Easy Butterscotch Sauce

Easy Butterscotch Sauce is a rich and buttery dessert sauce made with simple ingredients like butter, brown sugar, cream, and vanilla. This luscious sauce has a deep caramel flavor with a hint of salt and is perfect for drizzling over ice cream, cakes, pancakes, or stirring into coffee. It takes just 10 minutes to make and is a must-have recipe for any dessert lover!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make in just 10 minutes
• Uses simple ingredients you likely already have
• Versatile sauce for ice cream, desserts, and drinks
• Rich, buttery flavor with a smooth, creamy texture
• Can be stored and reheated for later use

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Directions

1. Melt the Butter:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add Brown Sugar and Cream:
   • Stir in the brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt.
   • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
3. Simmer the Sauce:
   • Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   • The sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks.
4. Add Vanilla:
   • Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Cool and Serve:
   • Let the sauce cool slightly before serving.
   • It will continue to thicken as it cools.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 1 1/2 cups of sauce
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Salted Butterscotch Sauce: Increase the salt to 1/2 teaspoon or add flaky sea salt on top before serving.
• Bourbon Butterscotch: Stir in 1 tablespoon of bourbon with the vanilla for a grown-up twist.
• Spiced Butterscotch: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice for a warm, seasonal flavor.
• Vanilla Bean Butterscotch: Use vanilla bean paste or scrape a vanilla bean pod for a rich vanilla taste.
• Dairy-Free Butterscotch: Substitute coconut cream or a non-dairy creamer for the heavy cream.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.
• Reheating: Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of cream if the sauce is too thick.

FAQs

1. How do I prevent the sauce from crystallizing?

Use fresh brown sugar and avoid stirring too much once the sauce is simmering to keep it smooth.

2. Can I use light cream or milk instead of heavy cream?

Heavy cream gives the sauce its rich texture, but you can use light cream. The sauce will be thinner with milk.

3. What can I use butterscotch sauce for?

Drizzle it over ice cream, pancakes, waffles, cakes, apple slices, or mix it into coffee and milkshakes.

4. Can I make this sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce a bit longer, or reduce the amount of cream slightly for a thicker consistency.

5. Can I make butterscotch sauce without butter?

Butter adds richness, but you can substitute with a vegan butter or a bit of coconut oil.

6. How do I fix butterscotch sauce if it becomes too thick?

Reheat the sauce and stir in a tablespoon of cream or milk until it reaches the desired consistency.

7. What is the difference between butterscotch and caramel sauce?

Butterscotch is made with brown sugar, while caramel sauce uses white sugar. This gives butterscotch a deeper, molasses-like flavor.

8. Can I use dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor?

Yes, dark brown sugar will add more molasses flavor to the sauce.

9. How do I make the sauce less sweet?

Add a pinch of salt or a teaspoon of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

10. Can I use this sauce in baking?

Yes, you can use butterscotch sauce in cookies, cakes, or as a filling for baked goods.

Conclusion

Easy Butterscotch Sauce is a simple and delicious recipe that adds a rich, buttery flavor to all your favorite desserts. Whether drizzled over ice cream, mixed into coffee, or used as a topping for baked goods, this homemade sauce offers the perfect blend of sweetness and depth. With its quick preparation and versatile uses, this butterscotch sauce is a must-have for every dessert lover’s recipe collection. Enjoy its smooth, creamy goodness in all your sweet treats!

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