Go Back
–+ servings
closeup view of a small jar filled with caramel sauce.

Microwave Caramel Sauce

Alysen
This easy Microwave Caramel Sauce Recipe cooks in the microwave in about 6 minutes and turns smooth, rich, and buttery—no candy thermometer needed!
5 from 42 votes
Start Cooking
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Rest Time 5 minutes
Total Time 16 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 20 tablespoons
Calories 80 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • In a microwave-safe glass measuring cup (at least 4 cups large) or medium bowl, add the granulated sugar, corn syrup and water. Mix to combine.
    sugar and water in a measuring cup with a small purple spatula.
  • Microwave on high for 6-9 minutes, stirring once at the 3-minute mark, until the mixture is just starting to turn a light yellow color.
    Microwave caramel sauce after the sugar has been cooked.
  • Leave the door closed on the microwave and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, until it darkens to golden amber color. Do not stir yet.
    microwave caramel sauce in a measuring glass, after sitting to turn darker.
  • Then gradually stir in the room temperature heavy cream. Be careful, as the mixture will bubble up as the cream gets added.
    heavy cream being poured into caramel.
  • Then, add the unsalted butter, vanilla extract and sea salt. Stir to combine.
    butter and vanilla added to caramel sauce in a measuring cup
  • Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks until ready to use.
    microwave caramel sauce in a glass measuring cup

Notes

    • Microwave wattage can affect cook time. Start checking the caramel at the lower end of the cook time to prevent burning.
      The caramel should be light yellow or pale amber before resting. It will continue to darken after the microwave stops.
      Use a large microwave-safe glass measuring cup or bowl because the caramel bubbles as it cooks.
      Add the heavy cream slowly and carefully. The hot caramel will bubble when the cream is added.
      The sauce thickens as it cools. Reheat gently in short microwave intervals to make it pourable again.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoonCalories: 80kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 33mgPotassium: 20mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 87IUVitamin C: 0.04mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 0.1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!