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
Scale
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
