Easy Butterscotch Sauce Recipe

This Easy Butterscotch Sauce is everything you want in a quick homemade dessert topping—rich, buttery, and wonderfully indulgent. It comes together in just 10 minutes with simple pantry ingredients, yet the flavor is deeply caramelized with hints of warm vanilla and a subtle salty finish. Perfect for drizzling over ice cream, brownies, pancakes, or simply eating by the spoonful when no one’s looking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ridiculously Quick: Seriously—this butterscotch sauce is done in 10 minutes from start to finish.
• Incredible Flavor: Deep, buttery sweetness with just the right balance of salt. It tastes like it came from a fancy dessert shop.
• Simple Ingredients: Nothing weird or hard to find. If you’ve got butter and brown sugar, you’re halfway there.
• Versatile and Irresistible: Use it on everything from cakes and pies to coffee and toast (yes, toast).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this silky, golden sauce:

• Brown Sugar: The heart of that classic butterscotch flavor. Light or dark brown sugar both work, with dark giving a deeper molasses note.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and that silky texture. Use unsalted so you can control the salt level yourself.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a creamy, pourable consistency and smooth finish.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings in warmth and rounds out the flavors. Pure vanilla is ideal if you have it.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and makes the sauce sing. Consider flaky sea salt if you like a pop of salt in each bite.

Variations

• Bourbon Butterscotch: Stir in a tablespoon of bourbon at the end for a bold, grown-up twist.
• Salted Butterscotch: Add an extra pinch of flaky sea salt for a sweet-and-salty flavor bomb.
• Vegan Version: Use vegan butter and full-fat coconut milk instead of cream—still dreamy and delicious.
• Spiced Butterscotch: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy fall-inspired version.

How to Make Easy Butterscotch Sauce

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Sugar

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Stir constantly until the mixture is fully combined and bubbling—about 3–5 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Cream

Carefully pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble up). Stir well to combine, then let it simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Salt

Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Taste and adjust if needed—more salt? More vanilla? Go for it.

Step 4: Cool Slightly and Use

Let the sauce cool for a few minutes before using. It will thicken more as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems thin right off the stove.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Walk Away: This sauce cooks quickly and can burn if left unattended. Keep stirring!
• Use Room Temp Cream: Cold cream can cause the hot sugar to seize—take the chill off for a smoother sauce.
• Double It: This recipe doubles beautifully and stores well, so go ahead and make extra.
• Taste and Adjust: Once off the heat, feel free to tweak with more salt, vanilla, or even a splash of liqueur.

How to Serve

This butterscotch sauce is outrageously good on just about anything. Here are a few ideas:

Over Desserts

Drizzle over vanilla ice cream, brownies, cheesecake, or bread pudding.

In Beverages

Stir into hot coffee, lattes, or milkshakes for a decadent upgrade.

Breakfast Upgrade

Spoon over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a special weekend treat.

Straight from the Spoon

No judgment. It’s that good.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the sauce cool completely, then store it in a glass jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze it! Pour into a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

Gently warm the sauce in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of cream or milk if it’s too thick.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce without cream?
Yes! You can substitute full-fat coconut milk or even evaporated milk. Just keep in mind the texture and flavor might vary slightly, but it’ll still be delicious.

Why is my butterscotch sauce grainy?
This usually happens if the sugar doesn’t fully dissolve. Stir continuously and don’t rush the cooking process—medium heat is your friend here.

How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer it a minute or two longer, and it will thicken more as it cools. For a very thick sauce, reduce the cream slightly or cook a bit longer.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Absolutely. Just reduce or skip the added salt to avoid making it too salty. Taste and adjust at the end.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Butterscotch Sauce is a total game-changer for dessert lovers. It’s quick, rich, and dangerously addictive—perfect for those last-minute dessert cravings or when you just want to impress without the stress. Once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without a jar in your fridge. Give it a try and taste the magic!

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