Ah, caramel sauce, the golden nectar that can transform a plain bowl of vanilla ice cream into a decadent delight. I remember the first time I tried making it—there was a bit of a kitchen disaster, but oh, the aroma! Now, with this microwave version, you can skip the drama and still savor that rich, buttery sweetness, perfect for drizzling over just about anything.
Steps
- Melt the butter: Place the butter in a microwave-safe glass bowl or large measuring cup. Heat it in the microwave on high for about 45 seconds, until it is completely or almost completely melted.
- Combine ingredients: Add the brown sugar, heavy cream, salt, and vanilla extract to the melted butter. Stir the mixture well until all the ingredients are fully combined, though the texture may still be grainy. Microwave the mixture on high for 30 seconds.
- Finalize the caramel: Stir the caramel mixture carefully. Microwave it one last time on high for 15 seconds, or until the mixture turns completely smooth. Be cautious as the caramel will be extremely hot and somewhat thin at this stage. Allow it to stand for 5 to 10 minutes, during which it will thicken as it cools.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (Maldon recommended)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Nutritional Values
Calories: 516kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 1.2g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.8g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 608mg | Potassium: 108mg | Sugar: 56g | Vitamin A: 1140IU | Vitamin C: 0.16mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 0.4mg
FAQ
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter for this caramel recipe?
- Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have. Just remember to reduce the amount of salt you add to the recipe to balance the flavors.
- What type of sugar is best for microwave caramel sauce?
- Light brown sugar is recommended, but dark brown sugar will also work if that’s what you have on hand.
- Can I substitute heavy cream with half and half in this recipe?
- While you can use half and half, the caramel will be noticeably thinner and less rich. For the best results, it’s advised to use heavy whipping cream.
- How should I store leftover microwave caramel sauce?
- Although it’s a small batch meant to be used fresh, any leftover caramel sauce can be stored in the fridge. You can reheat it gently in the microwave to bring it back to a pourable consistency.
- What are some suggested uses for microwave caramel sauce?
- This sauce is versatile and can be drizzled over coffee, ice cream, or desserts like apple tarts and brownies. It’s also delightful as a dip for fruits or stirred into hot or cold coffee drinks.
Tips
- Use a microwave-safe glass bowl or measuring cup to ensure even heating and safely contain the hot mixture.
- Allow the caramel sauce to stand for 5 to 10 minutes after microwaving. This cooling period is crucial as it thickens the sauce to the desired consistency.
- If you only have salted butter on hand, remember to reduce the added salt to avoid an overly salty caramel.
- For a larger batch, you can double or triple the ingredients. The cooking time should remain similar, but keep an eye on it to ensure it reaches a smooth consistency.
Equipment
- Microwave-safe glass bowl or large measuring cup
- Microwave (if not available at home)
