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    Home » Dessert » Sauces and Syrups

    Caramel Syrup

    Updated: Feb 26, 2025 · by Tonia Larson

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    ↓ JUMP TO RECIPE ↓ JUMP TO VIDEO

    Delicious Caramel Syrup recipe that you'll want to eat by the spoonful. It's perfect for ice cream sundaes, apple slices, and coffee drinks.

    spoon drizzling caramel syrup

    Summer is the time of the year that we eat them most frozen treats, ice cream and frozen yogurt. Homemade ice cream toppings always make it even more delicious so today I’m sharing a fantastic caramel syrup recipe.

    How To Make Caramel Syrup

    stirring buttermilk in glass measuring bowl

    Start by making a little buttermilk. Stir 3/4 tablespoon of vinegar into 3/4 cup of heavy cream and let it sit for about 5 minutes.

    Can I use plain cream instead of buttermilk?

    Yes, this recipe can be made with just the heavy cream instead of buttermilk but keep in mind that you will get a different flavor. To do so, skip adding the vinegar and just add the cream.

    sugars and butter in pot

    While waiting on the buttermilk, put the granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup in a large pot over medium heat.

    buttermilk added to ingredients in pot

    Once the 5 minutes are up, add the buttermilk. 

    foaming syrup with wooden spoon

    The mixture foams up so make sure your pot is large enough.

    stirring caramel syrup with wooden spoon

    Bring the caramel sauce to a boil over medium heat.

    boiling golden sauce in pot

    Then, reduce the temperature to low and cook on low for about 8 minutes stirring constantly.  I like to use a flat bottom wooden spoon or paddle tool to stir and scrape the bottom.

    As the caramel cooks, it turns into a lovely golden color.  It will darken more when the vanilla is added.

    stir vanilla into caramel syrup

    Remove the caramel syrup from the heat and stir in the vanilla.

    How do I get rid of the foam on top of the caramel syrup?

    There will be a thin layer of foam on the caramel syrup after cooking it. When you put the caramel in a mason jar, it will float to the top of the jar as well.

    We choose to simply ignore the foam. It is a visual thing and doesn’t affect the taste of the caramel syrup. If you stir the caramel sauce, the foam will disappear into the caramel.

    If you want to get rid of the thin layer of foam completely, you can skim it off of the top and discard it.

    inside mason jar of caramel syrup

    Allow the caramel syrup to cool a bit before transferring it to a mason jar. Leave the lid off and allow the caramel to cool completely before refrigerating.

    side view of mason jar of caramel syrup

    Attach a label to the mason jar and store the caramel syrup in the fridge.

    caramel syrup label

    Want to use my free printable label?

    You can download it here: Caramel Syrup Label

    vanilla ice cream with caramel on top in a bowl

    The caramel will thicken in the fridge. Warm it up in a microwave-safe container before serving.

    How long does caramel syrup last?

    You can store this caramel syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one month. Or in the freezer for up to three months.

    ice cream sundae toppings on a tray

    We served this caramel syrup along with peanut butter sauce and chocolate sauce for ice cream sundaes. I also added little containers of sundae toppings to the tray so everyone could choose their favorites.

    Want more recipes for sauces and syrups? Try these next: 

    • Cinnamon Buttermilk Caramel Syrup: The cinnamon and nutmeg give this outstanding caramel recipe an added touch of fall.
    • This easy Strawberry Sauce recipe can be made with fresh or frozen strawberries. Pour over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.
    • Blueberry Sauce is easy to make and so delicious on everything from ice cream to pancakes. You can use fresh or frozen blueberries.
    • This Raspberry Sauce recipe is perfect for anything from pancakes to cheesecake. Raspberry syrup pairs well with anything chocolate!
    Caramel syrup drizzling off of a spoon into a jar.

    Caramel Syrup

    Delicious Caramel Syrup recipe that you'll want to eat by the spoonful. It's perfect for ice cream sundaes, apple slices, coffee drinks, and waffles.
    5 from 1 vote
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    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Servings: 16 servings
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    Video

    Equipment

    • Farberware Stockpot
    • Wide Mouth Pint Jars

    Ingredients

    • ¾ cup heavy cream
    • ¾ tablespoon white vinegar
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • ½ cup brown sugar
    • ½ cup butter
    • 2 tablespoon light corn syrup
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla

