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Dessert • American

Easy Bourbon Caramel Sauce Recipe

Instantly elevate any dessert with this rich, decadent homemade bourbon caramel sauce. Your favorite ice cream or baked good may be delicious on its own, but with a drizzle of this caramel sauce, you can turn any dessert into a gourmet treat. As a bonus, you don't need a thermometer to make this bourbon caramel sauce.

5.0 from 146 votes
20 mins
Total Time
2
tablespoons
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Easy Bourbon Caramel Sauce

How to Make the Best Easy Bourbon Caramel Sauce

This easy bourbon caramel sauce is the perfect way to transform any ordinary dessert into something truly special. Rich, decadent, and surprisingly simple to make, this homemade sauce delivers sophisticated flavor without requiring a candy thermometer or extensive kitchen experience.

What makes this recipe stand out is its no-thermometer approach—you simply watch for the perfect amber color and trust your senses. The addition of bourbon gives it an adult sophistication, while the vanilla rounds out the flavors with warmth and depth. Drizzle it over vanilla ice cream, chocolate cake, apple pie, or even fresh berries for an instant upgrade.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply want to elevate your everyday desserts, this bourbon caramel sauce proves that gourmet results don’t require complicated techniques or specialty equipment. Once you’ve made it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.

Easy Bourbon Caramel Sauce

Easy Bourbon Caramel Sauce

Instantly elevate any dessert with this rich, decadent homemade bourbon caramel sauce. Your favorite ice cream or baked good may be delicious on its own, but with a drizzle of this caramel sauce, you can turn any dessert into a gourmet treat. As a bonus, you don't need a thermometer to make this bourbon caramel sauce.

5.0 from 146 votes
CourseDessert
CuisineAmerican
Keywordboozy caramel sauce, bourbon caramel sauce, homemade caramel sauce
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Total Time20 mins
Servings2 tablespoons
Calories85kcal
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Ingredients

Main

Instructions

Main

  1. Add the white sugar and water to a large skillet. Do not stir. Cook over medium-high heat. About every 20 seconds or so, grab the skillet handle and give it a gentle shake back and forth a couple times. As the mixture cooks, it will begin to boil and start to darken.
  2. Once the water and sugar mixture turn to an amber color, immediately turn off heat and whisk in heavy cream. The mixture will furiously boil up. When it subsides, whisk in butter, bourbon and vanilla. Store in an airtight container and pour over your favorite desserts. Enjoy!

Notes

  • No candy thermometer required—watch for the amber color instead
  • Heavy cream should be at room temperature to prevent splattering
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks
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