Sauces and Dips

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons bourbon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Before you begin, have all your ingredients measured and ready. This includes warming your heavy cream slightly in the microwave or on the stove, as adding cold cream to hot caramel can cause it to seize.
2. Combine Sugar and Water: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Stir gently to ensure the sugar is moistened.
3. Cook the Sugar: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and let the sugar dissolve completely without stirring, which should take about 5 minutes. Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat to high and cook until the sugar turns a deep amber color. This will take about 6-8 minutes, but watch closely as sugar can burn quickly.
4. Add Butter and Cream: As soon as the sugar reaches a deep amber color, remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully stir in the butter pieces. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble vigorously. Once the butter has melted and is combined, gradually add the warm cream while stirring continuously. Again, be careful as the mixture will bubble and steam.
5. Add Bourbon and Vanilla: Return the saucepan to low heat and stir in the bourbon and vanilla extract. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to ensure all the ingredients are well combined and the sauce is smooth.
6. Cool and Store: Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool to room temperature. As it cools, the sauce will thicken. Once cooled, transfer the bourbon caramel sauce to a glass jar or an airtight container.
7. Serving and Storage: Serve the sauce warm or at room temperature. It can be reheated gently in the microwave or on the stove. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Give it a good stir before serving if it separates slightly after storage.

This bourbon caramel sauce is wonderfully rich and complex with a slight kick from the bourbon, making it a fantastic topping for many desserts.

Bourbon caramel sauce is delicious on its own, but there are several ways you can tweak the recipe to introduce new flavors and textures. Here are some variations to try:

1. Salted Bourbon Caramel Sauce

• Add an extra teaspoon of flaky sea salt or to taste, to the finished sauce. This will enhance the flavor contrast and appeal to those who love the sweet-salty combination.

2. Spiced Bourbon Caramel Sauce

• Stir in a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a spice blend such as pumpkin pie spice along with the bourbon. This is particularly nice in the fall and adds a warm, spicy note to the caramel.

3. Vanilla Bean Bourbon Caramel Sauce

• Use a vanilla bean instead of vanilla extract. Split the bean lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, and add both the seeds and the pod to the saucepan with the cream. This will infuse the sauce with a deep vanilla flavor.

4. Chocolate Bourbon Caramel Sauce

• After the caramel sauce has been removed from the heat, stir in 1/2 cup of chopped dark chocolate until smooth. The chocolate adds richness and makes the sauce extra luxurious.

5. Espresso Bourbon Caramel Sauce

• Dissolve 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder in the bourbon before adding it to the caramel. This variation is excellent for coffee lovers and pairs wonderfully with desserts like tiramisu or chocolate cake.

6. Maple Bourbon Caramel Sauce

• Replace half of the granulated sugar with pure maple syrup. This substitution will add a complex, woodsy flavor that complements the bourbon beautifully.

7. Coconut Bourbon Caramel Sauce

• Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and add a touch of coconut extract along with the bourbon. This variation offers a tropical twist and is great for those who enjoy coconut flavors.

8. Nutty Bourbon Caramel Sauce

• Stir in a handful of toasted chopped pecans or walnuts after the sauce has thickened. This adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, making it a perfect topping for ice cream or pies.

9. Fruity Bourbon Caramel Sauce

• Add a tablespoon of orange zest or replace part of the water with fresh orange juice when dissolving the sugar. This gives the caramel a subtle citrus note, which is refreshing and pairs nicely with fruit-based desserts.

10. Herbal Bourbon Caramel Sauce

Infuse the cream with fresh rosemary or thyme by heating it gently with the herbs, then straining it before adding to the caramel. This herbal note can be an interesting twist, especially for savory applications like drizzling over roasted meats.

Each of these variations adds a unique twist to the classic bourbon caramel sauce, allowing you to customize the flavor to suit different desserts or personal preferences. Experiment with these ideas to discover your favorite combination!