Several months back I received an email from Joanna at Cup of Jo asking if I’d like to participate in her “Best __ Ever” series. This delicious series seeks to present the best recipe for classic dishes like hummus, chocolate ice cream and brownies. Given the choice of a dozen or so categories, my eyes were immediately drawn to the Best Sundae Ever pick, as ice cream is my all time favorite food. Ask John, he can vow that seldom three days pass before I’m aching for a double scoop. (Lucky for me, he always delivers.)
Though my deadline was weeks away I began brainstorming and dreamt up the perfect recipe: One scoop each of chocolate and vanilla ice cream from a local dairy in the Midwest, sliced bananas, chocolate syrup, homemade caramel sauce, fresh whipped cream and crushed salted peanuts. This combination, I thought, hit on salty and sweet and was altogether satisfying. I’m here to tell you my friends, it was.
Wanting to include an aspect that was unique, homemade and of course, simple, I decided on making caramel from scratch. If you’ve never made caramel from scratch it’s incredibly easy. This recipe (shared on Cup of Jo as well) requires just four ingredients and 15 minutes of your time and the result is a sinfully delicious and decadent bourbon caramel sauce that is perfect for topping sundaes, cookies, cakes, pies, crisps and everything in between. Find the recipe below and then check back on Saturday for another recipe using this tantalizingly simple recipe in another fantastic dessert setting. Trust us – you don’t want to miss it.
4-Ingredient Bourbon Caramel Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 Tbsp bourbon*
- 1 pinch salt (optional)
Instructions
- Simmer sugar and water on medium heat, swirling pan NOT stirring for about 15 minutes or until a deep amber color is reached. Watch closely as not to let it burn.
- Turn off burner and remove from heat and slowly add cream while stirring.
- Add pinch of salt and bourbon and place back on still-warm burner for another minute while stirring.
- Transfer to a heat-safe dish or bottle and let cool. Store covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temp or heat in a warm water bath before serving. You can also just simply microwave the jar for 30 seconds before each use without affecting the texture or flavor.
Notes
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.
Nutrition (1 of 20 servings)
adapted from Martha Stewart
Jennifer says
It took less then 15 minutes for my sugar mixture to turn this beautiful amber color.
It was super easy to make. I like the recipe calls for granulated sugar instead of brown sugar
I only had sea salt so I added a pinch of that. We live in the bourbon capitol of the world so I used Larceny bourbon which is 92 proof.
I did add two and a half tablespoons of bourbon. It has a subtle taste of bourbon.
Currently it’s on the kitchen counter cooling down before I refrigerated it.
Amazing! Thanks so much for sharing your experience, Jennifer! xo
Chad says
Sounds like a good start for what I want to make. Years back, we visited a small family restaurant that was very popular in the area. They served an apple pie that had a whiskey sauce that was stronger than the others I have tried and was out of this world. I would like to know if adding 2 more Tbs of whiskey would affect the consistency much or how to thicken it if so. Anyone try this?
Jennifer says
Hi, I added 2 1/2 tablespoons and it’s currently sitting on the counter cooling. I’ll know more once it’s sat for a couple of hours. There is a subtle hint of bourbon even with the additional tablespoon and a half.
Hope this helps!
Melissa says
This was absolutely delicious. I used Oregon Spirit Bourbon (100 proof).
The only problem was that after I refrigerated it and then heated it in the microwave it was a little grainy.
Thank you for sharing your experience, Melissa! We’re glad you enjoyed it!
MHCF says
Delicious and very easy to make. Watch carefully, as it bubbles for several minutes before quickly turning to caramel brown. I added one teaspoon of vanilla.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Dianne Kemp says
How do I make this dairy free?
Hi Dianne! We haven’t tried it and aren’t sure if it would work, but you could possibly have success with full fat coconut milk? Let us know how it goes if you give it a try!
Melissa says
I made it dairy free with silk dairy free heavy whipping cream
Great! Thank you for letting us know!
David Szilagyi says
The recipe says it makes 20 servings, but when you look at what the serving size its supposed to be, it says 1g in your nutritional breakdown chart
there is no way that is accurate. Are you really saying that it only makes 20 grams of product?? because thats not even an oz of product. Is there a typo in the serving section?
Average serving size is 1-2 tbspns. Thats 0.5oz to 1 oz of product, not 1g.
