Bourbon Caramel Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This rich and velvety Bourbon Caramel Sauce is the perfect indulgence to elevate your desserts. With its deep caramel flavor accented by a touch of bourbon, it’s great for drizzling over ice cream, cakes, or even fresh fruit.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon bourbon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine sugar, water, corn syrup, and salt. Cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the mixture turns the color of iced tea, about 10 minutes. Watch closely as it can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
- Step 2: Remove the pan from heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream and bourbon, being cautious of steam. Off the heat, whisk in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth. Transfer the sauce to a bowl to cool and thicken before using.
Tips & Variations
- Use a candy thermometer to monitor caramel color for precise results.
- Swap bourbon for rum or whiskey for a different flavor twist.
- Serve cold as a dip for apple slices for a simple treat.
Storage
Store the caramel sauce in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Reheat gently in the microwave or on low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until smooth and warm.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I omit the bourbon?
Yes, you can leave out the bourbon if you prefer no alcohol. The sauce will still be deliciously rich and caramel-flavored.
Why did my caramel harden or crystallize?
Crystallization happens if sugar isn’t fully dissolved or if the temperature fluctuates. Using corn syrup helps prevent this. Stir gently and avoid stirring once caramel starts to color.
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Bourbon Caramel Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup of caramel sauce 1x
Description
This rich and luscious Bourbon Caramel Sauce combines deep caramelized sugar flavors with a hint of smooth bourbon, making it a perfect topping for desserts, ice cream, or even as a dip for fresh fruit. The sauce is smooth and velvety thanks to the butter and heavy cream, with a subtle vanilla aroma enhancing every bite.
Ingredients
Caramel Base
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- Pinch of salt
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon bourbon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine granulated sugar, water, corn syrup, and a pinch of salt. Swirl the pan occasionally to help dissolve the sugar evenly. Boil the mixture until it turns the rich amber color of iced tea, approximately 10 minutes. Monitor closely to prevent scorching as the caramelization process can accelerate quickly once started.
- Add cream and bourbon: Remove the saucepan from heat. Carefully whisk in the heavy cream and bourbon, being cautious of the steam that may rise. This step will partially cool and thin the caramel while infusing it with bourbon flavor.
- Incorporate butter and vanilla: Off the heat, whisk in the unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined. This enriches the sauce and imparts a velvety texture.
- Cool and store: Transfer the finished bourbon caramel sauce to a heatproof bowl to cool and thicken slightly. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate. Reheat gently in the microwave or over low heat in a saucepan before serving. The sauce can also be enjoyed cold as a dip, especially with fresh apples.
Notes
- Be patient when cooking the caramel; it takes time to reach the right color but can burn quickly once it starts.
- Add cream and bourbon off heat to prevent vigorous bubbling and splattering.
- Store leftover sauce covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Reheat gently to preserve the smooth texture and prevent burning.
- Use high-quality bourbon and vanilla extract for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Bourbon caramel sauce, caramel sauce recipe, bourbon dessert sauce, homemade caramel, dessert topping
