Easy 3 Ingredient Caramel Sauce Recipe
This 3 Ingredient Caramel sauce is smooth, buttery and rich. It is incredibly easy to make by following this beginner-friendly recipe.
The caramel sauce comes together in about 15 minutes and you will have the perfect addition to your favorite treats (or to simply eat with a spoon).
Anyone can make this caramel recipe! It is simple and easy to make.
You just need three ingredients to make this perfectly sweet and salty caramel sauce.
It is a great addition to cookies, brownies, a bowl of ice cream and so much more!
Ingredients and Substitutions
Only 3 ingredients are needed to make this easy caramel sauce. They are easily accessible and you may already have them in your kitchen!
- Granulated Sugar – Refined white granulated or caster sugar should be used to make caramel.
- Salted Butter – You can also use unsalted butter, swapping at a 1:1 ratio. However, I suggest adding a pinch of salt when you pour in the heavy cream to enhance the flavor.
- Heavy Cream – If needed, you can swap out the heavy cream for whole milk or half & half at a 1:1 ratio.
Know Before You Start
There are a few tips and tricks that will be helpful to you when making this caramel sauce.
- Patience is key – The sugar WILL melt, don’t turn up the heat to rush the process as you will end up with burnt sugar and a difficult mess to clean up
- Don’t use any plastic when making caramel, especially a plastic spatula to stir
- Use a heavy-duty stainless steel pan to make the caramel, do not use a nonstick pan
- To make a thinner caramel, add 1-2 tbsp of heavy cream (add one at a time until desired texture is reached)
- Don’t forget the salt – either use salted butter or add a pinch of salt with the heavy cream to round out the flavor
Step by Step Process Making an Easy Caramel Sauce
The full-detailed instructions to making this 3 Ingredient Caramel are written out in the recipe card below. Use these images to help guide you as needed when following the directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, caramel is naturally gluten free and no modifications are needed.
Instead of heavy cream you can use half & half or while milk, swapping at a 1:1 ratio.
Yes, brown sugar can be used instead of granulated sugar for making caramel, resulting in a richer, more complex flavor.
The brown sugar adds depth and buttery notes, creating a more complex and satisfying caramel. However, I recommend using light brown sugar to avoid an overly intense molasses flavor.
Store in an airtight mason jar or glass container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for 1 month. You can also store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to use, loosen the caramel, if desired, heat on the stovetop over low heat.
Easy 3 Ingredient Caramel Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 4 tbsp Salted Butter
- 1/4 cup Heavy Cream
Instructions
- Using a heavy-duty and wide stainless steal saucepan or sauté pan, add the granulated sugar and spread it into an even layer
- Warm over medium heat, stirring constantly as the sugar starts to melt to ensure it doesn't burn. First the sugar will form clumps before melting into an amber-colored liquid (Note: this could take between 5-15 minutes depending on your stovetop, mine took almost 15 minutes)
- Once melted, remove from the heat and stir in the butter. Be careful as the mixture will be bubbling a lot. Stir until the butter is melted
- Pour in the heavy cream slowly and stir until everything is combined
- Transfer to a small bowl or glass cup/mason jar to cool completely
- Once cooled, use in recipes or add as a topping to an ice cream sundae!