Easy Butterscotch Sauce

This Easy Butterscotch Sauce is the perfect homemade treat to drizzle over ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or anything that could use a rich, caramel-like topping. Made with just a handful of ingredients, it’s quick to prepare, creamy, and wonderfully sweet with a hint of vanilla. Whether you’re making a decadent dessert or just satisfying your sweet tooth, this sauce is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes with only 4 ingredients.
• Rich & Creamy: The perfect balance of buttery sweetness with a smooth, velvety texture.
• Versatile: Great for topping ice cream, pancakes, cakes, or even drizzling over fruits like apples or pears.
• Homemade Goodness: No need for store-bought sauces when you can make this from scratch!

this Recipe

Ingredients

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

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt (optional, for enhanced flavor)

Directions

1. Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the sugar: Stir in the brown sugar, mixing until the sugar is completely dissolved into the butter.
3. Bring to a simmer: Add the heavy cream to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly.
4. Simmer and thicken: Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
5. Finish the sauce: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, if desired.
6. Serve and enjoy: Let the sauce cool for a few minutes before serving. It will thicken more as it cools.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10 (depends on how much you use per serving)
• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
• Total Time: 7-10 minutes

Variations

• Salted Butterscotch Sauce: Add 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt to the sauce to create a salted butterscotch version that pairs beautifully with desserts like brownies or cheesecake.
• Maple Butterscotch Sauce: Swap the brown sugar for maple syrup to give your sauce a rich, maple-infused flavor.
• Spiced Butterscotch Sauce: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sauce for a spiced twist that’s perfect for fall.
• Vegan Butterscotch Sauce: Use coconut oil or vegan butter and coconut cream in place of the dairy for a dairy-free version.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover butterscotch sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop. If it thickens too much in the fridge, you can add a little more cream to bring it back to the right consistency.

FAQs

Can I use this sauce on other desserts?

Yes! It’s perfect for topping ice cream, cakes, brownies, or even drizzling over fruit like bananas or pears.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

Is this butterscotch sauce difficult to make?

Not at all! It’s incredibly easy and comes together quickly with just a few ingredients.

Can I substitute heavy cream with milk?

While you can substitute milk, heavy cream creates a richer, creamier texture. If using milk, the sauce will be a bit thinner.

Can I use this sauce for caramel apples?

Yes! This butterscotch sauce would be perfect for dipping apples, giving them a sweet, buttery coating.

How do I prevent the sauce from burning?

Be sure to stir constantly and keep the heat at medium. If the sauce starts to bubble too vigorously, lower the heat.

Can I freeze butterscotch sauce?

You can freeze the sauce, but the texture might change slightly when thawed. It’s best to store it in the fridge and reheat as needed.

How thick should the butterscotch sauce be?

The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. It will thicken more as it cools.

Can I add alcohol to the sauce for extra flavor?

Yes! A splash of bourbon or rum can add a delightful depth of flavor. Add it after the sauce is done cooking, and stir it in well.

How can I make this sauce sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the amount of brown sugar by 2 tablespoons, or add a bit more vanilla extract for extra sweetness.

Conclusion

This Easy Butterscotch Sauce is the perfect indulgent topping for a variety of desserts. Rich, creamy, and quick to prepare, it’s sure to elevate any treat. Whether you drizzle it over ice cream, pancakes, or a warm slice of cake, this homemade butterscotch sauce will have everyone asking for more. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and delicious results—what’s not to love?

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