Quick Brown Sugar Caramel Sauce

I have numerous ways of getting my caramel fix and this quick brown sugar caramel sauce is just one of them.

This caramel sauce with cream and brown sugar is somewhere in between. It is far quicker and easier to make than authentic caramel sauce as the brown sugar already has the colour and caramel flavour while it takes only minutes longer than my super easy variety.

I’ve said many times, this stuff is so good it should be illegal (luckily for us it’s not).

• It’s rich and luxurious
• Takes mere minutes on the stove top
• It’s perfect drizzle over, well, just about anything
• No risk of the crystallisation

From the authentic caramel in these Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies to the one I use the most in these Chocolate Caramel Brownies, I think it’s safe to say it’s an obsession for me.

White sugar vs brown sugar caramel

White sugar caramel is the real deal. You slowly melt down white sugar over low heat until it becomes a gorgeous golden liquid. The butter and cream are added later. This slow cooking gives the ultimate  flavour but it can also be very temperamental and prone to crystallisation if the planets aren’t aligned.

If you’re new to making it, I recommend starting with this version. It’s far less likely to crystallise as it’s cooked so quick and, while it doesn’t have quite such an intense caramel flavour, it still has an incredibly silky smooth texture and is totally addictive.

See more about the different types of sugar in baking.

What you’ll need

• Light brown sugar
• Water
• Unsalted butter or salted butter will work.
• Cream
• Salt

Why not add a little vanilla extract to give it a butterscotch flavor.

How to make brown sugar caramel sauce – step by step

Making caramel sauce with brown sugar is incredibly easy – just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes. For this version, there is no thermometer needed.

Jump to the recipe card for ingredient quantities and full directions.

1. Add butter, brown sugar and cream to a heavy based stainless steel saucepan over low heat.
2. Heat it gently while stirring with a whisk until the sugar dissolves, then let it come to bubble.
3. Set the time for 3 minutes and let the mixture bubble away, stirring every 30 seconds or so until it thickens up a little.
4. Turn the heat off and add a little salt then stir it through

It’s really important to make this with a perfectly clean stainless steel pan for best results. I’ve found crystals can develop when using non-stick.

Add some extra salt

While this quick caramel sauce already has a touch of salt in it, to counteract the intense sweetness, adding a little more will turn it into a heavenly salted caramel sauce recipe. I add 1 teaspoon instead of the regular ¼ teaspoon but you can add it to taste.

How to use it

I’m sure you need no help with this, but brown sugar caramel sauce is lovely;

• With waffles or pancakes
• Poured over ice cream
• Perfect with sticky date pudding or chocolate pudding
• Spoon it over tarts like these warm apple crostata or apple pie
• Over cakes or inside cupcakes like these salted caramel chocolate cupcakes
• Use it in cookie cups like these salted caramel tartlets
• It’s goregeous poured over a cheesecake before or after slicing.
• Or add it to these sauteed cinnamon apples for some comforting caramel apples.
• Freeze it in ice cube trays, then coat in chocolate to make candies (make sure to store them it the fridge.
• Add ⅓ cup of chopped chocolate while the caramel is still hot and you have a fantastic thick chocolate fudge sauce (best used straight away as it may turn a little gritty as it sets).
• It’s great drizzled over dessert dips or even, once warm, using it as a dip on it’s own (with apple slices or strawberries – yum).

How to store it

You can store your sauce in a preserving jar or airtight container, in the fridge for 2-3 weeks. At room temperature the caramel will have a soft set once cool and after refrigeration will be firmer but still scoopable.

To get a pourable consistency, simply scoop it out of the jar and reheat it over the stove or in the microwave until warm.

Now you have a minimal effort, but unbelievably delicious quick caramel sauce to spoil your family, friends and yourself with, it’s time to work out what you want to top with it first.

Other recipes you’ll love

• Try this classic homemade caramel sauce too.
• Warm Apple Crostata
• Salted Caramel Tartlets
• Chewy Caramel Coconut Bars
• Homemade Chocolate Sauce