Easy Liquid Caramel
If you want to take your dessert game to the next level, incorporating homemade liquid caramel can be a game-changer. This viscous brown liquid can add a touch of elegance and sweetness to any dessert, from classic flan to decadent brownies. The best part? This liquid caramel recipe is easy to make and economical and can be stored in the refrigerator without hardening. In this recipe, we'll explore some delicious ways to use this liquid caramel to enhance your desserts and impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup hot water mix with 1 teaspoon lemon juice or lime , freshly squeezed (the lemon juice will keep the mixture from hardening)
Instructions
- Add sugar to a nonstick heavy-bottomed pan and cook on medium-low heat, constantly stirring with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until sugar dissolves. The mixture begins to simmer for about 6 to 8 minutes. (Watch carefully as it can burn quickly!).
- After sugar dissolves completely and syrup is simmering, carefully pour in hot water/lemon mixture. The mixture will bubble and steam (the hot water will help thin the caramel, and the lemon juice will keep the caramel mixture from hardening).
- Quickly swirl the pan to distribute the hot water/lemon mixture into the pan. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, without stirring, holding the pan's handle, and gently tilting the pan off the heat to distribute color evenly as sugar caramelized, again watching carefully as it can burn quickly!!
- The mixture should have a golden brown(light amber) color. Turn off the heat and add the vanilla extract. Using a heatproof spatula, stir to combine and transfer the Caramel in an airtight heatproof sterilized jar. Let it cool completely and tightly seal the jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Notes
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: Let it cool completely and then transfer it to a sterilized glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure to label the container with the date of preparation to keep track of the storage time. When you're ready to use the liquid caramel, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before using it in your recipe.
To reheat: Place the desired amount in a microwave-safe bowl or heatproof container and heat it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, stirring every 5 seconds, until the caramel is smooth and pourable. Alternatively, you can heat the caramel in a small saucepan over low heat, constantly stirring, until it reaches the desired consistency. Remember that overheating the caramel can cause it to burn or become too thick, so be sure to monitor the heating process carefully. You can enjoy your homemade liquid caramel for weeks with proper storage and reheating techniques.
Make-Ahead
Yes, you can make liquid caramel ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for later use. Once the caramel has been prepared, let it cool completely and then transfer it to a sterilized glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure to label the container with the date of preparation to keep track of the storage time. The liquid caramel can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one month. When you're ready to use the caramel, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before using it in your recipe.
Notes:
Keep in mind that the caramel thickens a bit after refrigeration but don't worry; it will loosen up nicely to a thick and pourable liquid caramel when microwaved for about 5 to10 seconds or so, leave it at room temperature or place the jar in a hot water bath and let it stand to soften the caramel, and that's it!😉
If the mixture seizes and forms clumps of sugar after adding the hot water to the caramel, don’t worry; turn the heat too low and swirl the pan over the burner to let the sugar re-melt back into the sauce).
Nutrition Facts
Easy Liquid Caramel
Amount per Serving
Calories
24
% Daily Value*
Fat
0.02
g
0
%
Sodium
0.2
mg
0
%
Potassium
0.1
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
6
g
2
%
Sugar
6
g
7
%
Calcium
0.2
mg
0
%
Iron
0.003
mg
0
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
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