Also, as a chef of 25 years, that recipe makes WAY more then only 20 grams of product.
Hi David, sorry for the error there and thanks for bringing it to our attention! 1g was a default setting that didn’t get changed. We’ll get that updated! The nutrition information is based on 1/20 of the full recipe.
splovesbp says
I made the individual cheeze cakes and caramel bourbon sauce as well as a cranberry jam as another option. DEVOURED!!! Everyone ( carnivores included) loved it. I will make this again in a week for thanksgiving dessert. Thanks so much for the yummy recipes. youre my go-to for all things yummy!!!
splovesbp says
I should say I subbed coconut milk for heavy cream and it was to die for!!
Woohoo! We’re so glad you enjoy our recipes! Thank you for your kind words and lovely review! xo
Susan E Lundstrom says
Can I use half n half in place of heavy creme?
Hi Susan, it won’t thicken as much, but might work okay. We haven’t tried though. Let us know if you do!
Louis says
I made this for the second time tonight, and it is the most incredible ice cream sauce on the planet! I added a teaspoon of cocoa powder, because that’s just what I do.
We’re so glad you enjoy it, Louis! Thanks for the lovely review and for sharing your modification!
Pam says
My husband and I have made this recipe for the past couple of years as our Holiday treat to give to friends. We’ve also added Amaretto to this, but the bourbon is the favorite. This year I’m making a batch non-alcoholic and wondered if you have any suggestions. Should I add a bit of vanilla extract or just leave out the bourbon and call it good?
I’m also going to try the coconut cream for my vegan friends!
So great! I’d say a little vanilla would be nice. For the vegan crowd you can also try this recipe! Happy holidays, Pam.
Ann says
This looks great. Can it be made vegan?
Thanks.
Hi Ann, You may be able to make this one vegan by using coconut cream. We think it may be a little bit thinner, but upon refrigerating it, it will thicken. Then just reheat for serving. Otherwise, we’d suggest this recipe for a vegan caramel sauce: https://minimalistbaker.com/5-ingredient-vegan-caramel-sauce/. Hope that helps!
Campbell says
Soooo good! I used coconut cream instead of heavy cream! And it put it on top of the salted bourbon caramel ice cream! I will definitely be making this again!
Kristi Calcagno says
Can you double or triple the recipe without compromising the results? Thank you!
Yes! I think so. Let us know how it goes!
Hollie says
I made a large batch x 5 and it turned out just as well as the single batch (made both). The 5 x serve just took longer to caramelise – about 45 to 50 minutes. So I still saved myself some time compared to making 5 x single batches.
Great! Thanks for sharing, Hollie!
Eva says
First of all, I’m not a caramel person but this came out so great! I used Hennessy instead. I drizzled on top of my Hennessy infused chocolate cupcakes and it’s a hit! This was my first time making caramel and I almost burned it lol
How long does it last in the fridge? I made it last weekend.
Hi Eva, it should last for at least 1 week. Hope that helps!
Kathy says
This sauce was scrumptious! I made a spice cake and drizzled this over the cake and it was like biting into a heaven! Thank you for this simple and elegant recipe.
Thanks, Kathy!
Nancy Reid says
I tried making this tonight. The mixture dried up and crystallized after being heated for about 10 minutes. What did I do wrong? I had it on medium heat. It didn’t have a chance to get to dark amber.
Sounds like the sugar was either not fresh, it was heated too quickly, it was stirred too much, which can cause crystallization! Try it again but without stirring much, only at the end!
AJ says
I was running into the same issue, I had to add more water to stop the whole thing from turning into a solid crystal block and then I upped the temp from medium to medium high (glass top cook range). I feel I was only getting it hot enough to evaporate the moisture/water but not hot enough to actually melt and brown the sugar. Once I had the temperature up, the sugar actually melted and began to brown.
I find I needed a lot more bourbon and salt to satisfy my tastes. (Hic!)
Amanda Barrows says
I’m planning on using this drizzled over cheesecake, with candied bacon sprinkles.
My question is:
To save time, I have a store bought, (yes, shame on me!), Caramel sauce.
If I’m adding just the bourbon, do I need to bring the caramel sauce to a boil? Or would this burn it? Also, additional thoughts on what I could add to “Jazz” it up?
Thanks!
I’d warm it over low heat and add the bourbon, but yes be careful not to burn. Good luck!
Naomi Dunsen White says
Great recipe. I used Hennessey. Reduced 1 TBSP of the cream and added another of the Hennessey. It is delicious! Thank you.
Dawn Koetting says
I finished an extravagant bread pudding with meringue topping with this sauce for out of state company. Most people went back for “thirds”. Says it all. Making the caramel does take some time ( I got a bit worried), but my, my, my what a sauce!
Lovely! Thanks, Dawn!
Lea Mitchell says
I’m non dairy… made with evaporated coconut milk… yummm
Thanks for recipe
Renuka says
Can this be veganised?
If so, how?
See comments above for tips!
Jamie LeBourveau says
My dad gave me a huge cinnamon coffee cake on Christmas Eve. So instead of baking the dessert I originally planned, I googled bourbon caramel sauce and found this recipe. I was drawn to it because of the short ingredient list and it didn’t look too complex. I followed the recipe exactly. The sugar/water mixture took longer than I thought it would but the finished result was delicious beyond my expectations. I served the cake with the caramel and freshly whipped cream with homemade candied pecans. Everyone loved it. I’ll use this recipe over and over and find all kinds of new uses for it. The only thing I might change is adding a bit more salt, but it’s delicious anyway. Thanks for sharing such an easy yet impressive recipe that really elevated Christmas dessert.
Jackie Good says
Great recipe!! I added toasted walnuts and used it over pumpkin raviolis, topped with whipped cream, garnish with a ginger snap! Outstanding!
Candace says
I made this for one of my customers. I used Hennessy and it taste amazing. Being that I don’t drink I thought it may not taste too good but to my surprise ??
Frieda Tweehuysen says
I made this with coconut cream and without the bourbon but it’s amazing! Thank you.
Glad to hear that, Frieda!
Renuka says
Hi Frieda,
Did you just scoop out the solid cream part and use or the entire can?
Frieda Tweehuysen says
Hi Renuka
I used a 1/2 cup as that’s what you need. The cans by me are 400g so too much to use.
Karen says
Easy and awesome! Next time I make this, I’ll use it to make Banana’s Foster. This morning, I made pancakes, a side of cooked ripe peaches and drizzled the sauce over the peaches. Emeril Lagassi would be proud! Stored the rest in a jar for ice cream later tonight. Thank you!!
Yum! We are glad you enjoyed it, Karen!
Gail Caines says
Have you ever tried to veganize this sauce. I just pinned your Vegan cheesecake recipe and would love to be able to do the bourbon caramel flavor too!
Sarah Greenheck says
My daughters and I love your recipes! It’s our ‘go-to’ site for ideas! Have made many and love each one we’ve made!! We are wanting to make the Snickers Ice Cream (my fav bar as a kid) and want to use the caramel sauce-with the coconut cream but without the refined white sugar. Do you have a suggestion to replace the sugar? I’ve read to use dates but would that have a grainy type texture? (Same recipe instruction process?) Has anyone tried coconut sugar? Or Maple Sugar? And what were the results? I’m sorry for all the questions. Notice how I haven’t asked for a Bourbon replacement? ;)
sherry nawrocki says
Organic sugar works well instead of refined white sugar – this is my go to substitute for sugar always
Noni says
* trying my luck
Noni says
This sounds amazing! Was just wondering, since it has done alcohol, do you suppose it will stay alright without refrigeration for a couple of days in about 30 C /85 F type weather? I know it’s a pesky specific question, but just relying my luck to see if you’ll have an idea :) thank you!
Yes that should be fine, Noni!
Noni says
Thank you so much :) sorry for the typos. Haha
Megan says
Hi! Wondering if this is safe for children to eat? Not sure if the alcohol burns off and just leaves the bourbon flavor. Was asked to make this for a birthday cake filling, and just want to make sure it is safe for children, and if not, how could I make it kid safe while still having the bourbon flavor?
Thanks!
Tom says
Late update: Though my caramel was grainy from the Swerve, it worked beautifully in the chocolate caramel almond butter cups. They were divine and it added a very slight crunch, like a Reese’s cup, but better! I tried another blogger’s caramel sauce recently and was very disappointed. This one is great!
