container and leave it in the refrigerator for 1 month. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. If you’re gifting it, it can stay out for 1 day.
  • Never leave the sauce unattended. It can quickly burn, so you want to watch it closely as it’s cooking.
  • For salted caramel sauce use salted butter.

Nutrition

Calories: 1702kcal | Carbohydrates: 281g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 63g | Saturated Fat: 40g | Cholesterol: 189mg | Sodium: 740mg | Potassium: 881mg | Sugar: 280g | Vitamin A: 1947IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 678mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @sugarandcharm or tag us #sugarandcharm!
Easy caramel sauce.

Related Posts

52 thoughts on “Easy 4 Ingredient Homemade Caramel Sauce”

  1. 5 stars
    I must say, I was skeptical, especially but it came out delicious, i added a tsp of vanilla and subned honey as i had no corn syrup! Perfect!👏👏

    Reply
  2. 5 stars
    This sauce is to die for. It is so easy to make with no special equipment needed. I have swirled it in brownies. I have put it in cookies. I have dipped some and chocolate and I have just stuck a knife in the bowl and eating some of it right from the fridge.

    Reply
  3. 5 stars
    Loved it! This doesn’t crystallize like so many other caramel sauce recipes. I didn’t have corn syrup so I used agave and it worked great! Thank you for a great recipe

    Reply
  4. 5 stars
    I have tried a few recipes for caramel sauce but this is one of the best and easiest that I have tried. Thank you for sharing a delicious and for keeps recipe!

    Reply
  5. 5 stars
    Truly, there is nothing quite like HOMEMADE caramel sauce. I prefer it salted, and love to pour it over cheesecake. Also would be great in a latte!

    Reply
  6. 5 stars
    I will be pouring this over everything!! This caramel sauce is the best & was easy to make. I will be keeping it stocked in the fridge!

    Reply
  7. 5 stars
    Wow! I made a few changes for family who are sensitive to dairy. I used homemade ghee instead of the butter, 1-11 oz. can sweetened condensed coconut milk, and substituted maple syrup for the corn syrup. Also added 3/4 t. sea salt. This was amazing. Like others said, I did have to cook it probably twice as long as stated. It was still pourable…will make again. Thanks!

    Reply
  8. 5 stars
    Made vegan version of this – substituted vegan margarine and coconut condensed milk for dairy. Also used lily white corn syrup instead of golden and added a pinch of sea salt. Delicious. Will definitely make again

    Reply
  9. 5 stars
    Love it! Been looking for something just like this for so long! Just put a layer in my brownies im baking, YUM! Great Thank You!

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




AS SEEN ON: