Vanilla-Bean Caramel Sauce

Looking for a great last minute homemade holiday gift? Look no further.  Packaged in little mason jars, tied with some gorgeous ribbon, this is a gift anyone would love to receive. I think family and friends really appreciate the time and thought that goes into homemade gifts.
This wonderful vanilla bean caramel sauce is so tasty and best of all, quick and easy to make. It’s extremely versatile as well. Put in on ice cream, pancakes, waffles, on cake, cheesecake, in coffee, and anything else you can think of.  Oh, and don’t forget to make some for yourself, you’ll want to have some of this around!
Vanilla Bean Caramel Sauce
Makes 1 1/2 cups
1 cup (225 grams) granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1 vanilla bean, split and seeds removed*
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
*If you don’t have any vanilla beans on hand; increase the vanilla extract to 1 tablespoon. It still tastes great!
Directions:
1.  Using a medium saucepan, spread the sugar in an even layer over the bottom.
2.  Measure the heavy cream and scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean pod and put into the heavy cream.  Set aside.
3.  Heat the sugar over medium-low heat. When the sugar begins to bubble and liquify around the edges, use a heatproof spatula to push the sugar towards the centre of the pot.  Continue to stir gently until all the sugar has melted. Once the caramel reaches a deep amber colour, immediately remove the pot from the heat.
4.  Carefully pour in half of the heavy cream while whisking (the mixture will bubble vigorously).  Stir until incorporated, and then stir in the remaining cream. Whisk in the vanilla extract and the salt.
5.  If any hard sugar has formed, stir the caramel over very low heat until the hardened pieces have melted and you have a smooth sauce.
6.  Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Sauce can be reheated if necessary in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Enjoy!
Jessica
Source: Adapted from Annie’s Eats, originally from The Perfect Scoop by David Lebovitz.

 

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  • Sarah

    I may be new to caramels but this recipe isn’t nearly as quick and easy as you make it seem. The sugar turned into a solid rock for me too as soon as I added the cream

  • Lori

    Ok, you should have put a warning in your recipe that when you add the cream and it bubbles it can also turn into a solid rock. I am remelting it and hope it turns out.

    • http://www.portuguesegirlcooks.com/ Jessica |Portuguese Girl Cooks

      Hmmm, never had it turn solid rock. Just heat and stir over low heat and it should liquify again. Hope that helps- good luck!

  • Nikki Patricio

    Mouth watering!! If I were to make this for the Salted Caramel Pudding, how many days ahead would you reccomend to be safe?

    • http://www.portuguesegirlcooks.com/ Jessica |Portuguese Girl Cooks

      Hi Nikki,

      It can keep for about 3 weeks in the refrigerator, so you can make it quite far in advance. Enjoy!! :)

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  • http://www.iamsimplytia.com Simply Tia

    This looks fantastic and I love the simplicity of the recipe. Truly mouthwatering. Thanks for sharing!

  • http://www.freespiritfood.com Kelly @Free Spirit Food

    Wow. I would love to receive this as a gift AND give it away! thanks for posting!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/06308346636639952380 Shannon

    This is beautiful and so wonderful as a gift! I have a couple of last minute gifts to get and I think I am just going to make them this. Awesome!!