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Gluten free caramel sauce

Caramel Sauce

A rich, smooth, amber-colored sauce made by caramelizing sugar and adding cream and butter. Perfect for drizzling over desserts or as a flavor enhancer in various recipes.
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Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Servings 16 tbsp

Ingredients
  

Simple recipe

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
  • A pinch of salt optional, but if you want to make Salted Caramel Sauce, this is a must

Sugar-free/keto recipe

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered erythritol or preferred sugar substitute - allulose and xylitol
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Dairy-free recipe

  • 1 cup coconut cream from a can, full-fat
  • 1 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Caramel Sauce with milk

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Bourbon/whisky caramel sauce

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream warmed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup bourbon or whiskey
  • Pinch of salt

Caramel Sauce with Dates (vegan version)

  • 1 cup pitted dates
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Simple recipe

  • In a medium saucepan, heat 1 cup of granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula until the sugar is fully melted and turns a deep amber color.
  • Carefully add 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the melted sugar. The mixture will bubble rapidly, so be cautious. Stir until the butter is completely melted and incorporated.
  • Slowly pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream while stirring continuously. The mixture will bubble again. Continue to stir until the sauce is smooth.
  • Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt if desired.
  • Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Transfer to a glass jar or airtight container and let it cool completely before storing in the refrigerator.

Sugar-free/keto recipe

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and powdered erythritol. Stir continuously until the erythritol is dissolved and the mixture begins to simmer.
  • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue stirring until the butter is melted and the mixture thickens to a sauce-like consistency, about 10-15 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.

Dairy-free recipe

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the coconut cream, coconut sugar, and coconut oil.
  • Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
  • Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
  • Let it cool for a few minutes before using. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.

Caramel Sauce with milk

  • Heat the sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly with a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon. The sugar will clump and eventually melt into a smooth amber-colored liquid as you continue to stir. Be careful not to burn it.
  • Once the sugar has completely melted and turned amber in color, immediately add the butter. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble rapidly.
  • Stir the butter into the caramel until it is completely melted, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. Again, be cautious as the mixture will bubble vigorously.
  • Remove the caramel from heat and stir in the milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
  • Let the caramel sauce cool for about 10-15 minutes before using it. It will thicken as it cools.

Bourbon/whisky caramel sauce

  • In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium-high heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and let it boil. Cook until the mixture turns a deep amber color, swirling the pan occasionally to ensure even cooking (this typically takes about 5-7 minutes).
  • Remove the pan from heat and carefully whisk in the warmed heavy cream. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble up vigorously.
  • Stir in the butter until melted and smooth.
  • Return the pan to low heat and stir in the bourbon and a pinch of salt. Simmer for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.

Caramel Sauce with Dates

  • In a blender or food processor, combine the dates and water. Blend until smooth.
  • Pour the date mixture into a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and darkens slightly.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
  • Allow the sauce to cool slightly before using.

Notes

- Simple recipe
    • Cook Time: About 10-15 minutes
    • Calories: Approximately 120 calories per tablespoon
    • Servings: Makes about 1 cup (16 tablespoons)
- Recipe with condensed milk without cream
    • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes.
    • Servings: 2 cups of caramel sauce, about 16 servings
    • Calories: 130-150 calories
  •  
- Sugar-free/keto version
    • Cooking Time: Approximately 15 minutes
    • Servings: 1 cup of caramel sauce, serving size is typically 1-2 tablespoons.
    • Calories: 50-70 calories
- Recipe with bourbon/whisky
    • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
    • Calories: 50-60 calories
    • Servings: 1 cup
- Dairy-free version
    • Cooking Time: Approximately 20 minutes
    • Servings: 1 cup, with approximately 16 servings
    • Calories: 100-150 calories.
- Caramel Sauce with milk
    • Cooking Time: Approximately 15 minutes
    • Servings: 1 1/2 cups or about 12 servings of 2 tablespoons each.
    • Calories: 120-140 calories.
- Caramel Sauce with Dates
    • Cook Time: Approximately 10-15 minutes
    • Calories: About 50-60 calories per tablespoon
    • Servings: Makes about 1 cup of sauce (approximately 16 tablespoons)
Keyword caramel sauce, homemade condiment, homemade sauce
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