Description
This homemade butterscotch sauce recipe is a quick, rich, and creamy dessert topping perfect for enhancing ice cream, cakes, or other sweet treats. Made with simple ingredients like butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream, it’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and results in a luscious, glossy sauce with a deep caramel flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Instructions
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely to create a smooth base for the sauce.
- Add Brown Sugar: Stir in the packed brown sugar and whisk continuously for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Heavy Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking to prevent splattering. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to combine flavors.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes glossy and achieves a thickened consistency.
- Finish and Cool: Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in the pure vanilla extract and salt. Allow the sauce to cool slightly before serving or storing.
Notes
- Use light or dark brown sugar according to your preference for a milder or deeper butterscotch flavor.
- Be sure to whisk continuously when adding the cream to avoid lumps and splattering.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks; reheat gently before use.
- Adjust the salt to your taste depending on sweetness preference.
