Caramel Sauce
A foolproof microwave caramel sauce? Yes! Say goodbye to your candy thermometer and hello to a luscious, buttery sauce that’s a breeze to make.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons water
- ⅛ teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ cup heavy cream, plus more if necessary
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Generous pinch salt
Instructions
- Stir the sugar, corn syrup, water and lemon juice together in a 2-cup microwave-safe measuring cup or medium glass bowl. Microwave until the caramel is pale yellow, or just barely starting to take on some color, 4-8 minutes (depending on the strength of your microwave). It's fine to stop and open the microwave to check often; just don't let it get too dark or it will burn. Let the caramel sit until it turns a rich amber color, about 5 minutes. (If after five minutes, it's not dark enough, place it back in the microwave for thirty seconds or so, then let it darken again.)
- In the meantime, heat the cream in the microwave until hot. Once the caramel reaches the right color, immediately stir in the hot cream a few tablespoons at a time. It will bubble up intensely, but it won't overflow. After you've added all the cream, stir to incorporate, then add the butter and salt. Add more cream if the mixture seems too thick. Once the caramel cools, you can store it in your fridge.
- Make-Ahead Instructions: The caramel can be refrigerated in a jar or airtight container for up to a week. The sauce will stiffen in the fridge so should be warmed up in the microwave before serving. To reheat, microwave the caramel sauce on medium power for 10 to 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each interval, until the sauce reaches the desired consistency. If it's too thick, add a bit more heavy cream to thin it out. Be sure not to overheat.
Nutrition Information
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- Per serving (10 servings)
- Serving size: approximately 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 140
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated fat: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Sugar: 24 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Sodium: 6 mg
- Cholesterol: 17 mg
Gluten-Free Adaptable Note
To the best of my knowledge, all of the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free or widely available in gluten-free versions. There is hidden gluten in many foods; if you're following a gluten-free diet or cooking for someone with gluten allergies, always read the labels of your ingredients to verify that they are gluten-free.