Tom says
I tried making this with Swerve sweetener because I’m diabetic. The taste is good but mine also crystallized. I still made the recipe, they’re in the freezer, they will still be pretty good, I’m guessing. I have leftover caramel sweetener, I’m thinking this might be good in a baked item, like brownies.
Michele Latch says
I made this to accompany the vegan cheesecake bites. I’m not sure what happened, but it never thickened. I doubled the simmer time, added coconut heavy cream, let it cool before I put in the fridge and still was left with caramel “water.” Any ideas? BTW I love your recipes. They are my go to for every holiday!
Hmm, know that coconut cream doesn’t quite thicken as much as real cream. However next time, try reducing the water by half – that should help!
Meg Castellano says
Hi there! I made this recipe last night, with my own dairy free tweaks… so the coconut cream definitely works well, and I agree with Dana that you should halve the water. It makes it much more watery with the coconut, and it gets really soupy. And I also ran into the problem of the amber color disappearing when the coconut cream was added. To solve that, I ended up adding about a half of cup of coconut sugar, and voila! it was perfectly golden brown. Its definitely not as thick as normal caramel but it holds up really well after being refrigerated. Not too stiff, not too thin. Hope this helps!
Holly says
Hi Meg…you added 1/2c of coconut sugar…was that on top of the already 1cup of regular sugar? Or would you recommend subbing the 1cup of sugar for coconut sugar entirely? I’m also trying to make this dairy-free and swirling it into Dana’s vanilla bean coconut ice cream.
Donna Kmetz says
For gifts, do you have a favorite supplier for bottles? Thanks! Donna
Hi there! Nope, I just usually scan my local grocery store or World Market.
Theresa G! says
I made this tonight to go with brownies for a pot luck tomorrow. I made two batches: one with bourbon, the other with Bailey’s. I’m not sure which I like better! The first batch did seize up and solidify some when I added the cream. I removed the lumps and the rest is holding up fine. On the second batch I used a whisk instead of a spoon when adding the cream and it worked out much better. No lumps. There was some crystallization on the sides of the pan, but once I poured it into another container it didn’t seem to affect the texture at all.
Susanne Hannigan says
I made this as a topping on a plain cheesecake for Thanksgiving dessert….it was outstanding! I did not use heavy cream, but substituted sweetened condensed milk, and the result was amazing. I will be using this recipe for years to come…with several of my favorite desserts.
Amanda says
How much condensed milk did you use? If you remember…
Laura says
This sounds amazing! How much does it make?
About 1 heaping cup!
Ms. Tikki says
This recipe sounds delicious. Thank you
Megan says
This turned out fantastic, vegan style. I used trader joes coconut cream & vanillabean paste instead of bourbon. Going to use it for a salted caramel layer cake!
Sara says
Amazing! I love how simple the indgredients are. This was my first time making carmel and EVER…..but it turned out perfect. Thanks!
My suggestion to others is to watch videos of people making carmel so you know what everything should look like. ☺
Kristin says
A friend sent this link prior to showing up for a pizza and movie night saying we needed dessert. Oh my! I’m such a sucker for ice cream and caramel though I try to not eat much sugar. Yep we made it for the group. Half a batch with double the bourbon. ;)
Fan-freaking-tastic! I’m sending this link to everyone I know who might be interested. Why would you buy caramel sauce in a jar when you can have this?
Kathleen says
Thnx for this great recipe! If i pour it into glass bottles and close/seal, how long will it stay good without refrigeration? Would love to mail as gifts!
I think it’d be fine a week without refrigeration!
Christine says
I am allergic to corn, barley, Brewers yeast so whiskey and most any alcohol are not an option for me. What can I use??
Thanks,
Christine ?
I’m not familiar with what grains go in liquors, so I’d just suggest leaving it out! Or, as your local liquor retailer!
Kriste says
Alcoholic beverages all start with yeast and sugar for the yeast…corn for bourbon, barley for scotch and sugar for rum (this you may get a way with, especially spiced rum [which I’ve made this with and it was WONDERFUL]). Brewers yeast has been manipulated to withstand higher alcohol content.
Try making the caramel without the alcohol and drizzling a reduced mulled wine on top, if you can drink wine. Beer usually comes from malted barley and there are some fantastic seasonal specialty ones on the market that should do nicely incorporated into sugar and cream.
Best of luck.
Kristin says
You might use a flavor extract of your choice. Some of them are made without alcohol.
