Learn how to make easy homemade caramel sauce to use for apple dipping, dessert toppings or drink mix-ins! In just a few minutes and few simple steps, you can enjoy this delicious caramel at home. Looking to make gourmet caramel apples yourself? You might enjoy this recipe, too!

We love caramel at our house! Have you ever made holiday caramels over the stovetop? I used to, but now I always use this super easy microwave caramels recipe and they’re finished in just over 6 minutes! You’ll have to give them a try.

Easy homemade caramel sauce is so fun to whip up yourself. Yes, you can purchase it from the store but it is so quick to make at home, and has just a few simple ingredients…nothing unnecessary!

How to make simple homemade caramel sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add brown sugar and whisk until well incorporated.
Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil.
Stir while boiling, for 2 minutes.
Turn off heat and add vanilla and pinch of salt.
Cool in a jar in the fridge and use for up to 3 weeks. It will thicken as it fully cools.
Use as a dipping caramel or sauce for desserts like brownies, cheesecake and ice cream, or to sweeten warm drinks.

What supplies will I need?

A small pan, a whisk, and a jar and lid to store the caramel sauce in. If you’d like to make caramel to give away as a gift, you could add a little square of fabric around the lid and tie with twine. It would be fun to add a little tag and even gift the caramel with a little basket of fresh apples.

How do I store homemade caramel sauce?

After allowing the caramel to cool a bit, pour into a glass jar or a heat safe container with a lid. Store caramel in the refrigerator, tightly sealed for 2-3 weeks. The caramel will become thicker in the fridge because it is chilled, so you can spoon some out and warm for a few seconds in the microwave to get your desired consistency.

Uses for caramel sauce

Drizzle over Ice Cream
Use as a drink mix in or garnish (check out this recipe for pumpkin spice steamers!)
Top on these amazing brownies to make them extra rich and indulgent
Use for dipping apple slices or other treats like pretzels or cookies
Drizzle on top of cake (like this amazing pumpkin spice sheet cake!)
Make up small jars and give away as gifts!

Simple Homemade Caramel Sauce

5 from 1 vote

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Course Dessert

Ingredients

1/2 Cup Butter (one stick)
1 Cup Light Brown Sugar
2/3 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
1 Teaspoon Vanilla extract
Pinch of salt (Less than 1/8 teaspoon)

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and whisk until well incorporated. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil. Once boiling (doesn't stop while stirred), stir and allow to boil 2 full minutes. Turn off heat and add vanilla and pinch of salt. Cool in a jar in the fridge and use for up to 3 weeks. It will thicken as it fully cools. This is a great dipping caramel or sauce for desserts like brownies, cheesecake and ice cream, or to sweeten drinks. ENJOY!