Easy Homemade Butterscotch Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This easy homemade butterscotch sauce is rich, buttery, and perfectly sweet, making it an ideal topping for ice cream, pancakes, or desserts. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a luscious sauce that brings a warm, comforting flavor to any treat.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon large-flake salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Melt the butter in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan (not non-stick) over medium heat.
- Step 2: Add the brown sugar, salt, and heavy cream. Stir the mixture with a rubber spatula until well blended. Bring it to a boil, scraping down the sides occasionally, and boil for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Transfer the butterscotch sauce to a container and allow it to cool.
Tips & Variations
- Avoid over-boiling the sauce to prevent it from thickening too much; overcooked sauce can turn chewy rather than pourable.
- For an extra kick, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of bourbon, whiskey, or cognac along with the vanilla extract.
Storage
Store the butterscotch sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To reheat, warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently to maintain a smooth consistency.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added large-flake salt to prevent the sauce from becoming too salty.
How thick will the sauce be once cooled?
The sauce thickens significantly as it cools but should remain pourable. If it becomes too thick, gently warm it to loosen before serving.
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Easy Homemade Butterscotch Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: About 3/4 cup of butterscotch sauce 1x
Description
This easy homemade butterscotch sauce is a rich and velvety topping perfect for drizzling over ice cream, pancakes, or desserts. Made with simple ingredients like butter, brown sugar, cream, and vanilla, it delivers a deep caramel flavor with a hint of saltiness. Quick to prepare on the stovetop, this classic butterscotch sauce can also be customized with a splash of your favorite liquor for an extra kick.
Ingredients
Butterscotch Sauce Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon large-flake salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Melt the Butter: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan (not non-stick) over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until fully liquefied.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the dark brown sugar, large-flake salt, and heavy cream to the melted butter. Stir continuously with a rubber spatula until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
- Boil the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil, scraping down the sides occasionally to prevent burning. Allow it to boil gently for 4 to 5 minutes, which helps thicken the sauce.
- Add Vanilla and Cool: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Transfer the butterscotch sauce to a heat-safe container and let it cool to thicken further.
- Optional Liquor Addition: For an added depth of flavor, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of bourbon, whiskey, or cognac along with the vanilla extract.
Notes
- Do not over-boil the sauce, as it will become too thick and chewy, resembling caramel candies instead of a pourable sauce.
- The sauce thickens significantly as it cools, so plan accordingly depending on your desired consistency.
- Adding a splash of liquor such as bourbon or cognac enhances the flavor profile and adds sophistication to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: butterscotch sauce, homemade butterscotch, dessert sauce, caramel sauce, easy sauce recipe