    Instructions

    • Combine the heavy cream and vinegar. Set aside for 5 minutes.
    • While waiting, put the granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, and light corn syrup in a large stockpot over medium heat. Stirring often.
    • Once the milk and vinegar mixture is ready, add it and the baking soda to the pot. The mixture will foam up and that is why you need such a large pot.
    • Bring the sauce to a boil over medium heat and then turn heat to low. Cook on low for 7-9 minutes, stirring constantly, until the caramel is golden.
    • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
    • Allow the caramel syrup to cool. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge.
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    Notes

    Serving size is 2 tablespoons.
    Adapted from Our Best Bites

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 172kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 121mg | Potassium: 22mg | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 341IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.1mg
    Course: Sauces and Condiments
    Cuisine: American
    Author: Tonia Larson

    More Sauces and Syrups

    • Marshmallow topping on chocolate ice cream.
      Marshmallow Topping
    • Peanut butter ice cream topping on vanilla ice cream and in a mason jar.
      Peanut Butter Ice Cream Topping
    • Chocolate shell ice cream topping.
      Chocolate Shell
    • White chocolate shell on cookies and cream ice cream.
      White Chocolate Shell

    About Tonia Larson

    Hi! I’m Tonia, the owner and recipe creator at The Gunny Sack, where I’ve shared easy recipes for busy people for 14+ years! My family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and delicious desserts include mouthwatering photos, dynamic videos, and step-by-step instructions to help you cook at home.

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    Comments

      5 from 1 vote

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Barbara says

      February 24, 2026 at 5:25 pm

      5 stars
      Best Carmel sauce ever. As testified by my family!

      Reply
      • Tonia Larson says

        February 24, 2026 at 5:48 pm

        That’s fantastic! I totally agree and want to eat it by the spoonful!

        Reply
    2. sandy beetstra says

      June 25, 2020 at 11:26 pm

      What is the entire recipe for the CARAMEL sauce. I don’t know how much brown sugar,sugar etc could you please tell me this full recipe thanks

      Reply
      • Tonia says

        June 25, 2020 at 11:47 pm

        Hi Sandy,
        I’m not sure what happened there but I updated the post and the recipe card should be showing now. Let me know if you still can’t see it.
        Thanks,
        Tonia

        Reply
    3. Jamie says

      July 17, 2013 at 9:22 pm

      can u can the carmel syrup???

      Reply
    4. Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says

      June 28, 2012 at 12:30 am

      Oh my goodness…that looks SO rich and delicious! YUMMY!

      Reply
    5. Redcliffe Style says

      June 27, 2012 at 9:40 pm

      My mouth is watering . Yummo!! Rachel x

      Reply
    6. Debra Kapellakis says

      June 26, 2012 at 11:46 am

      This is a must try recipe! YUM!

      Reply
    7. Kirsten says

      June 25, 2012 at 6:13 pm

      Looks divine! Thank you for sharing this recipe at our Summer BBQ Bash!

      Reply
    8. Rhonda says

      June 22, 2012 at 1:02 pm

      I am more about the caramel!!! The chocolate does take a close second though. Your photos are amazing!

      Reply
    9. Rachel {BubblyNatureCreations.com} says

      June 21, 2012 at 11:09 pm

      Oh my… this looks delectable!!

      Reply
    10. Carol, The Answer Is Chocolate says

      June 21, 2012 at 11:08 pm

      Oh does this look good or what? And I’d be a total glutton and pair it with hot fudge.

      Reply
    11. Jennifer @ Delightfully Noted says

      June 21, 2012 at 5:41 pm

      Goodness gracious! I was doing so good today on the snacking and now I am craving carmel and icecream. Shame on you Tonia! LOL

      Reply
    12. Jane Craske says

      June 21, 2012 at 2:38 pm

      Would it be really bad to just drink this as a shooter? C:

      Reply
    13. Lindsay says

      June 21, 2012 at 11:49 am

      This looks SO good! And by the way, your photography skills are so professional!

      Reply
    14. Anne @ Domesblissity says

      June 21, 2012 at 10:44 am

      Oh, stop it Tonia! You’re not helping my cause! LOL (Looks soooo delicious!)Anne xx

      Reply
    15. Emily says

      June 21, 2012 at 5:03 am

      I already have an ice cream problem ( ask my hubby) now it’s only going to get worse 🙂

      Reply
    16. Lindsay @ Delighted Momma says

      June 21, 2012 at 4:07 am

      Looks amazing and now I’m craving an ice cream sundae!

      Reply
    Tonia Larson from The Gunny Sack.

    Hi, I'm Tonia! Welcome to The Gunny Sack, where I’ve shared easy recipes for busy people for 15+ years! Meet Tonia Larson →

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