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    Home ≫ Desserts

    Easy Caramel Sauce

    Updated May 18, 2021. Originally Posted September 16, 2020 By Nikole This post may contain Amazon affiliate links.

    268 shares
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    close up overhead shot of caramel sauce in a glass jar with a gold spoon
    caramel sauce drizzling off a spoon into a glass jar
    photo collage of recipe with text overlay
    close up photo of caramel sauce with text overlay
    photo collage of recipe with text overlay

    There's nothing better than a simple recipe like this homemade Easy Caramel Sauce recipe. It's perfect every time and tastes great with ice cream and apples. Why not try it drizzled over my Apple Dump Cake? The best part is that it's ready in about 20 minutes and you only need four ingredients!

    caramel sauce drizzling off a spoon into a glass jar

    Table of contents

    • Why you'll want to make it
    • Ingredients
    • Directions
    • Salted caramel sauce
    • Recipes tips
    • FAQ
    • More easy dessert recipes you'll may like

    Why you'll want to make it

    It has a touch of coffee flavor. Did you know mocha is actually coffee not chocolate? This sauce infuses instant espresso powder to give it that mocha caramel taste.

    It's so quick and easy. This delicious sauce comes together in about 20 minutes thanks to the quick melting caramel candies used in the recipe. This is my secret weapon when it comes to making a caramel sauce.

    It's made with easy to find ingredients. You only need four easy to find ingredient to pull off this recipe. This version is made with evaporated milk not sweetened condensed milk or heavy whipping cream. The other ingredients include maple syrup and instant espresso powder.

    It's a a versatile, no fail sauce that goes with so many of your favorite desserts. This caramel can be drizzled on brownies, cupcakes, or apple pie. It's great on this Pumpkin Ice Cream too.

    Ingredients

    Evaporated milk - this is pantry staple that is shelf stable, meaning it can be kept at room temperature for long periods of time as opposed to fresh milk. It's cooked through the canning process and that's what makes it creamy and a nice ingredient for caramel sauce instead of using heavy whipping cream. It differs from sweetened condensed milk in that does not have any added sugar.

    Caramel candies - did you know that you can melt caramel candies into a sauce? It's the no fail way to make a homemade caramel sauce perfect every time! I used the Kraft brand.

    Maple syrup - maple syrup is my go to sweetener. I love the flavor and it may even have some antioxidants in it! You can substitute with brown sugar, granulated sugar, or corn syrup.

    Instant espresso powder - this concentrated powder dissolves easily and turns this into a mocha caramel. You can skip this ingredient if desired.

    Directions

    Unwrap the caramel candies and place them in a pan. Mix the evaporated milk and instant espresso powder together in a small bowl.

    photo collage showing the recipe steps

    Add the evaporated milk mixture to the pan with the caramels. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. When mixture is smooth and caramels have completely melted, stir in the maple syrup.

    photo collage showing how to melt the caramels and adding the maple syrup

    Salted caramel sauce

    Salted caramel is a popular variation. You can make this homemade sauce into a salted caramel. Just simple add one teaspoon of salt when you add the maple syrup. Stir well until it is completed dissolved. If you don't want to add salt to the sauce, you can just sprinkle some flaked sea salt over the caramel after serving.

    Recipes tips

    It's super important to stir the sauce as the caramels melt. This will keep it from burning.

    If you don't want to add instant espresso powder, you can leave it out. It adds just a hint of coffee or "mocha" flavor. You can use instant coffee, but the flavor will be even more mild and may not come through.

    Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and/or ½ teaspoon cinnamon for a flavor variation.

    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for one week.

    Try honey, agave nectar, molasses, or corn syrup if you don't have any maple syrup on hand. The flavor will not be the same, but it will still be delicious!

    FAQ

    How do you make caramel sauce from scratch?

    Sugar is heated to 340 degrees F at which point the molecules break down to form a dark, rich flavor and deep golden brown color. This recipe uses caramel candies to make the sauce so it's made without this step.

    Do I need a candy thermometer to make caramel sauce?

    It's a good idea to use a candy thermometer to make caramel sauce, however since this recipe uses caramel candies, you don't need a thermometer.

    Can I boil condensed milk to make caramel?

    According to Carnation, boiling isn't recommended because it can lead to the can bursting.

    close up overhead shot of caramel sauce in a glass jar with a gold spoon

    More easy dessert recipes you'll may like

    No Bake Chocolate Pie

    Pumpkin Bundt Cake

    Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

    Peanut Butter Truffles

    If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a ★ rating  below. And since you made it this far, let’s connect on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!

    close up straight on view of caramel in a glass jar

    Easy Caramel Sauce

    Recipe by Nikole Berg
    You'll love this homemade Easy Caramel Sauce! It's made with evaporated milk and caramel candy and ready in about 20 mintutes.
    4.67 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Dessert, Holiday
    Cuisine American
    Servings 16
    Calories 262 kcal

    Equipment

    Storage Jars
    2 qt pan

    Ingredients
      

    • 14 oz package caramels
    • ½ cup evaporated milk
    • 1 ¼ teaspoon instant expresso powder
    • ¼ cup maple syrup

    Instructions
     

    • Place unwrapped caramel candies in a medium sauce pan.
    • In a separate bowl, combine evaporated milk and instant espresso powder. Add mixture to pan.
    • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until completely smooth. Stir in maple syrup.

    Notes

    • It's super important to stir the sauce as the caramels melt. This will keep it from burning.
    • If you don't want to add instant espresso powder, you can leave it out. It adds just a hint of coffee or "mocha" flavor. You can use instant coffee, but the flavor will be even more mild and may not come through. 
    • Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and/or ½ teaspoon cinnamon for a flavor variation.
    • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for one week. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 262kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 3gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 161mgPotassium: 169mgSugar: 45gVitamin A: 45IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 112mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword candy, caramel apples, Holiday desserts, holiday recipes
    Tried this recipe?Click here to leave a helpful tip!

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    268 shares
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    About Nikole

    Nikole is the creator and photographer behind The Travel Palate, a food and travel blog featuring quick and flavorful recipes and getaway guides. Nikole hopes to inspire your inner foodie whether you're in the kitchen or traveling on your next adventure.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jan

      November 01, 2021 at 2:46 pm

      Can this be used in between layers of cake?

      Reply
      • Nikole

        November 01, 2021 at 4:07 pm

        Hi Jan - I have never tried it between cake layers, so I'd love to know how it turns out if you try it. I personally think the sauce may be too heavy (thick) especially if your cake is light or delicate. It's great with brownies though!

        Reply
    2. Vanessa Jones

      July 28, 2021 at 1:19 am

      Could you use condensed milk instead of evaporated milk and syrup?

      Reply
      • Nikole

        July 28, 2021 at 5:54 pm

        Great question Vanessa! I haven't tried it but now I'm so curious. I think it will work...if you try it, please let me know and I'll add it to the recipe! I'm adding it to my to do list to try myself!

        Reply

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    Welcome, I'm Nikole! I'm the blogger, photographer, and recipe developer dedicated to bringing you recipes that are simple to make, affordable and taste incredible.

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