This Easy Homemade Butterscotch Sauce is a velvety, golden delight that transforms desserts in just 20 minutes. Rich, buttery, and laced with deep caramel notes, it’s perfect for drizzling over ice cream, pancakes, or even fresh fruit. The smooth, glossy texture melts luxuriously, while the warm, toasty flavor lingers with every bite.
With only 5 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, this sauce is a fuss-free way to elevate any treat. Its sweet, slightly salty balance makes it irresistibly addictive, and the aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen. Whip it up quickly and enjoy the magic of homemade butterscotch anytime.
Ingredients for Easy Homemade Butterscotch Sauce
- ⅔ cup (5 fl oz/142 ml) cream (use heavy cream for best results)
- 4 tablespoons (2 oz/57 g) butter (unsalted preferred, but salted works too—adjust added salt accordingly)
- ½ cup (3 oz/85 g) dark brown sugar (light brown sugar can be substituted for a milder flavor)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste, especially if using salted butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed pot, add the cream, butter, and dark brown sugar. (Do not add the salt or vanilla yet.)
- Dissolve the sugar: Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar has completely dissolved. Do not boil at this stage.
- Simmer the sauce: Once the sugar is dissolved, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly.
- Add flavorings: Remove the pot from the heat and whisk in the salt and vanilla extract (if using).
- Serve or store: Serve the sauce warm over desserts, or let it cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 8 weeks.
Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas
This Easy Homemade Butterscotch Sauce is incredibly versatile! Drizzle it over vanilla ice cream for a classic treat, or use it to elevate pancakes, waffles, or French toast. It’s also delicious swirled into yogurt or as a dip for sliced apples. For a decadent dessert, try it with bread pudding or cheesecake.
Storage and Reheating Made Simple
Store your butterscotch sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 8 weeks. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, or gently heat it on the stovetop over low heat. If it thickens too much, add a splash of cream to loosen it up.
Quick Tips for Success
Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning and ensure even heating. Stir frequently while simmering to avoid sticking. For a richer flavor, try using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. And don’t skip the vanilla extract—it adds a lovely depth to the sauce!
Recipe Variations to Try
Experiment with this recipe by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced twist. For a boozy version, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon after removing the sauce from the heat. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for an extra minute or two.
Easy Homemade Butterscotch Sauce
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup cream (5floz/142ml)
- 4 tablespoons butter (2oz/57g)
- ½ cup dark brown sugar (3oz/85g)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients (except the vanilla and salt) in a heavy bottomed pot.
- Over low heat cook until the sugar has dissolved, do not boil.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer for 3-4 minutes
- Take off the heat and whisk in the salt and vanilla extract.
- Serve warm or store in the fridge for up to 8 weeks.
