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6-Minute Perfect Caramel

6-Minute Perfect Caramel

Discover the secret to indulgence with this quick and irresistible 6-Minute Perfect Caramel recipe. Ready in just six minutes, it creates a smooth, buttery caramel sauce using simple pantry ingredients like sugar, butter, and cream. Perfect for drizzling over desserts, dipping fruits or pretzels, or enhancing your favorite treats with rich, luscious flavor. Ideal for last-minute cravings and foolproof even for first-timers, this recipe delivers silky, golden caramel every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Gather and Prepare Ingredients: Measure your sugar, butter, and cream precisely and have them at room temperature. This ensures the caramel comes together evenly and smoothly without clumps or separation.
  2. Melt the Sugar: Place the granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Without stirring, let it melt evenly, occasionally swirling the pan gently to prevent burning. Watch the sugar dissolve into a clear amber liquid—this is where the deep caramel flavor begins.
  3. Add Butter Carefully: Once the sugar is fully melted and has a rich golden-brown color, add the butter in chunks. Stir vigorously as it melts into a thick, bubbling mixture. This step adds incredible richness and smoothness to your caramel.
  4. Slowly Pour in Heavy Cream: Remove the pan from heat and carefully pour in the heavy cream. The mixture will bubble vigorously—keep stirring until fully incorporated for a velvety texture. This step transforms the caramel into a rich, creamy sauce.
  5. Stir in Flavorings and Cool: Add vanilla extract for aroma and a pinch of salt if desired to balance the sweetness. Let the caramel cool slightly before using or storing, allowing it to thicken to the perfect drip consistency.

Notes

  • Maintain medium heat to melt sugar evenly without burning or crystallization.
  • Avoid stirring sugar during melting to prevent graininess; swirl the pan gently instead.
  • Use fresh, high-fat cream for smoother caramel with better flavor and texture.
  • Work quickly: add butter and cream immediately once sugar is melted to prevent hardening.
  • Be careful when adding cream to hot sugar as the mixture bubbles strongly and can splash.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel, quick caramel sauce, dessert topping, easy caramel, homemade caramel, buttery caramel, caramel recipe