How to Make Perfect Caramel: Expert Tips

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients

granulated sugar (450 grams / 3 cups)

water (120 milliliters / 0.5 cup)

heavy cream (240 milliliters / 1 cup)

unsalted butter (100 grams / 0.5 cup)

salt (1 teaspoon)

We recommend:

For granulated sugar:

Prime best seller

Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar Cubes, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO,Pack of 1

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(12,536) Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar Cubes, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO,Pack of 1 $5.27 View details Prime

Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Baking, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Bulk Sugar, 2lb Bag (1-Pack)

4.8

(18,788) Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Baking, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Bulk Sugar, 2lb Bag (1-Pack) $3.74 $4.14 View details Prime

4.6

(205) C&H Pure Cane Granulated White Sugar, 25-Pound Bags $56.99 $49.98 View details

For heavy cream:

Prime

Judee's Heavy Cream Powder 5 lb - Ideal for Baking, Cooking, and Beverages - Easy-to-Mix for Liquid Cream - Delicious and 100% Gluten-Free - Enhance Coffee, Pastries, Sauces, and Soups - Rich Flavor

4.5

(680) Judee's Heavy Cream Powder 5 lb - Ideal for Baking, Cooking, and Beverages - Easy-to-Mix for Liquid Cream - Delicious and 100% Gluten-Free - Enhance Coffee, Pastries, Sauces, and Soups - Rich Flavor $61.99 View details

For unsalted butter:

Prime

4.5

(38) Kevala Cashew Butter 7 Lbs Pail $83.62 View details Prime best seller

4.6

(17,685) 4th & Heart Original Grass-Fed Ghee, Clarified Butter, Keto, Pasture Raised, Lactose and Casein Free, Certified Paleo (9 Ounces) $11.49 View details Prime

4th & Heart Himalayan Pink Salt Grass-Fed Ghee, Clarified Butter, Keto Pasture Raised, Non-GMO, Lactose and Casein Free, Certified Paleo (9 Ounces)

4.6

(10,062) 4th & Heart Himalayan Pink Salt Grass-Fed Ghee, Clarified Butter, Keto Pasture Raised, Non-GMO, Lactose and Casein Free, Certified Paleo (9 Ounces) $9.49 View details

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients to create a smooth caramel. This includes granulated sugar, water, heavy cream, unsalted butter, and a sprinkle of salt.

Make sure your heavy cream is at room temperature to avoid any splatter during the cooking process.

Step 2

Start Heating the Sugar

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water.

Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved. Once dissolved, stop stirring to allow the mixture to come to a boil.

Step 3

Monitor the Temperature

Let the sugar cook until it reaches a light amber color, around 170°C to 180°C (340°F to 356°F).

Keep an eye on the color; it can quickly turn from perfect to burnt. Remove from heat once it reaches the desired color.

Step 4

Add Cream and Butter

Carefully stir in the heavy cream (caution: it will bubble vigorously) and then add the unsalted butter.

Mix until the butter has melted and everything is well combined. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth texture.

Step 5

Finish with Salt

Finally, add a teaspoon of salt to the caramel and stir to incorporate.

Let the caramel cool slightly before using it for your desserts or as a topping. Enjoy your perfect caramel creation!

Servings

Feeling inspired to use your homemade caramel? Here are some **irresistible serving suggestions**:
- Top it on Ice Cream 🍨: A warm caramel drizzle on vanilla ice cream is pure indulgence!
- Use in Desserts: Incorporating caramel into cakes, pastries, or even cheesecakes adds a rich flavor that everyone loves.
- Fill Chocolates 🍫: Why not use your caramel as a filling for homemade chocolates? It’s a match made in heaven!
- Caramel Apple Dipping Sauce 🍏: Perfect for autumn gatherings or just an exciting sweet treat, serve with fresh apple slices.
- Gift It! 🎁: Put your caramel in a cute jar and give it as a sweet gift. After all, who doesn’t love homemade treats?

Equipment

Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan

This is essential for even heat distribution. A thin pan can cause hot spots leading to burnt caramel.

We recommend:

Made In Cookware - 4 Quart Stainless Steel Saucepan with Lid - 5 Ply Stainless Clad Sauce Pan - Professional Cookware - Crafted in Italy - Induction Compatible

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(270) Made In Cookware - 4 Quart Stainless Steel Saucepan with Lid - 5 Ply Stainless Clad Sauce Pan - Professional Cookware - Crafted in Italy - Induction Compatible $159.00 View details Prime

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(10,516) Cuisinart 6194-20 Chef's Classic 4-Quart Nonstick-Hard-Anodized, Saucepan w/Cover $45.00 $59.95 View details Prime

4.7

(6,850) Cuisinart Saucepan with Cover, Triple Ply 2-Quart Skillet, Multiclad Pro, MCP19-18N $49.95 View details

Candy Thermometer

If you can, use a candy thermometer. It helps you monitor the temperature accurately for perfect results.

We recommend:

Prime

ThermoPro TP19 Waterproof Digital Meat Thermometer for Grilling with Ambidextrous Backlit & Thermocouple Instant Read Kitchen Cooking Food Thermometer for Candy Water Oil BBQ Grill Smoker

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(14,456) ThermoPro TP19 Waterproof Digital Meat Thermometer for Grilling with Ambidextrous Backlit & Thermocouple Instant Read Kitchen Cooking Food Thermometer for Candy Water Oil BBQ Grill Smoker $29.99 $39.99 View details Prime best seller

ThermoPro TP19H Waterproof Digital Meat Thermometer for Grilling with Ambidextrous Backlit and Motion Sensing Kitchen Cooking Food Thermometer for BBQ Grill Smoker Oil Fry Candy Thermometer

4.7

(41,385) ThermoPro TP19H Waterproof Digital Meat Thermometer for Grilling with Ambidextrous Backlit and Motion Sensing Kitchen Cooking Food Thermometer for BBQ Grill Smoker Oil Fry Candy Thermometer $19.99 $22.99 View details Prime

ThermoPro TP16S Digital Meat Thermometer Smoker Candy Food BBQ Cooking Thermometer for Grilling Oven Deep Fry with Smart Kitchen Timer Mode and Backlight

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(18,498) ThermoPro TP16S Digital Meat Thermometer Smoker Candy Food BBQ Cooking Thermometer for Grilling Oven Deep Fry with Smart Kitchen Timer Mode and Backlight $21.99 $26.99 View details

Heat-Resistant Rubber Spatula

Great for stirring the mixture without damaging your cookware. Plus, it helps you scrape down the sides.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here’s how to make **gluten-free and vegan** variations of this caramel:
- Vegan Coconut Cream Caramel: Replace regular cream with full-fat coconut milk for a deliciously creamy, dairy-free alternative. 🌴
- Gluten-Free Caramel: The original recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure any added ingredients, like vanilla extract, are gluten-free as well. 💚

Faq

What should I do if my caramel crystallizes?
If your caramel crystallizes, try adding a little water and gently reheating while stirring to dissolve the sugar again.
How can I tell when my caramel is done?
Caramel is ready when it reaches a deep amber color and a temperature of about 350°F (175°C).
Can I add flavors to my caramel, like vanilla or sea salt?
Absolutely! Once removed from heat, add vanilla extract for a flavor boost, or sprinkle sea salt for a delightful contrast.
What's the best way to store homemade caramel?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for a week or refrigerate it for up to a month.
How can I make my caramel less sweet?
Consider using less sugar and adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness, or incorporate more cream for a lighter flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just ensure your saucepan is large enough and keep an eye on temperature, as it may cook differently.