How to Make Easy 3 Ingredient Caramel Sauce at Home!

Want to know how to make easy caramel? This quick and simple recipe uses just three ingredients to create a thick caramel sauce that is perfect for pouring over ice cream, stirring into coffee, or dipping apple slices. Let me show you some tips for caramel making so you can whip up this easy 3 ingredient caramel sauce in no time!

Watch my video below for a simple, step-by-step recipe for creating this delicious and thick Caramel Sauce. If you enjoy it, don’t forget to like and subscribe for more easy and tasty, and sweet recipes!

Why You Should Try This 3 Ingredient Caramel Sauce

This 3-ingredient caramel sauce is quick, foolproof, and absolutely delicious. With just sugar, butter, and cream, you can make a rich and creamy caramel perfect for desserts, coffee, and more!

3 ingredient caramel sauce
  • Only 3 ingredients – No need for fancy ingredients or special equipment.
  • Better than store-bought – No additives, just pure, buttery goodness.
  • Customizable – Adjust the thickness and flavor to your liking.
  • Easy caramel making – Perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
  • Great for storage – Keep it in the fridge and reheat whenever needed.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

A rich, thick caramel sauce needs just a few simple ingredients to get that perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. Grab what you need, and let’s make something delicious!

ingredients for caramel sauce
  • 1½ cups (300g) Granulated sugar 
  • 5 tbsp (71g) Unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240g) Heavy cream, room temperature
  • Pinch of salt (optional)
  • A heavy-bottomed saucepan is also important to ensure even heating and prevent burning.

How to Make This Easy Caramel

Ready to make this easy caramel recipe at home? Just follow these simple steps belwo, and you’ll have a rich, buttery caramel perfect for drizzling, stirring, or enjoying by the spoonful!

how to make this caramel sauce thick

Step 1: Melt the Sugar

Heat the sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring constantly as it melts. If sugar sticks to the sides, brush it down with a wet pastry brush to prevent grainy caramel.

Step 2: Add the Butter

Once the sugar turns a warm brown color, add the butter. Be careful—it will bubble up! Keep stirring to combine the butter fully, allowing the caramel to deepen in color for a richer taste.

adding butter once brown color

Tip: Cut the butter into small pieces before adding it so it melts more evenly.

Step 3: Pour in the Cream

Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Take your time to prevent bubbling over. The mixture will become creamy and smooth.

Tip: Make sure the cream is at room temperature to avoid sudden temperature shocks that can cause the caramel to seize.

Step 4: Add a Pinch of Salt (Optional)

A little salt balances the sweetness and enhances the caramel flavor. Stir it in and then remove the saucepan from the heat.

Step 5: Store & Enjoy

thick caramel sauce

Pour the thick caramel sauce into a glass jar while it’s still warm. Let it cool slightly before using. It can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks—just reheat it before serving!

Related recipe: Want another way to make caramel? Try these 5 easy methods to turn condensed milk into caramel, from quick stovetop tricks to slow, rich caramelization!

Homemade Easy 3 Ingredient Caramel Sauce Recipe

Recipe by Jen Evansy
0.0 from 0 votes
Course: Dessert, SauceCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

310

kcal

20

minutes

This quick and simple caramel is made with just sugar, butter, and cream, creating a rich, smooth, and buttery sauce in minutes. Perfect for drizzling over desserts, stirring into coffee, or using as a dip, this easy recipe is a must-try for any caramel lover!

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

  • cups (300g) granulated sugar

  • 5 tbsp (71g) Unsalted butter

  • 1 cup (240g) heavy cream

  • pinch of salt (optional)

Directions

  • Pour 1½ cups of granulated sugar into a heavy-bottom pot and heat over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar melts.
  • Use a pastry brush dipped in water to brush down any sugar crystals on the pot sides to prevent recrystallization.
  • Once the sugar melts and turns warm brown, add room-temperature butter, stirring continuously while being cautious of bubbling.
  • Continue cooking the caramel on heat and once darkened slightly, slowly pour in room-temperature heavy cream, stirring gently.
  • Optionally, add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness, then remove the saucepan from heat once the mixture is smooth.
  • Carefully pour hot caramel into a glass jar while still warm, ensuring proper storage for later use.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This prevents the caramel from seizing when adding butter and cream, ensuring smooth caramel making.
  • Want a Thicker Caramel? – Let it simmer for an extra minute or two after adding the cream for a more thick caramel sauce.
  • Proper Storage – Keep your 3-ingredient caramel sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
  • Perfect for Beginners – This easy caramel recipe is perfect for beginners and requires only three simple ingredients.

Nutrition Facts

  • Total number of serves: 8
  • Calories: 310kcal
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Protein: 0.93g

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Tasty Ways to Use This Caramel Sauce

Drizzle over pancakes or waffles. Stir into the coffee. Dip pretzels. Swirl into brownies. So many options!

pouring caramel sauce into waffles

Easy Ways to Customize It

Love sweet and salty? Add a pinch of sea salt.
Want more flavor? Stir in vanilla or warm spices like cinnamon.
Feeling fancy? A splash of bourbon takes it up a notch.

How will you enjoy yours?

Common Caramel Mistakes & How to Fix Them

making caramel

Even with an easy caramel recipe, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are a few common caramel-making mistakes and tips to fix them:

  • Caramel is grainy – This happens when sugar crystals form on the sides of the pan. Use a wet pastry brush to dissolve them, or avoid stirring once the sugar starts melting.
  • Caramel is too bitter – It may have been cooked too long. Next time, remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches a deep amber color.
  • Caramel is too thin – Let it cook a little longer to thicken, or try reducing the cream slightly.

How to Store & Reheat Caramel

Homemade caramel can last for weeks if stored properly. Keep it fresh with these tips:

storing of caramel sauce into jar
  • Storage – Pour the caramel into a heatproof glass jar and store it in the fridge for up to two weeks.
  • Reheating – Warm it in the microwave in 10-second intervals or heat it gently on the stovetop until smooth.
  • Freezing – Caramel can be frozen for up to three months—just thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.

More Sweet Recipes to Try

If you love making thick caramel sauce, here are more simple and delicious recipes to satisfy your sweet cravings. From homemade dulce de leche to transforming dark chocolate into creamy milk chocolate, these recipes are fun and easy to make!

recommended recipes to try

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About Jen Evansy

Nutritionist, researcher, avid home cook, and writer interested in everything nutrition and food-related. Striving to inform, encourage, and inspire all the readers to make healthy and informed choices when it comes to cooking, food, diet, and nutrition.