How to Make Caramel From Sugar

Use caramel as a dip for fresh fruit.

Caramel is made when sugar is heated to a temperature that causes it to liquefy and turn brown in color. It can be used as a liquid to make a sauce, or syrup for desserts. It can also be hardened to make a candy coating. Commercially, most caramel is made out of corn syrup. At home you can make caramel with granulated sugar.

Things You'll Need

• Saucepan with lid
• Wooden spoon
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Pour 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar and 1/3 cup water into a saucepan. Put the lid on the saucepan and cook over low heat until the sugar has dissolved.

2. Increase the heat and remove the lid from your saucepan. Bring the contents of the saucepan to a boil.

3. Continue to allow the contents of the saucepan to boil for five to seven minutes, or when the sugar is medium brown in color. Stir periodically with a wooden spoon.

4. Carefully add the 1 1/4 cups heavy cream and the 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract. Stand back so you don't get splattered by hot liquid.

5. Reduce the heat and allow the caramel to simmer for about two minutes, or until all the ingredients have melted.

References

• Epicurious: Caramel
• "The Art of the Dessert"; Ann Amernick, Margie Litman; 2007
• Food Network: Caramel Sauce Recipe