Homemade Butterscotch Sauce

Homemade butterscotch sauce recipe is a rich addition to almost any dessert! Easy to make and ideal to have on hand for any special occasion.

I am kicking myself for not making this recipe sooner. I was always intimidated by the idea of a homemade butterscotch, but it turns out it is fairly simple!

All you need is a heavy bottomed pan and patience!

This sauce is seriously dreamy. So good mixed in with your morning coffee, drizzled over cheesecake, or served with ice cream. Anyone you share this wonderful topping with will be begging for the recipe!

Oh! And it makes the perfect DIY holiday gift! Add to a mason jar, tie off with a ribbon, and voila! You have an impressive and tasty treat ready to share.

Butterscotch Ice Cream Sauce Ingredients:

One of the things that surprised me the first time I made this recipe was the small ingredient list. I cannot believe how much sweet flavor can come from something so simple.

• Butter- Use unsalted butter for this sauce.
• Brown Sugar- Adds a rich deep flavor vs regular granulated sugar.
• Cream- The base that gives you the beautiful creamy texture.
• Vanilla- Always use pure vanilla extract.
• Salt- I prefer a finishing salt like fleur de sel.

What is the difference between caramel sauce and butterscotch sauce?

Caramel sauce is made with granulated, or white, sugar. It has a very sweet flavor that is less rich than its butterscotch cousin. It also contains no, or little, butter.

A butterscotch sauce starts with a butter base and uses brown sugar for a more rich and molasses flavor.

How to make butterscotch sauce recipe from scratch:

1. Melt the butter in a large heavy bottomed pot over medium/low heat. Preferably stainless steal – 2 quarts.
2. Stir the brown sugar as soon as the butter is melted, using a wooden spoon. Stir just until the sugar is combined with the butter.
3. Cook the mixture, without mixing, for 3 to 5 minutes. Or until the mixture is bubbly and caramel textured. You want it to be less grainy and more smooth.
4. Using a whisk, add the cream into the cooked sugar. Lower the heat to the low setting and cook until a candy thermometer reaches 225 degrees.
5. Remove from the heat and stir in the salt and vanilla.
6. Cool completely. Transfer to a glass jar and keep stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Tips for this recipe:

• Try to avoid mixing the sugar mixture as it caramelizes.
• Use a wooden spoon to begin and transfer to a whisk once you add the cream.
• A good quality 2 quart pot is ideal for this sauce recipe.
• Add a small amount of the salt and vanilla, taste, and add more as needed.

How to use butterscotch sauce:

This sauce is so delicious, but how do you use it? Below are a few of our favorite ways.

• On top of vanilla ice cream
• Drizzled over pound cake
• Harry Potter Butterbeer Cupcakes
• Cheesecake Topping
• On top of Banana Cream Pie
• Stirred into a latte

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