This Butterscotch Sauce is like a warm hug in culinary form. It’s not just for ice cream—drizzle it over pancakes, swirl it into your morning coffee, or use it as a dip for fresh fruit. And the best part? It only takes 10 minutes and 5 simple ingredients to make!
can also serve as a delightful companion to classics like a warm meatloaf recipe or even incorporated into a nostalgic butterscotch pudding for dessert. Sharing recipes like this is my way of spreading love and flavor—after all, it’s my passion to bring simple, delicious sauces into your kitchen.
Homemade Butterscotch Sauce
Butterscotch sauce is a velvety, buttery delight made with brown sugar, butter, and cream, creating a rich, caramelized flavor with a hint of toasty warmth. Unlike traditional caramel sauce, it has a deeper, molasses-like sweetness from the brown sugar, making it uniquely indulgent. Whether you’re using it as a butterscotch topping for ice cream, drizzling it over cakes, or stirring it into coffee, its versatility and depth of flavor make it truly irresistible.
Why I Love This Butterscotch Sauce Recipe
- Quick and Easy to Make: With just five ingredients and 10 minutes, this butterscotch sauce is as simple as it gets, perfect for busy days.
- Rich, Decadent Flavor: The brown sugar and butter combination creates a deep, molasses-like sweetness that stands out from traditional caramel sauces.
- Versatile Uses: Whether as a butterscotch topping for ice cream, drizzled over pancakes, or paired with warm desserts, it elevates every dish.
- Customizable Ingredients: You can adjust the creaminess or even add a splash of vanilla or rum to make it uniquely yours.
- Nostalgic Comfort: Its warm, buttery taste instantly brings back memories of homemade desserts and family gatherings, making it a treat with heart.
All You’ll Need To Start Making This Sweet Sauce
Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons): Provides the rich, creamy base for the sauce. You can control how salty the butter is by using plain butter. If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt later.
- Brown Sugar (1 cup): Adds the deep, molasses-like sweetness that defines butterscotch. Light or dark brown sugar both work, but dark offers a bolder flavor.
- Heavy Cream (½ cup): Creates the luscious texture. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the richness might be less pronounced.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors with its warm, aromatic sweetness. For a twist, try almond extract or a splash of rum.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor. Adjust based on preference.
This recipe uses common pantry staples, making it easy to prepare whenever you’re craving something sweet and indulgent.
Directions
Melt the butter: Put the unsalted butter in a medium-sized pot and set it over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t brown. Once fully melted, it will create the creamy base for your sauce.
Add the brown sugar: Stir in the brown sugar, ensuring it dissolves completely. Keep stirring for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and turns glossy. This step caramelizes the sugar for that iconic butterscotch flavor.
Incorporate the cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while mixing the mixture all the time.
The mixture will bubble up—this is normal. Keep whisking until the sauce is smooth and velvety, about 3-4 minutes.
Flavor it up: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. These ingredients enhance the sauce’s depth and balance the sweetness beautifully.
Cool and serve: Allow the sauce to cool slightly before transferring it to a jar or serving. It thickens as it cools, making it perfect for drizzling over desserts or using as a spread.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 105kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1.5g | Sodium: 65mg | Potassium: 18mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 150IU | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.1mg
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Course: Dessert Sauce
Cuisine: American Classic
Notes Tips
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your butterscotch sauce relies on rich butter, fresh cream, and flavorful brown sugar. Opt for high-quality ingredients to ensure the best results.
- Watch the Heat: Keep the saucepan on medium heat to prevent the sugar and butter from burning. Stir frequently to avoid sticking or clumps.
- Customize the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for an extra minute or two. For a thinner drizzle, reduce the simmering time or add a splash of milk after cooking.
- Ingredient Substitutions: You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free version or add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced twist.
- Double the Recipe: Planning to make extra for gifting or meal prep? Simply double the ingredients, but use a larger saucepan to prevent overflow during bubbling.
Storage and Freezing
Storage: Move the butterscotch sauce to a jar or container that won’t let air in. Store it in the fridge for up to two weeks. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore the smooth texture.
Freezing: To freeze, let the sauce cool completely and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly while stirring to bring back its creamy consistency.
