This is the very best caramel sauce recipe – and the secret ingredient is a touch of whiskey. I use this sauce in recipes, over ice cream, and on top of desserts.
I have the best caramel sauce recipe, and the reason why it is the best is because it is made with whiskey. It is smooth and creamy with just a hint of salt, and the flavor of the whiskey balances out all the sweetness from the brown sugar. Trust me, it requires a bit of willpower to stop myself from consuming this caramel sauce by the spoonful straight from the jar.
The good news is that caramel is easy to make, and it can even be made in larger batches without any additional effort. The process takes about 30 minutes, one pan, just six ingredients, and a bunch of stirring. Anyone can do it – and you probably have all of the ingredients at home already.
I used this caramel sauce in my recipe for Millionaire’s Shortbread Cookies, and it is also wonderful in brownies, in chocolate bark, on ice cream, or drizzled over cake. You could also thicken it a bit more and roll it out to make caramels.
This caramel sauce is a wonderful holiday gift for friends, co-workers, or anyone with a sweet tooth. And wouldn’t it be an exciting thing to receive in a gift exchange? Just make a big batch and package it up in mason jars with bows tied around them. It’s easy and inexpensive, and I think people tend to love homemade gifts just a little bit more.
My husband is a big fan of whiskey, but he buys me my own special (less expensive) whiskey to cook with so that I am not dipping into his stash. I recommend using Four Roses or Old Granddad – something without Rye.
The Best Caramel Sauce Recipe (with Whiskey)
This is the very best caramel sauce recipe - and the secret ingredient is a touch of whiskey. I use this sauce in recipes, over ice cream, and on top of desserts.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Whiskey
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla
Instructions
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Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Then add the sugar and whisk until melted.
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Add the whiskey, salt, and vanilla. Let simmer steadily for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
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Add the cream and let the sauce slowly simmer and reduce for 20-25 minutes, until it has thickened. Stir every few minutes. You want the caramel to be thick enough to for a thick layer to stick on the back of a spoon.
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Pour the sauce into mason jars and store in the fridge for up to a week, or use it in a recipe.
Renee
Saturday 16th of December 2017
Would it be possible to use rum instead of whiskey?
thekittchen
Wednesday 20th of December 2017
Absolutely!
tclark97801
Monday 27th of November 2017
This sounds so delicious that I'm trying it for gifts. I am well past 20-30 minutes of simmering, and am just not getting it to thicken. Any thoughts?
Kit Graham
Monday 27th of November 2017
So sorry that I am just seeing this now - I was traveling from Maine to Chicago yesterday. That is so weird! Usually it thickens more once it cools. My only other thought would be to increase the temperature and stir constantly. You want it to really bubble. Hope this helps!
Petra
Tuesday 3rd of January 2017
I started to read this and was on my way to the kitchen to make some as it sounds so good when I remembered what month it is and I had to stop myself but I have saved the recipe! :) Happy New Year!
Miz Helen
Monday 2nd of January 2017
Thanks so much for sharing your delicious Caramel Sauce with us at Full Plate Thursday. Hope you have a great week and come back soon! Miz Helen
Gingerandbread
Monday 2nd of January 2017
This looks delicious! I'll have to keep it in mind for when my new diet is forgotten ... Thank you for bringing it along to Fiesta Friday! Happy New Year!