Homemade Butterscotch Sauce Recipe
Rich, buttery, and irresistibly smooth! This easy butterscotch sauce is made with just five simple ingredients and takes less than 10 minutes to whip up. Perfect for desserts, drinks, and everything in between.
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup dark brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup optional, keeps the sauce smooth in storage
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt or ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- ¾ cup heavy cream room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional Add-In
- 1-2 tablespoons bourbon or dark rum optional
Instructions
- Add the butter, dark brown sugar, corn syrup (if using), and salt to a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 cup dark brown sugar, 2 tablespoons light corn syrup, ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Stir with a heatproof spatula as the butter melts. It will look like thick wet sand at first.
- Keep stirring for about 2–3 minutes, until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture looks smooth and glossy.
- Stop stirring and let it bubble gently for another 2–3 minutes. This helps develop deeper flavor.
- Slowly whisk in the room-temperature heavy cream. It'll bubble up vigorously, so keep whisking until fully incorporated and smooth.¾ cup heavy cream
- Insert a candy thermometer if you have one. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 220°F for a drizzle sauce or 225°F for a thicker sauce (about 2–4 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract (and bourbon or rum, if using).1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1-2 tablespoons bourbon or dark rum
- Let cool for 10 minutes, then pour into a glass jar. It will thicken as it cools.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently in the microwave or on low heat before using.
Notes
- Room temp cream is crucial for smoothness. Cold cream can make the sauce seize.
- Use dark brown sugar for authentic flavor. Light brown makes it more caramel-like.
- Don't overcook, or it will turn grainy or chewy.
- High-quality butter (like Irish butter) takes it up a notch.
- Serve warm over ice cream, brownies, pies, or blend into frostings or lattes.
Nutrition
Calories: 165Calories | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 109mg | Potassium: 40mg | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 335IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 0.1mg
