Thank you to New Seasons Market for sponsoring this post!
Is there anything more swoon-worthy than a waffle cone dripping with ice cream or a loaded ice cream sundae?
I can totally relate to one of my favorite actresses, Ginger Rogers, when she said: “My love for ice cream emerged at an early age – and has never left!”
Author Thornton Wilder put it this way: “My advice to you is not to inquire why or whither, but just enjoy your ice cream while it’s on your plate — that’s my philosophy.”
Musician Del Shannon summed it up like this: “I eat ice cream. It’s better than booze.”
I love all flavors of ice cream. You name it, I love it. Well…unless it’s something totally weird like foie gras ice cream or lobster ice cream. (Yes, those really exist.) But any downright ghastly flavors aside, I love them all.
And there is only one thing better than eating your favorite ice cream and that’s finding your favorite ice cream on sale for 50% off! Thanks to New Seasons Market, that’s exactly what’s happening and I’ve been stocking up.
In celebration of ice cream, one of the world’s greatest inventions, I’m sharing a delicious caramel sauce with you that pairs beautifully with a variety of ice cream flavors. It’s the ice cream topping my kids request the most – it’s easy to make and simply irresistible! None of that nasty corn syrup stuff – just pure butter, cane sugar and cream.
And as if you need an excuse to eat it, here are a few more ways to put this luscious caramel sauce to use: Cinnamon rolls, brownies, apple pie, cheesecake, scones, bread pudding, pancakes and fresh apples slices!
Enjoy!
© Liliya Kandrashevich | Dreamstime
Classic Caramel Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup cane sugar
- 1/4 cup cold water
- ½ cup heavy cream warmed briefly in the microwave
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon quality pure vanilla extract
- Small pinch of salt see Note
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the sugar and water, stirring to combine.
- Simmer until the syrup has turned a dark golden color, about 10-12 minutes. A candy thermometer isn't necessary, but it's helpful. For a thick but pourable sauce your candy thermometer should read about 230 degree F. For a little thinner sauce aim for 225 degrees F.
- Once the caramel is ready, whisk in the warm cream and simmer for another couple of minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter, vanilla extract and salt. Serve warm or keep stored in the refrigerator. To reheat it, simply heat it up briefly in the microwave.
Notes
* This caramel sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge, covered tightly, for up to 2 weeks.
A special thank you to New Seasons Market for sponsoring this post and to my readers for supporting the brands and businesses that help make The Daring Gourmet possible!
Jessica | The Novice Chef says
Would it be bad to just eat the sauce with a spoon?!
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says
Pass that this way and then just leave me alone with it and a spoon please.
Lauren @ Hall Nesting says
Some ice cream is better than booze. Especially if it’s dripping with this sauce!
Krista says
I want a big bowl of ice cream with this sauce on top!
Sabrina says
We all scream for ice cream!! I need this caramel sauce!
Delaney | Melanie Makes says
This sauce looks so heavenly!
Cookin Canuck says
This is great to know! There’s a New Seasons market not too far from us. And that caramel sauce looks amazing!
Amanda says
I love caramel sauce on just about everything!
eat good 4 life says
I have not made caramel in forever. I think I need to make caramel sauce soon. I will drink it if I could.
carrie @ frugal foodie mama says
I want to pour this sauce on EVERYTHING (not just ice cream)! ;) It looks amazing!
Erin Dee says
What a great sale on ice cream! I’d say it’s definitely time to stock up! And this caramel sauce would be my topping of choice too! Looks delicious!
Nutmeg Nanny says
I’m ready to go get ice cream and make this!!
Jen says
We moved to an area that doesn’t have a New Seasons and I miss it SO MUCH!! This caramel sauce will be a fun treat to top our ice cream off with this summer, thanks!
Tanya N. says
50% off ice cream is sweet music to my ears! :) Thanks for the tip!! You know I’m totally making that caramel sauce, too! :)
Alyssa | EverydayMaven says
I love New Seasons so much! My kids are so into all of the different ice cream brands to try :)