Frieda says
Hi Dana.
I’ve been using this recipe with coconut cream and has always been awesome! But, I just made it better. Using coconut milk I added another can and made a salted caramel ice cream! Heaven!
Thank you!
Frieda
Ivy says
Is the coconut cream that you use the separated cream that you find in the coconut milk can, or is it a product labeled as coconut cream?
Kristyn says
Hi Dana & John! Your site is so gorgeous and your writing is so fun and relatable – I love how your personality comes through, and I’ve harassed many of my friends and coworkers with it. :)
I’m also trying this one with coconut instead of dairy milk – I tried coconut cream, but just over 1/2 c, and it made it too thin (which seems counterintuitive?). Would you say it needs more coconut cream or less?
Thanks so much! :)
Ah, thanks for sharing our site, Kristyn! Great question on the recipe. Altering this to make it vegan definitely doesn’t provide the same effect, but similar. It will be a little bit thinner. But upon refrigerating it, it will thicken. Then just reheat for serving. I haven’t tried adding MORE coconut cream, but if you do, let me know if that helps!
Kelly says
This looks amazing, what size containers would you suggest per recipe? I am thinking this would be great for my “cookie” exchange!
Lisa says
First two batches crystallized due to (I’m guessing here) my heat not being quite at medium (for fear of burning it), and they also never reached a deep amber color. So, I gave it another shot only this time, I set the temp just at medium heat but also used Whole Foods Organic Pure Cane Sugar as opposed to the plain ‘ole extra fine granulated white sugar I used in the first two fails. Within 15 minutes I had the perfect shade of amber, stirred in some fresh heavy cream, a pinch of extra fine sea salt and 2 1/2 tbsp of Maker’s Mark (we love our bourbon in KY!). As soon as it cools, it’s going into a squeeze bottle for the apple crisp I’m going to be baking. Perfection. Thank you!
Ava B. says
I must be doing something wrong. It always comes out so thin and watery. Am i not getting it to the right color of amber, or is there an additional step to heating it up after the cream and bourbon?
Amber says
I may be searching in vain, but I was wondering if it possible to make caramel sauce using something other than granulated sugar?
You can make it with dates! I haven’t tried it in a saucepan yet but rather just making it raw in the food processor. But it does taste seriously close to the real thing! Hope that helps. I also think Oh Ladycakes has one that calls for sucanat not sugar…
Laura Jones says
Just made this for my frappe tomorrow morning, and it’s sooo so good. I thought that the bourbon would overpower the taste of it, but it just made it that much better. I made mine vegan with coconut milk (full fat), and I had some old white refined sugar that I needed to use up. Next time, I will try a healthier and more organic sugar. I wonder how coconut Palm sugar would fare…? Hmmmm… thanks for the recipe! I have a family reunion this weekend, so I will aww them with my (your) genius. :D
Yay! Glad you enjoyed it, Laura!!
Gita Goldberg says
Hi Laura, did you try it with coconut sugar? I’m curious how it turned out…
NB I made it today as per the instructions (except I used scotch whiskey instead of bourbon) and it turned out beautifully! I had to act quickly when I stirred in the cream though because it started bubbling like crazy, and the steam it let off nearly burned my hand! It was an exciting recipe to make!
I used the caramel sauce on your mini cheesecakes which are still setting in the freezer, so I don’t know yet what deliciousness awaits me! That being said, I can imagine the outcome from all of my mini taste tests along the way :) Thanks for your great and simple recipes!
Faith says
I made this a couple of months ago and the sugar crystallized and the cream curdled a bit, but it was still salvageable and delicious over ice cream. It didn’t last long in the fridge — not because it went bad but because I enjoyed it so much I used it up quickly. Now that I’ve read the comments I see the mistakes I made, so I am going to try this again and hopefully fix the texture issues that I had. Thanks for such a wonderful recipe.
Carole says
I am going to try this for a Derby party (with pecans, cranberries and apple pieces, poured over a round of brie cheese).
Vanessa says
Yuuumm, looks delicious! Looking forward to trying this subbing almond milk!
De says
Turned out wonderfully…made it to top some mini cheesecakes and it was a hit. Making more tonight to make caramel popcorn. Thank you so much for this!
