Thick Caramel Sauce

🧾 Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter — unsalted (do not substitute)
• 2 cups packed brown sugar — light or dark brown, depending on flavor depth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt (optional, or use flaky salt for salted caramel version)

🔥 Instructions

1. Melt the butter
   In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely.
2. Add brown sugar
   Stir in the brown sugar until combined. Keep stirring until the mixture looks thick and smooth (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Add the cream
   Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly. The mixture will bubble — that’s normal! Keep whisking.
4. Simmer until thick
   Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 5–7 minutes, stirring often.
   The sauce will start to thicken as it cooks (and even more once it cools).
5. Add vanilla and salt
   Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract (and salt, if desired).
   Let cool slightly before using — it will thicken beautifully as it cools.

🍮 Tips for Perfect Texture

• Use heavy cream, not milk — this makes it thick and rich.
• Don’t boil too hard; gentle simmering prevents grainy texture.
• Store in a jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently in the microwave before using.

🍰 Serving Ideas

• Drizzle over ice cream, brownies, pancakes, or cheesecake
• Mix into lattes or hot chocolate
• Use as a dip for apple slices or churros