Creative Ways to Use Butterscotch Sauce
- Drizzle Over Ice Cream: Transform a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream into a decadent dessert by pouring warm butterscotch sauce over the top.
- Layer in a Parfait: Add a luxurious touch to yogurt parfaits by layering the sauce with granola, fresh fruit, and whipped cream.
- Dip for Fresh Fruit: Serve it as a sweet dip for apple slices, bananas, or strawberries—a crowd-pleasing addition to any fruit platter.
- Top Pancakes or Waffles: Swap syrup for butterscotch sauce on pancakes or waffles for an indulgent breakfast treat.
- Flavor Your Coffee: Stir a spoonful into your morning coffee or latte for a rich, caramel-like twist that’s better than any café syrup.
- Glaze for Cakes: Use it as a glaze for bundt cakes or cheesecakes, adding a glossy finish and extra flavor.
More Dessert Sauce Recipes
FAQs About Butterscotch Sauce
1. Can I make butterscotch sauce without cream?
Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option, though the sauce might be slightly thinner.
2. How long does homemade butterscotch sauce last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it lasts up to two weeks. Warm it up slowly on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
3. Can I freeze butterscotch sauce?
Absolutely! Cool it completely, then put it in a freezer-safe jar. Freeze for up to three months and thaw in the fridge overnight.
4. Why is my butterscotch sauce grainy?
Graininess happens if the sugar doesn’t dissolve properly. Stir consistently over medium heat and avoid overheating to ensure a smooth texture.
5. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the additional salt in the recipe to avoid overpowering the sauce’s sweet, balanced flavor.
6. Is butterscotch the same as caramel?
No. While both are sweet sauces, butterscotch is made with brown sugar, giving it a deeper, molasses-like flavor, while caramel uses white sugar.
Recipe Card – Butterscotch Sauce
Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter 4 tablespoons: Provides the rich, creamy base for the sauce. You can control how salty the butter is by using plain butter. If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt later.
- Brown Sugar 1 cup: Adds the deep, molasses-like sweetness that defines butterscotch. Light or dark brown sugar both work, but dark offers a bolder flavor.
- Heavy Cream ½ cup: Creates the luscious texture. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the richness might be less pronounced.
- Vanilla Extract 1 teaspoon: Enhances the flavors with its warm, aromatic sweetness. For a twist, try almond extract or a splash of rum.
- Salt ¼ teaspoon: Balances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor. Adjust based on preference.
Instructions
- Melt the butter: Put the unsalted butter in a medium-sized pot and set it over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t brown. Once fully melted, it will create the creamy base for your sauce.
- Add the brown sugar: Stir in the brown sugar, ensuring it dissolves completely. Keep stirring for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and turns glossy. This step caramelizes the sugar for that iconic butterscotch flavor.
- Incorporate the cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while mixing the mixture all the time.
- The mixture will bubble up—this is normal. Keep whisking until the sauce is smooth and velvety, about 3-4 minutes.
- Flavor it up: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. These ingredients enhance the sauce’s depth and balance the sweetness beautifully.
- Cool and serve: Allow the sauce to cool slightly before transferring it to a jar or serving. It thickens as it cools, making it perfect for drizzling over desserts or using as a spread.
Video
Notes
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your butterscotch sauce relies on rich butter, fresh cream, and flavorful brown sugar. Opt for high-quality ingredients to ensure the best results.
- Watch the Heat: Keep the saucepan on medium heat to prevent the sugar and butter from burning. Stir frequently to avoid sticking or clumps.
- Customize the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for an extra minute or two. For a thinner drizzle, reduce the simmering time or add a splash of milk after cooking.
- Ingredient Substitutions: You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free version or add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced twist.
- Double the Recipe: Planning to make extra for gifting or meal prep? Simply double the ingredients, but use a larger saucepan to prevent overflow during bubbling.
- Storage: Move the butterscotch sauce to a jar or container that won’t let air in. Store it in the fridge for up to two weeks. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore the smooth texture.
- Freezing: To freeze, let the sauce cool completely and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly while stirring to bring back its creamy consistency.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 105kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1.5g | Sodium: 65mg | Potassium: 18mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 150IU | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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