Maple Bourbon Caramel Sauce

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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If you're looking to add a decadent twist to your desserts, this Maple Bourbon Caramel Sauce is your new go-to. It's a delightful blend of rich flavors with a hint of warmth from bourbon, and it's perfect for drizzling over just about anything.

Ingredients for Maple Bourbon Caramel Sauce

Granulated sugar is the base of our caramel, providing sweetness and that classic caramelized flavor when heated. Water helps dissolve the sugar initially, making it easier to create a smooth caramel. Heavy cream adds a rich, creamy texture, giving the sauce its signature smoothness. Unsalted butter enriches the sauce, balancing the sugar with a touch of fat. Pure maple syrup brings a unique, earthy sweetness that sets this caramel apart. Bourbon adds a warm, slightly smoky note. Finally, vanilla extract and salt enhance all the other flavors, rounding out the sauce beautifully.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a light-colored pan to better judge the caramel's color.
  • If crystals form on the sides of the pan, use a wet pastry brush to wipe them away.
  • Don't rush the process; caramel needs patience for the best results.

Serving Suggestions

Drizzle this sauce over vanilla ice cream for a classic treat, or try it over pancakes or waffles for a luxurious breakfast. It's also fantastic as a dip for apple slices or as an unexpected topping for a warm brownie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave out the bourbon?
Absolutely! If you prefer, just skip it; the sauce will still taste amazing.
How long will this sauce last?
Store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, and it should last up to two weeks.
What if my caramel seizes up?
If it seizes when you add the cream, return the saucepan to low heat and stir until it smooths out.

Maple Bourbon Caramel Sauce Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a medium saucepan. Combine your sugar and water in there over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar fully dissolves; you'll see it go from grainy to smooth. Once dissolved, crank up the heat to medium-high but resist the urge to stir. Let it boil away until you see a deep amber color emerge. This should take around 8 to 10 minutes, but keep an eye on it—caramel can go from perfect to burnt pretty quickly.

Once you've hit that perfect amber hue, carefully take the saucepan off the heat. Now, slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Be ready; it will bubble up quite a bit. Next, toss in the butter, maple syrup, bourbon, vanilla extract, and salt. Keep stirring until everything's mixed into a smooth, glossy sauce. Let it cool for a few minutes before transferring it into a jar for storage.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make with only seven ingredients.
  • The subtle hint of bourbon adds an adult twist without overpowering the sweetness.
  • Maple syrup gives it a unique depth and richness that stands out.
  • Perfect for gifting, as it stores well in a jar.

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 tbsp bourbon
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves.
2. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Let it boil until it turns a deep amber color, approximately 8-10 minutes.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream. The mixture will bubble vigorously.
4. Stir in the butter, maple syrup, bourbon, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
5. Let the caramel sauce cool for a few minutes before transferring it to a jar for storage.

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