RECIPESPRODUCTSPANTRYSHOPPING

Caramel Sauce

Caramel sauce is a decadent and versatile topping known for its rich, gooey texture and deeply satisfying sweet taste. It is primarily made by heating sugar and allowing it to caramelize, then carefully blending it with butter, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. This delightful sauce enjoys a long-standing popularity for its unique blend of sweet and slightly salty flavors, enhancing the taste of various desserts, beverages, and even savory dishes. A must-have in any home cook's pantry, caramel sauce can be drizzled over ice cream, cakes, pancakes, or waffles; swirled into coffee drinks or hot chocolate; and even used as a dipping sauce for fruits, pretzels, and more. Its rich and smooth profile offers a level of indulgence perfect for elevating everyday treats and special occasions alike.
#6
IN DESSERT TOPPINGS
368
CAL / 100G
$0.23
AVG / OZ
caramel sauce
81%
CARBS
19%
FAT
0%
PROTEIN
Caramel Sauce FAQ
Cooking with caramel sauce can be a delightful experience when done right, but it's not without its challenges. One common question involves the versatility of this sweet delight - caramel sauce isn't just for dessert. It can add a sumptuous twist to savory dishes, or provide a sweet flavor profile to your breakfast pancakes or waffles. The main hiccup usually happens in the cooking process, where the sugar is heated. Too high temperature or lack of attention can turn your sugar from golden-brown caramel to an unpalatable bitter mess. It's crucial to keep a careful eye on the heat to prevent the sauce from burning. Moreover, achieving the perfect consistency can be tricky. The sauce thickens as it cools, so it's better to err on the side of thinner when heating as the sauce will continue to thicken after removed from the heat. For an extra layer of flavor, don't forget a pinch of salt. Salt enhances the flavor and cuts the sweetness, providing the perfect balance. Little known but very helpful tip is to use a little bit of lemon juice or cream of tartar. Adding these to the sauce helps to prevent the sugar from re-crystallizing.
Can I use caramel sauce in savory dishes?
My caramel sauce is too bitter, what did I do wrong?
Why is my caramel sauce too thin?
Can I reheat my caramel sauce?
What can I do to prevent my caramel sauce from crystallizing?
How can I add flavor to my caramel sauce?
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream in caramel sauce?
My caramel sauce is lumpy, what did I do wrong?
Can I make caramel sauce without sugar?
Is it possible to make vegan caramel sauce?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does caramel sauce expire?
If your caramel sauce is store-bought and unopened, it can typically last for 1-2 months past the printed date on its package when stored at room temperature. However, once opened, it must be refrigerated and usually lasts for about 2 weeks. If it has been homemade, caramel sauce should also be refrigerated and will typically last about 1-2 weeks. Caramel sauce can be frozen to last up to 3 months, but it may lose some of its smooth texture.
How do you tell if caramel sauce is bad?
It's easy to tell if your caramel sauce has gone bad: smell it! If it has a sour or off odor, it's probably past its prime. Visually, look for any mould on the surface. If it exists, discard the sauce immediately. In terms of texture, if it’s overly hard or lumpy, or has a watery separation, it's likely spoiled. Lastly, any changes in color from its usual rich brown can also indicate that it's no longer good to consume.
Tips for storing caramel sauce to extend shelf life
• Always keep the container of caramel sauce sealed tightly. This prevents exposure to air, which can speed up spoilage. • Store opened caramel sauce in the fridge for longer shelf life. Just make sure not to put it close to the back where it's coldest, as this can harden the sauce. • If you need to extend the life of your caramel sauce, consider freezing it. Portion out into an ice cube tray for easy use, then pop the cubes in a zippered bag once they're solid. Just know that its texture will change slightly when frozen and returned to room temperature. • When defrosting, do so in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature to avoid any potential bacterial growth.
EXPIRES WITHIN
10 - 15
MONTHS
Health Info
Macros
21g
CARBS
5g
FAT
0g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
VEGETARIAN
LACTOSE FREE
GLUTEN FREE
Contains these allergens
MILK
Recipes with what you have
Download Cooklist
Get the app to track inventory, save recipes, build meal plans and order groceries from local stores.
Scan to download
QR Code