Yay! So glad you enjoyed. This sauce is SERIOUSLY addictive. Watch out! ;D
Heather says
I’ve tried this twice and have failed miserably :( I’m not sure what I did wrong because I’ve been able to do other caramel sauces. Bummer!
So weird. Are you making any substitutions? What exactly is going wrong? I’ve never had an issue with this recipe…
sylvie says
I tried this with whole milk and xylitol (diabetic-friendly) and the consistency is quite thin. The liquid turned a slight shade of amber, but it’s definitely not as dark as the photo. Quite runny at the moment–will have to incorporate into a banana pudding.
Becky says
Heavenly… caramel makes everyThing Better:);) thank You so. Much for sharing!!!
Amber says
I made 3 batches of this tonight with a can of full-fat coconut milk, and it was so easy and delicious!
IMPORTANT:
*****Let the sugar dissolve in the water a bit before turning on the heat, and be sure to swirl the pan occasionally (just lift the pan slightly off the burner and “slosh” the caramel by shaking the handle gently)–these steps, along with keeping the heat at an even medium, will keep the sugar from crystallizing.
*****Also, stir the milk in FAST–otherwise you will get chunks!
*****I used a whisk
Finn says
Like I said, I’m going to do this at once :D
Can I use this sauce for Brownies somehow? (like, instead of butter?)
Did you try pouring it into coffee?
Yam!
Lindsay says
Mine did not work at all. I read all the instructions and comments before beginning. I had the same issue as another poster, my sugar never darkened. I kept it at a near boil, with little bubbles for 25 minutes. I eventually figured it must have it to low so I turned it up, but just a bit, and it crystallized. Too bad, I really wanted this to work.
Lindsay, so bizarre! I just made my third batch of this and didn’t have any issues. Did you use white granulated sugar? It’s best. Also, did you stir? That can ruin the process. It shouldn’t be taking more than 20 minutes. Just to confirm you’re using 1 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup water?
Amber says
Hey Lindsay! Letting the sugar dissolve in the water (use a granulated sugar with small grain) before turning on the heat will keep it from crystallizing. Also, keep the heat at medium once you turn it on and “swirl” the pan occasionally.
Melissa says
I think I figured out the issue! I did 2 batches with a nonstick pan and it boiled for all of time and finally crystalized and turned into a rock. When I used a stainless steel pan on the 3rd try-caramelization!
LISA KLARE says
Can these be made with something like coconut cream instead of the heavy cream…food allergies to milk.
Yes! Sub coconut cream for the whipping cream, only up it a little more as it doesn’t give off the same level of creaminess that whipping cream does. Hope that helps!
Dorrie says
I simmered this for over 30 minutes and was the getting the deep amber color. Should it come to a boil or not. Tried bringing to a boil and started to crystallized. What am I doing wrong?
Dorrie, keep it on medium heat. It should be lightly bubbling, not boiling. Once you get that deep amber color remove from heat and add the cream and bourbon. Hope that helps!
Megan Jenkins says
This recipe is perfect!! I used 2% milk instead of heavy cream and had equally fantastic results. I waited for the caramel to cool and cracked in some pink sea salt. I used Maker’s Mark, maybe a little heavy handedly, and it has a nice kick-finish. Thanks for such a great recipe!!
I also had results with the sugar clumping when I added the milk, perhaps not stirring vigorously enough as I added the milk, or maybe it was because I used 2%. I put the pot back over low heat and continued to stir until smooth. I ended up pouring it over a small sieve when I put it in the storage container and just had a couple pea-sized crystallized sugar pieces. Other than that — perfect!
Kaecie says
I made this with almond milk instead of cream. I don’t know how the texture will be when it cools, but I put a little bit in some cider before it cooled and HOLY MOTHER OF AUTUMN WAS IT GOOD.
haha, it’s even better when it cools in my opinion! Pour this over an ice cream sundae and you will be in heaven – guaranteed! ;D
Andrea says
Served this with pumpkin break pudding for Thanksgiving. It’s AMAZING and I’m thankful there are leftovers. I keep sneaking spoonfuls from the fridge. Followed the recipe as written with a heavy pour of Bourbon.
Teri O. says
OMG I died and have gone to heaven. I could have eaten the entire batch in one sitting!!! It was so easy to make. I used Makers Mark. I don’t know bourbons very well, but MM worked nicely!! I’ll be making this for Christmas gifts!!!
