Welcome to the world of extraordinary dessert toppings! Here at Cooking With Wine, we’re thrilled to share our signature **Brown Butter Bourbon Caramel Sauce**, lovingly dubbed the ‘Triple B Caramel Sauce.’ This isn’t just any caramel; it’s a symphony of rich, nutty brown butter, a sophisticated kiss of bourbon, and classic caramel sweetness that elevates any treat. Prepare to transform your desserts, from a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream to an elaborate holiday pie, or simply indulge in a spoonful straight from the jar – we promise, there’s no judgment here!
Demystifying Homemade Caramel: Is It Really Easy to Make at Home?
For many home bakers, the thought of making caramel from scratch can seem daunting, often conjuring images of burnt sugar and sticky messes. However, we’re here to tell you a secret: homemade caramel sauce is far easier to achieve than most people imagine! Forget the need for a fancy candy thermometer or any other specialized equipment. With just a few basic ingredients and a watchful eye, you can create a velvety, rich caramel sauce that rivals any store-bought variety.
The fundamental process involves melting sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it transforms into a beautiful liquid amber. The key is patience and observation. As the sugar melts, it will first clump, then gradually liquefy and begin to change color. You’re aiming for a deep, rich amber hue – a color that signals the perfect balance of sweetness and subtle bitterness, providing depth to your sauce. Once this golden stage is reached, butter is whisked in, followed by cream, creating that irresistible silky texture. It’s a simple chemistry experiment in your own kitchen, yielding incredibly delicious results every time.
The Secret Ingredients: Elevating Your Caramel Flavor
While a basic caramel sauce is delightful on its own, customizing it with additional flavors is where the real fun begins! This is where our “Triple B” Caramel Sauce truly shines. We believe in taking caramel to the next level by incorporating elements that add layers of complexity and an unforgettable taste profile. Our chosen additions are not merely optional; they are essential for creating a caramel that stands out from the crowd.
The Nutty Depth of Brown Butter
Our first secret weapon is brown butter, a culinary marvel that introduces an incredible depth of flavor. The process of browning butter involves gently cooking it until the milk solids toast, turning a rich golden-brown and releasing a distinct, nutty aroma. This simple step infuses the caramel with a profound richness and a complex, toasted note that you simply cannot achieve with regular butter. It adds a gourmet touch and a warmth that complements the sweet caramel beautifully.
A Touch of Sweet and Salty Perfection
Next, we incorporate vanilla extract and a hint of coarse sea salt. Vanilla is a classic pairing with caramel, enhancing its sweetness and adding an aromatic warmth. The sea salt, however, is a game-changer. It doesn’t just make the caramel salty; it magically balances the sweetness, making the overall flavor profile much richer and more nuanced. That slight touch of saltiness cuts through the sugar, preventing it from being cloyingly sweet and inviting you back for another spoonful.
The Sophisticated Kick of Bourbon
Finally, the bourbon. Ah, the bourbon! This is the ‘B’ that truly makes our Triple B Caramel Sauce special. The bourbon adds a sophisticated warmth, a subtle oakiness, and a hint of smoky sweetness that elevates the caramel from a simple topping to a gourmet experience. It doesn’t overpower the other flavors but rather enhances them, creating a harmonious and deeply satisfying finish. The alcohol cooks off during the process, leaving behind only its incredible essence. You can choose your favorite bourbon or even a good whiskey to impart your preferred notes; a quality spirit will make a noticeable difference. This Triple B Caramel sauce promises to be a delightful indulgence that will not disappoint!
Tips for Storing Homemade Caramel Sauce for Maximum Freshness
Once you’ve perfected your batch of homemade caramel sauce, proper storage is key to enjoying its deliciousness for as long as possible. After the caramel has cooled completely to room temperature – this is crucial, as putting warm caramel directly into the fridge can cause condensation and affect its texture – transfer it into an airtight container. We highly recommend using sturdy glass jars, such as these Weck jars, which are not only practical but also beautifully showcase your golden creation.
Stored in the refrigerator, your Triple B Caramel Sauce will remain fresh and wonderfully rich for approximately 1 to 2 weeks. However, in our experience, it rarely lasts that long! This sauce has a magical way of disappearing quickly, whether drizzled over nightly desserts or simply enjoyed by the spoonful. If you find yourself with an abundance of caramel or want to prepare a batch in advance, rest assured that it freezes exceptionally well. Simply pour the cooled caramel into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little headspace for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency. A splash of cream or milk can help if it’s too thick. This versatility makes homemade caramel an ideal condiment to always have on hand.
We truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this incredible Brown Butter Bourbon Caramel Sauce recipe! If you give it a try, we’d love to hear from you. Leave us a comment below to share your experience or tag us on Instagram @cooking_with_wine! Your feedback and creations inspire us.
Looking for more delicious ways to satisfy your sweet tooth? Check out more of our popular dessert recipes below! Each one is designed to bring joy and delectable flavors to your table:
- Texicali Chocolate Sheet Cake: A rich and moist cake perfect for any gathering.
- Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée: Classic elegance with a perfectly crisp topping.
- Dulce de Leche Layered Brownies: Decadent brownies with a sweet, gooey center.
- White Chocolate Raspberry Bundt Cake: A beautiful and flavorful cake, ideal for special occasions.
Shop Our Kitchen Essentials on Amazon!
To help you create culinary masterpieces like this caramel sauce and more, we’ve curated a selection of our favorite kitchen tools and ingredients. Visit our Amazon Store to explore our recommended essentials, from saucepans to spatulas, ensuring you have everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe
Brown Butter Bourbon Caramel Sauce
Pin Recipe
30 minutes
30 minutes
Desserts, Sauces and Dressings
American
12
servings
196
kcal
Ingredients
-
8
tbs
Unsalted Butter (1 stick) -
1 ¼
cup
White Sugar -
1
tablespoon
water -
⅔
cup
Heavy Cream -
2
tbs
Bourbon or Whiskey -
1
teaspoon
Vanilla Extract -
½
teaspoon
Course Sea Salt
Instructions
MAKE BROWN BUTTER
- Cut the unsalted butter into 4-8 even pieces. In a stainless steel saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Continue to cook the butter, swirling the pan or stirring frequently to prevent the milk solids from sticking and burning at the bottom. Watch the color carefully; as the milk solids toast, they will turn a beautiful light brown, and you’ll notice a distinct nutty aroma filling your kitchen. Once this stage is reached, immediately remove the pan from the heat to prevent burning.
- Carefully pour the brown butter into a heatproof bowl. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the caramel base.
MAKE THE CARAMEL
- In a clean, heavy-bottomed stainless steel skillet or saucepan, combine the white sugar and water. Heat over medium-low heat and stir gently with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to combine. Continue to stir the sugar often as it begins to melt. Initially, the sugar may clump and harden, but be patient; it will eventually liquefy. Keep stirring and cooking until the sugar is completely melted, smooth, and transforms into a beautiful, deep amber color. This process can take 15-20 minutes. If you notice excessive clumping that doesn’t melt, you may need to increase the heat slightly, but watch it closely to avoid burning.
- Once the sugar is completely melted and has reached the desired amber color, remove it from the heat. Immediately and carefully whisk in the prepared brown butter, ensuring it is thoroughly combined with the melted sugar. The mixture will bubble vigorously, so proceed with caution.
- Return the pan to very low heat. Slowly and carefully add the heavy cream, whisking continuously as you pour. This step will cause the mixture to bubble up significantly and release steam, so pour gradually to prevent it from overflowing the pan and ensure safety. Keep whisking until the cream is fully incorporated and the caramel is smooth.
- Once the cream is whisked in completely, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the bourbon, vanilla extract, and coarse sea salt. Continue to whisk until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the caramel is uniformly smooth. Allow the caramel to cool down completely to room temperature. As it cools, it will thicken to a perfect consistency. Pour the finished caramel into an airtight container and store it in the fridge until ready to use. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories:
196
kcal
Carbohydrates:
19
g
Protein:
0.5
g
Fat:
12
g
Saturated Fat:
8
g
Polyunsaturated Fat:
0.5
g
Monounsaturated Fat:
3
g
Trans Fat:
0.3
g
Cholesterol:
35
mg
Sodium:
1057
mg
Potassium:
15
mg
Sugar:
0.4
g
Vitamin A:
428
IU
Vitamin C:
0.1
mg
Calcium:
11
mg
Iron:
0.02
mg
bourbon, caramel, dessert sauce, brown butter caramel
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