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3030 Minutes or LessVGVegetarian
4.35
/5
15 minutes mins
83 Comments
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By: Rachel GurkPosted: 12/06/2017
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Perfect for both gift giving and parties, this bourbon caramel sauce will become an instant favorite of anyone who tries it!
Thick and sweet, creamy and bourbon-y, this caramel is already calling your name, isn’t it? It’s good enough to eat off a spoon, and you might just find yourself doing that. Not like I know anything about that…
If you find yourself needing a last-minute hostess gift or a dessert for a party, this is the recipe for you! It’s super easy to make and all you have to do is pour it in a jar and tie some ribbon around it and it’s ready to gift. Or, you can bring it to a party with ice cream for an easy dessert that everyone will love. It would also be great on a number of other things like apple pie, french toast, bread pudding, and more.
If you’ve never made caramel before, don’t be scared! This recipe is nearly fool-proof and you can absolutely conquer it. I have faith in you.
In a nutshell:
- Boil sugar with water, corn syrup, and a touch of salt. You’ll want to be besties with the stove at this point – don’t leave its side. Swirl the pan and keep a close eye on it.
- Watch for it to become the color of a strong-brewed iced tea – or, the color of caramel.
- Remove from heat and add the cream and bourbon. Stand back and watch out for steam!
- Whisk to combine and then whisk in butter and vanilla.
- Let cool and enjoy!
Between the unmistakable flavor of the bourbon (or whiskey, whatever floats your boat), and the rich creaminess of the cream and butter, this is holiday perfection in the form of a smooth, sweet sauce. You guys are going to love it!
PS: Love caramel? Try these recipes:
- Homemade Caramel Corn with Bourbon and Bacon
- Whole Wheat Caramel Banana Bread
- Caramel Apple Wraps from Milk Means More
- Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes with Caramel Buttercream from Milk Means More
Is it just me or would this caramel also be amazing on french toast?
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Recipe
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Caramel Sauce
4.35 from 172 votesPrep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 10 minutes mins
Total Time: 15 minutes mins
12 servings
Print Rate Recipe
Perfect for both gift giving and parties, this bourbon caramel sauce will become an instant favorite of anyone who tries it!
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon bourbon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Boil sugar, water, corn syrup, and salt in a saucepan over medium-high heat, swirling occasionally. Cook until caramel is the color of iced tea, about 10 minutes.Watch it closely. It takes awhile to get going, but once it gets going, it can scorch quickly.
Remove from heat and add cream and bourbon (watch out for steam!), whisking to combine. Keep off the heat and whisk in butter and vanilla. Transfer sauce to a bowl to cool (and thicken). Store covered in the fridge and reheat slowly in the microwave or over low heat in a saucepan. Also great cold with apples as a dip.
Notes
- Makes about 1 1/2 cups.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 2tablespoons, Calories: 146kcal, Carbohydrates: 20g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 21mg, Sodium: 47mg, Sugar: 20g
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
© Author: Rachel Gurk
Disclosure: Ihave been compensated byMilk Means Morefor my time to develop this kale sweet potato salad recipe and write this post. All opinions are as always, my own. Find out more about why Milk Means More onTwitter,Facebook,YouTube,InstagramandPinterest.
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Reader Interactions
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Kristen says
What size jar?
Reply
Rachel Gurk says
The recipe makes about 1 ½ cups, so 12 ounces.
Reply
Ashley says
Would this be shelf stable long enough for shipping within the US? Thinking of making it as a gift for family. Thanks!
Reply
Rachel Gurk says
I wouldn’t recommend it, sorry!
Reply
Reba says
Can this recipe be canned? Is so what is the shelf life? I would like to make and send to relatives that are out of state. Thank you for sharing.
Reply
Rachel Gurk says
I’m not an expert on canning so unfortunately I can’t provide you with advice on that subject.
Reply
Florrie Gramm says
I will make this recipe. It seems simple.
I have a couple of questions.
1. Does this recipe yield enough to make 1 small jar?
2. Can it be made without the alcohol?Reply
Rachel Gurk says
Yes and yes!
Reply
Karen Carlson says
I see you have it shown in little jars to give as gifts….does it have to be refrigerated and then microwaved to soften when ready to use it? And, what is the “life” for this sauce when it is made?
Thank you –
kReply
Rachel Gurk says
Yes, I typically refrigerate this caramel. You can eat it straight from the jar, but it will be thick, so if you want it pourable, a quick microwave will help. I would say the life is a week or two, but I always err on the conservative side.
Reply
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