Experiment with caramel this Easter season

How to make homemade caramel sauce

Caramel sauce is one of life’s luxuries, the depth of flavour you can get once you know how to make caramel with sugar, cream and butter is unbeatable. Caramel is such a simple recipe, so it’s important to use the best quality ingredients so that the flavour will shine through.

Before you begin, have all your ingredients and tools ready. Homemade caramel sauce comes together quickly and requires a keen eye at all times, so it pays to be prepared!

To make Western Star’s caramel sauce recipe from scratch, you will need just four ingredients.

CARAMEL SAUCE INGREDIENTS

100g caster sugar
25g Western Star Chef’s Choice Cultured Unsalted Butter
150ml Western Star Thickened Cream
large pinch of salt (for salted caramel sauce)

You'll also need a whisk and a small, light-coloured heavy bottomed pan.

METHOD

Put the caster sugar in a small pan with 60mL of water over medium high heat. We recommend using a light-coloured pan so you can see the colour of the sugar as it caramelises. A heavy bottomed pan will melt the sugar more evenly. Do not stir, just swirl the pan. The sugar will melt gradually and may look clumpy, but don’t worry! It will all melt down. When the caramel begins to colour, it happens quickly. Watch it carefully and shake the pan to get even colour. When it darkens to a reddish amber colour and the smell changes to a delicious nutty aroma, it’s time for the next step.
Take the sugar off the heat. Place the butter carefully in the caramelised sugar to avoid splashing. Be careful as it will begin to steam and bubble – but this is all part of the fun! Add the cream. Add the salt if making salted caramel. Avoid putting your face or hands directly over the pot as the steam is very hot.
The caramel may seize and look lumpy, but this is normal. Keep stirring and it will all melt down. Whisk until the caramel comes together in a smooth, luscious sauce.

Ta-da! You now have beautiful homemade caramel sauce. Let it cool before transferring into a heat-proof container. Your caramel will stay extremely hot for a while, so avoid touching it or tasting until it’s completely cooled.

Caramel dessert ideas

Enjoy your homemade caramel as a dip for homemade churros or bottle it up and give it as a gift. Check out the caramel dessert recipes below, plus more Easter recipes and baking ideas!