Madi Rawlins says
I made this. It was unreal. It was heaven. It was so easy. It was out of this world good.
Impatient Cook says
Hi, how long will the sauce keep in the fridge?
A LONG time. I had mine for a couple months and it did great!
Nancy Klink says
Want to make this with Irish Whiskey for St. Paddy’s tomorrow. Can I double it?
Thanks!
Amy Stafford says
That sundae would tempt a saint! Looks delicious and the picture is perfect!
Vespa Woolf says
I love caramel sauce and this sounds fabulous! Bourbon is so delicious in sweets. I look forward to trying this.
Kristen Joy says
My boyfriend is gluten-free and says he can’t have bourbon because it’s not. Thoughts?
Based on my research bourbon is gluten free. However, if you’re still hesitant simply leave the bourbon out of the caramel sauce.
J. says
Unless it says gluten-free on the bottle, bourbon is not gluten free. HOWEVER if you have Celiac/sensitivity, most who have bourbon are okay and have no adverse gluten reaction.
Lynn says
Bourbon is gluten-free. Gluten is a protein that cannot get through distillation. Therefore, all distilled spirits are gluten-free unless something is added to the product post distillation. True bourbon by definition cannot have anything added. If something is added, it must be noted on the front label, and it can no longer be called bourbon. Celiac.com clearly states “all distilled alcohols are gluten-free.”
Morgan says
I have been on a bourbon quick lately, so this rendition of caramel sauce will have to be in order asap. Beautiful styling by the way! Love your blog :)
Fred says
That sauce looks amazing and will be on my dessert for dinner on saturday!
S says
Thanks for your post on A Cup of Jo! I am glad to have found your website. I am wondering: how long does the sauce keep? Could I make it as a gift for a friend?
The sauce keeps for so long, that’s the best part! I’ve literally had it in my fridge for close to 3 months now and it’s still so fresh and delicious! You could absolutely gift this to a friend. I would just recommend having her put it in the fridge as soon as she opens it. Hope that helps!
Finn says
Are you sure? :O
I havent tried but its got cream in it and that Martha Stewart thing says it will only last for 1 week.
natalie@thesweetslife says
saw this on cup of jo and drooled!
Sarah says
Ohhhh baby. I saw this post on Cup of Joe and had to come and take a look at your site – this looks absolutely spectacular!
fee says
Could you substitute coconut cream instead of the heavy cream to make this vegan?
It’s worth a shot, but I can’t guarantee it won’t give a curdling effect. I did try soy creamer once and it worked fine, though the flavor is much different. Hope that helps!
Traci says
I just used the full fat coconut milk in the can from Trader Joes and its perfect and DELICIOUS! No curdling at all.
Fabulous recipe! Just found your stuff and Im loving it! Making the cheesecakes as we speak. Im vegan and GF so Im really excited to try these. Thank you!
Sarah says
Hello! I just used coconut milk as well, but I’m not sure it worked. I’m always confused as to which part of the milk to use…the creamy fat at the top, the liquid underneath, or does that get mixed together before using? Thanks!
Just use the creamy part at the top!
Natasha says
You guys read my mind! Can’t wait to try this with coconut milk on vegan cheesecake!!!
Laura says
Thanks for commenting. I’m going to try it your way.
gabi says
Hi I just made this with full fat coconut milk but the color of my sauce is not dark amber it’s more thick white. I swirled pan didn’t stir and it was on the fire 17 minutes not becoming amber and didn’t want it to burn….any ideas what could be wrong?
Kate says
Hey! I’m vegan so I will be making this sauce with the canned coconut milk, also. One thing I think might work (from other sauces I’ve made) is adding or subbing dates for the sugar. They tend to add more of a caramel- like color to my sauces! I’ll let you know if it works after I try! :)
jen says
How did the dates work out?
Lori says
You need to let it caramelize and turn brown before adding the cocnut milk. Is that where you went wrong?
Roger says
Turn up heat a bit, you’ll get the amber color just watch and use your nose
Kara says
It’s the sugar that creates the amber color. Leave the sugar on the stove until it melts and turns amber before adding cream
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
This looks ridiculously good…
My favorite sundae is vanilla, toasted coconut, and a heavy drizzle of salted caramel sauce.
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
I love making rum-caramel sauce or bourbon-caramel & yours looks so good!