Creamy Butterscotch Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Butterscotch sauce is a rich and creamy topping perfect for ice cream, pancakes, or desserts. Its deep caramel flavor with a hint of vanilla makes every bite indulgent and comforting. This simple homemade version is quick to make and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted sweet cream butter
- 1 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: In a 2 to 3-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, add the butter and stir until melted.
- Step 2: Whisk in the brown sugar and heavy cream until the sugar dissolves. Stop whisking and allow the mixture to boil for 4 minutes without stirring.
- Step 3: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 4: Let the butterscotch sauce sit for 10 to 15 minutes to thicken. Pour into a ½ pint mason jar for storage.
Tips & Variations
- Use high-quality brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- For a deeper caramel taste, cook the mixture an extra minute but avoid burning.
- Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the butterscotch flavor.
Storage
Store the butterscotch sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Reheat gently in a microwave or over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until smooth.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter, but you may want to add a small pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
How thick will the sauce get as it cools?
The sauce will thicken further as it cools and sits. If it becomes too thick, you can gently warm it to return it to a pourable consistency.
PrintCreamy Butterscotch Sauce Recipe
This rich and creamy butterscotch sauce recipe combines butter, dark brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract to create a luscious topping perfect for desserts like ice cream, cakes, and pies. Made on the stovetop with simple ingredients, this classic sauce thickens as it cools, delivering a smooth, buttery flavor with deep caramel notes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup of butterscotch sauce 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Butterscotch Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup salted sweet cream butter
- 1 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Melt the Butter: Using a 2 to 3-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, add the salted sweet cream butter and stir until completely melted. This creates the base for the sauce.
- Add Sugar and Cream: Whisk in the dark brown sugar and heavy whipping cream thoroughly until the sugar dissolves. This step ensures the sauce will be smooth and creamy.
- Boil the Mixture: Stop whisking and allow the mixture to come to a boil for 4 minutes without stirring. This boiling step thickens the sauce and develops its signature butterscotch flavor.
- Finish with Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a warm aromatic depth to the sauce.
- Cool and Thicken: Let the butterscotch sauce sit for 10 to 15 minutes to thicken further. Pour the sauce into a ½ pint mason jar for storage. Note that the sauce will thicken more as it cools.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent the sugar from burning during the boiling process.
- Do not stir while the sauce is boiling; stirring can cause crystallization and affect texture.
- The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Warm the sauce slightly before using if it becomes too thick after refrigeration.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute salted butter with a vegan butter and heavy cream with coconut cream, but the flavor will differ slightly.
Keywords: butterscotch sauce, caramel sauce, dessert sauce, homemade butterscotch, easy sauce recipe, stovetop butterscotch
