5 Minute Microwave Caramel Sauce

Easy and quick homemade caramel sauce made in the microwave! A perfect topping for all of your favorite desserts.

Easy 5 minute microwave caramel sauce recipe from @bakedbyrachel

We have the strangest weather in New England. It can be so unpredictable, especially certain months of the year. October, for example. Back in 2011 we had an impressive nor-easter, dropping several feet of snow across the region, just in time for Halloween. That’s definitely not the norm. Let’s just say, trick or treating was interesting that year…more snowsuits than costumes!

And on the other end of the spectrum… it was in the 70’s today! Pleasantly warm for the season with accompanying high winds and periodic rain. It was another stereotypical odd weather day for this time of year.

Totally unrelated but I think the Christmas bug has hit me, or it’s at least starting to. Now I’m welcoming the festive Christmas displays in stores, not completely annoyed by them. Don’t get me wrong, I feel very strongly that retailers should put more emphasis on Thanksgiving, but at some point we all cave. The problem with giving in too early, or at least in my case, I get sick of it all before the big day hits. Too much, too long. That’s why I like to wait. I can’t handle months of Christmas. So for now, I’ll welcome the displays a tiny bit at a time, but not an ounce of decorating will take place here until late November. Are you an early decorator or do you wait as long as possible?

Easy 5 minute microwave caramel sauce recipe from @bakedbyrachel

One of my absolute favorite dessert toppings is caramel sauce. I can go through a batch in no time, topping all kinds of desserts… from ice cream to pie and so much more. It’s an essential sauce and topping that everyone should know how to make.

Caramel seems to shine in the Fall. It pairs beautifully with all of the flavors of the season – apple, pear, pumpkin, gingerbread and more!

This 5 minute caramel sauce will become your new go-to recipe! It’s super easy and offers the same great flavor as you’d get from standing over the stove!

Easy and quick homemade caramel sauce made in the microwave! A perfect topping for all of your favorite desserts.

Easy 5 minute microwave caramel sauce recipe from @bakedbyrachel

5 Minute Microwave Caramel Sauce

Easy and quick homemade caramel sauce made in the microwave! A perfect topping for all of your favorite desserts.
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Condiment, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Caramel

Ingredients

  • 1/2 C granulated sugar
  • 2 Tb light corn syrup
  • 2 Tb water
  • 1/4 C heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 Tb unsalted butter

Instructions

  • In a large glass measuring cup, microwave sugar, corn syrup and water for 4-5 minutes or until the mixture begins to boil and turns a light amber.
  • Remove from microwave, carefully add heavy cream, vanilla and butter. Mixture will rapidly bubble up. Stir to combine well. Optionally add a pinch of sea salt if desired.
  • Use immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  • Reheat, microwaving in 30 second intervals and stirring well until desired temperature and consistency is reached.
  • Can be stored for several weeks or longer.

Notes

Makes roughly 3/4 cup.
An original recipe from Baked by Rachel

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13 Responses to “5 Minute Microwave Caramel Sauce”

  1. #
    1
    Amy Stafford — October 30, 2015 at 7:19 am

    I am with you one of the best dessert toppings is caramel sauce. Now that I can have it on hand in 5 minutes. I can enjoy it on everything.

  2. #
    2
    allie @ Through Her Looking Glass — October 30, 2015 at 9:03 am

    Dear Rachel, I can’t believe how quick this is! Looks so decadent, and…would be perfect on a slice of pumpkin cheesecake. Just sayin’! Have a beautiful weekend!

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    3
    Danae @ Recipe Runner — October 30, 2015 at 11:42 am

    Our weather in Colorado has been all over the place too the past couple weeks. Everything from mid 70’s to about 50 degrees and cloudy today, no snow thought yet thank goodness! I love how simple this caramel sauce is, I’m pretty sure I would be sneaking a spoonful of it at least twice a day!

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    4
    Jennifer @NourishedSimply — October 30, 2015 at 6:50 pm

    I just made my own hot fudge sauce the other day. Now I can make my own caramel sauce. Never buying ready made sauce again.!

    • #
      4.1
      Rachel — November 1, 2015 at 7:52 am

      Hooray! :)

  5. #
    5
    Lisa @ Healthy Nibbles & Bits — October 31, 2015 at 11:45 am

    Wow, the weather sounds like it is all over the show! I love this quick and easy caramel sauce, Rachel!

    • #
      5.1
      Rachel — November 1, 2015 at 7:51 am

      Thanks Lisa!

  6. #
    6
    AyÅŸe Nesrin Öney — November 27, 2016 at 4:50 am

    Can I use honey instead of corn syrup ?
    A prompt answer will be appriciated.
    Thanks in advance…

    • #
      6.1
      Rachel — November 29, 2016 at 7:09 am

      I haven’t personally tried using honey, so I can’t be sure how well it would turn out or if you’d need to adjust the other ingredients. You certainly could give it a try though! Good luck!

  7. #
    7
    Valerie Bolton — April 2, 2020 at 8:36 am

    Hi.. can honey be used as a substitute for syrup.
    When you mention heavy cream, should this be whisked?
    Looks good recipe.
    Thank you.

    • #
      7.1
      Rachel — April 2, 2020 at 3:48 pm

      Heavy cream is simply poured in. No whisking required. As far as honey goes, I haven’t tried it but it’s possible it might work. You’d have to give it a try to see how it goes and if you like the result.

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    8
    Nancy stone — September 15, 2022 at 3:53 pm

    can brown sugar be substituted for white granulated in order to make butterscotch sauce?

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      8.1
      Rachel — September 17, 2022 at 8:39 am

      It’s definitely worth a try!

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