Best 4 Dark Caramel Sauce Recipes

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Dark caramel sauce, also known as burnt sugar sauce, is a delectable condiment that adds a touch of richness and decadence to a variety of desserts and beverages. Its deep amber hue and bittersweet flavor make it a popular choice for drizzling over ice cream, cakes, pies, and pancakes. While store-bought caramel sauces can be convenient, there's nothing quite like the homemade version, crafted with just a few simple ingredients. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of making dark caramel sauce from scratch, ensuring a luscious and flavorful result that will elevate your culinary creations.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

DARK CARAMEL SAUCE



Dark Caramel Sauce image

Provided by Florence Fabricant

Categories     easy, sauces and gravies, dessert

Time 15m

Yield 1 cup

Number Of Ingredients 4

1/2 cup sugar
4 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons hot espresso
1/2 cup heavy cream

Steps:

  • Dissolve the sugar in the water in a heavy saucepan. Place over medium-high heat, and cook, swirling occasionally, until the mixture becomes a medium amber color. Remove from the heat.
  • Pour the hot espresso into the caramel, and stir to blend. Add the cream, stirring to blend completely. Refrigerate; serve with cake, ice cream and drained poached fruit.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 401, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 52 grams, Fat 22 grams, Protein 1 gram, SaturatedFat 14 grams, Sodium 27 milligrams, Sugar 52 grams

OH-SO-EASY CARAMEL SAUCE



Oh-So-Easy Caramel Sauce image

This is a rich, sweet caramel sauce that can be made at the last minute that is great on bread pudding, gingerbread, apple pie, chopped apples, ice cream, and anything else you want to put it on.

Provided by BARB MAXWELL

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Dessert Sauce Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup butter
¼ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Bring brown sugar, butter, and milk to a gentle boil and cook until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat; add vanilla extract.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 211.6 calories, Carbohydrate 27.4 g, Cholesterol 31.1 mg, Fat 11.7 g, Protein 0.4 g, SaturatedFat 7.4 g, Sodium 92.6 mg, Sugar 27.1 g

DARK SALTY CARAMELS



Dark Salty Caramels image

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     dessert

Time 5h4m

Yield 64 (1-inch) caramels

Number Of Ingredients 8

14 1/2 ounces sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup heavy cream, room temperature
2 teaspoons soy sauce
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces, at room temperature
1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

Steps:

  • Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper.
  • Combine the sugar, water, corn syrup, and cream of tartar in a heavy 4-quart saucepan and put over high heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar has dissolved. Cover and continue to cook for 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, combine the heavy cream and soy sauce in a liquid measuring cup. Have this and the butter standing by.
  • Remove the lid from the sugar mixture, and attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan. When the sugar mixture reaches 230 degrees F, reduce the heat to medium and cook, without stirring, until the syrup is a golden color and is approaching 300 degrees F, about 6 to 7 minutes. At this point, there is less likelihood of any crystallization, so gently swirl the pan to break up any hot pockets.
  • When the temperature approaches 350 degrees F, it will turn deep amber. Remove the pan from the heat, and gently swirl again to break up all of the hot pockets. Cool for 2 minutes.
  • Carefully incorporate the cream and soy mixture and the butter into the pan. Stir to combine. Return the caramel to medium heat, stir until the butter is completely melted, and continue cooking until it reaches 255 degrees F. Remove from the heat and pour into the parchment-lined pan, tap gently to release air bubbles.
  • Cool on a cooling rack for 30 minutes, and then sprinkle evenly with the salt. Continue cooling on the rack for an additional 3 1/2 hours. Cut into 1-inch pieces and wrap individually in parchment. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

BOBBY FLAY'S SALTED CARAMEL SAUCE



Bobby Flay's Salted Caramel Sauce image

Make a batch of this sauce before guests come to dinner, keep it warm in the oven while they eat, then spoon it over vanilla ice cream for dessert: That's a win. Or make it in the morning and pair it with pancakes. Mr. Flay, the voluble chef and television star, pairs it with double-chocolate pancakes. That is a very serious business.

Provided by Sam Sifton

Categories     breakfast, brunch, sauces and gravies, dessert

Time 20m

Yield About 1 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan set over medium-high heat, combine the sugar with 1/4 cup cold water and stir to combine. Cook, without stirring, until the sugar has turned a deep amber hue, approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, warm the cream in a small saucepan. When the caramel is ready, slowly whisk in the warm cream and continue simmering the mixture until it is smooth, another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat, then whisk in the butter, and then the salt, to taste. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 463, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 68 grams, Fat 22 grams, Protein 1 gram, SaturatedFat 14 grams, Sodium 269 milligrams, Sugar 68 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Tips:

  • Choose the Right Sugar: Use high-quality granulated sugar for a smooth and rich caramel sauce.
  • Cook the Sugar Slowly: Slowly melting the sugar over medium heat prevents burning and ensures even caramelization.
  • Stir Constantly: Continuously stirring the sugar as it melts prevents clumping and helps distribute heat evenly.
  • Add Liquid Gradually: Slowly incorporate the liquid (water, cream, or milk) to the caramelized sugar to prevent splattering and ensure a smooth sauce.
  • Simmer Gently: After adding the liquid, simmer the sauce gently over low heat to allow the flavors to meld and thicken.
  • Store Properly: Keep the caramel sauce in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for pure vanilla extract, real butter, and fresh cream for the best flavor.

Conclusion:

With careful attention to detail and a few simple techniques, you can create a delicious and versatile dark caramel sauce that elevates desserts, beverages, and even savory dishes. Experiment with different flavorings, such as vanilla, orange zest, or cinnamon, to create unique and personalized variations. Whether you're drizzling it over ice cream, using it as a filling for cakes and pastries, or adding it to your favorite coffee or cocktail, dark caramel sauce adds a touch of decadence and sophistication to any culinary creation.

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