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Bourbon Caramel Sauce

This bourbon caramel sauce is a rich and comforting addition to Thanksgiving desserts, easy to make and delightful when served warm over pie, cake, or ice cream.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 9 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Dessert, Sauce
Cuisine: American
Calories: 104
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the caramel sauce
  • 1 cup granulated (white) sugar Use fresh, dry sugar for best results.
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
  • 1/4 cup butter, room temperature Use unsalted butter for more control over salt levels.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Can substitute with vanilla bean paste for flecks.
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon Can substitute with dark rum.
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt Use kosher salt if desired, adjusting to taste.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Add the sugar and water to a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir briefly to moisten the sugar, then place the pan on the stove.
Caramelization
  1. Set the burner to medium-high. Watch as the sugar changes from clear to champagne, then light gold and finally deep amber. Do not stir or touch the pan while it cooks.
  2. Remove the pan from the heat when the caramel looks like a copper penny.
Mixing
  1. Slowly pour the room-temperature cream into the hot caramel while whisking. Continue whisking until the cream is incorporated.
Finishing
  1. Whisk in the butter until it melts. Then add the vanilla, bourbon, and fine sea salt. Keep whisking until the sauce looks smooth and glossy.
Serving
  1. Serve the bourbon caramel sauce warm for a pourable finish or let it cool to room temperature, when it will thicken.
Storage
  1. Once cooled, transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Reheat only the amount needed.

Notes

For best results, do not stir the sugar while it's caramelizing to avoid graininess. Use caution when adding cream to avoid splattering. This recipe is intended for adults of legal drinking age.