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Test Kitchen Approved

Easy Homemade Caramel

SweetStove-TopEasy

Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 10 servings

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About

Whether the burgundy leaves are falling from the trees, or your taste buds simply have a hankering for that beloved season, Easy Homemade Caramel is the perfect way to welcome it in! This sweet, thick, creamy caramel is quite a golden gem and brings so many possibilities. You can dunk your freshly picked apples in it, drizzle it over a warm and steamy fruit crisp, pour it over some creamy homemade ice cream... all such divine ways to embrace those cozy autumn vibes. This Easy Homemade Caramel is truly the best way to jump into the flavors of fall!

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • salt, to taste

Directions

Step 1 -Add the sugar and the water to a 3-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan and stir so it sits in a flat, even layer.

Step 2 -Warm the pot over medium heat and cook until the sugar dissolves, turns clear, and starts to bubble, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3 -Allow the caramel mixture to bubble, swirling the saucepan occasionally and brushing down the sides of the pan as needed to prevent crystallization, until it thickens and turns a deep honey-like color, about 8-12 minutes. Do not stir and be sure it does not burn. It is okay for sugar clumps to form.

Step 4 -Carefully add the butter to the caramel mixture and whisk until it has completely melted. Use caution as it will rapidly bubble.

Step 5 -Transfer the saucepan from the heat, then slowly pour the heavy cream into the caramel mixture, whisking continuously, until all of the cream has been incorporated.

Step 6 -Whisk the vanilla and the salt into the caramel mixture.

Step 7 -Let the caramel cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

Step 8 -Pour the caramel into a lidded glass jar to cool completely. It will thicken as it cools.

Step 9 -Serve.

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