Perfect for both gift giving and parties, this bourbon caramel sauce will become an instant favorite of anyone who tries it!
Recipe Overview
Why you’ll love it: This recipe is nearly fool-proof and is perfect for both gift giving and parties.
How long it takes: 15 minutes
Equipment you’ll need: Saucepan
Servings: 12
Thick and sweet, creamy and bourbon-y, this caramel is already calling your name, isn’t it? It’s good enough to eat off a spoon, and you might just find yourself doing that. Not like I know anything about that…
If you’ve never made caramel before, don’t be scared! This recipe is nearly fool-proof and you can absolutely conquer it. I have faith in you.
Between the unmistakable flavor of the bourbon (or whiskey, whatever floats your boat), and the rich creaminess of the cream and butter, this is perfection in the form of a smooth, sweet sauce. You guys are going to love it!
Uses for this caramel sauce
Gifting: If you find yourself needing a last-minute hostess gift or a dessert for a party, this is the recipe for you! It’s super easy to make and all you have to do is pour it in a jar and tie some ribbon around it and it’s ready to gift.
Party Perfect: You can bring it to a party with ice cream for an easy dessert that everyone will love.
Topping all the Things: It would also be great on a number of other things like apple pie, french toast, bread pudding, and more.
How to Make It
- Boil sugar with water, corn syrup, and a touch of salt. You’ll want to be besties with the stove at this point – don’t leave its side. Swirl the pan and keep a close eye on it.
- Watch for it to become the color of a strong-brewed iced tea – or, the color of caramel.
- Remove from heat and add the cream and bourbon. Stand back and watch out for steam!
- Whisk to combine and then whisk in butter and vanilla.
- Let cool and enjoy!
Is it just me or would this caramel also be amazing on french toast?
Bourbon Caramel Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon bourbon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Boil sugar, water, corn syrup, and salt in a saucepan over medium-high heat, swirling occasionally. Cook until caramel is the color of iced tea, about 10 minutes. Watch it closely. It takes awhile to get going, but once it gets going, it can scorch quickly.1 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup water, 2 tablespoons corn syrup, pinch of salt
- Remove from heat and add cream and bourbon (watch out for steam!), whisking to combine. Keep off the heat and whisk in butter and vanilla. Transfer sauce to a bowl to cool (and thicken). Store covered in the fridge and reheat slowly in the microwave or over low heat in a saucepan. Also great cold with apples as a dip.1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon bourbon, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Notes
- Makes about 1 1/2 cups.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did You Make This?Share a comment and rating below! I love hearing what you think!
how much does this make cup size?
This recipe makes about 1 1/2 cups :)
What did I do wrong? Mine never got brown, stayed white and got really hard in 10 minutes. Had it on medium heat. Thanks!
Hmm, not sure! Did you use sugar and corn syrup?
Would like to make several jars for Christmas gifts. How. long can I store it and myst it be refrigerated? Thank you for the help.
Yes, this should be refrigerated due to the heavy cream in it. It should keep for a week or two. :)
Does it need to be refrigerated?
I would keep it in the fridge because of the cream :)
Thanks so much for getting back so quickly Rachel. Warm wishes for the Holidays from Canada!
You’re welcome! I hope you love the caramel sauce! Merry Christmas!
Is doubling recipe any problem, or is it best to make in batches? I am planning to make jars for guest giveaway and would like to do eliminate any extra steps to save prep time for dinner.
Shouldn’t be a problem! I hope you love it!
Rachel,
I am making your sauce for Holiday gifts…40 jars!!! Have you ever canned the sauce to make it last longer? How long will it stay good if not canned?
Thanks,
Andrea
Hi Andrea,
I haven’t ever canned this caramel so unfortunately I cannot advise you on that process. It will stay good for about a week in the fridge. I hope that helps!
Where did you get those adorable mason jars? I searched but can’t find them on line. Thanks!
That’s a really, really good question, Mary! I’ve had them forever. I think these are the same, if not very similar.
I got the same jars at Amazon
Good to know, thanks!
What is the recommended shelf life?
I would store this in the fridge and use within 1 week if possible.
Rachel, I would love to consult with you about my results…I made 2 slight changes: I substituted one of the tablespoons of corn syrup with maple syrup and I added the teaspoon of vanilla with the milk and bourbon, rather than with the butter. What’s in my pot right now is delicious caramel sauce with a toffee- like glob on the whisk.
Would the glob be because of one of those changes, or should I have poured the cream in slowly, or something else?
Thank-you!
Hi Carolyn,
This recipe is definitely one that’s better followed as it is written. The changes in order and ingredients could definitely make this seize up on you. Sorry it didn’t come out perfectly…but I’m glad it’s still tasty!
What a beauty!
Thank you!