Imagine transforming your ordinary morning coffee into a luxurious, Instagram-worthy beverage with just one magical ingredient. This homemade caramel syrup is about to revolutionize your coffee experience, offering a rich, golden sweetness that will make coffee shop baristas jealous. Whether you're a caffeine enthusiast or a weekend brunch maestro, this simple yet decadent recipe will elevate your drink game from mundane to magnificent in mere minutes!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients: 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of water, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure you have a medium-sized saucepan and a whisk or wooden spoon ready for use.
- In the medium-sized saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Stir gently to ensure that the sugar is evenly moistened. This will help prevent the sugar from crystallizing during the cooking process.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil without stirring. You can occasionally swirl the pan to help the sugar dissolve evenly, but avoid using a spoon or whisk at this stage.
- As the mixture boils, keep a close eye on it. The sugar will begin to turn a light amber color after about 5-7 minutes. Once it reaches a golden-brown hue, remove the saucepan from the heat immediately to prevent burning.
- Carefully add the heavy cream to the caramelized sugar. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble vigorously when the cream is added. Stir continuously with a whisk or wooden spoon until the bubbling subsides and the cream is fully incorporated.
- Add the teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture and stir well to combine. This will enhance the flavor of your caramel syrup.
- Allow the caramel syrup to cool for a few minutes in the saucepan. It will thicken slightly as it cools. Once cooled, transfer the syrup to a heatproof container or jar for storage.
- Your caramel syrup is now ready to be used in coffee or other beverages. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Simply reheat it gently before using if it thickens too much in the fridge.
Tips
- Use a light-colored saucepan to help you accurately monitor the caramelization color.
- Never stir the sugar while it's caramelizing - this can cause crystallization. Instead, gently swirl the pan.
- Watch the caramel closely, as it can quickly go from golden to burnt in seconds.
- Always add cream slowly and carefully to prevent dangerous splattering.
- If your caramel seizes or crystallizes, start over - it's better to remake than to compromise quality.
- Store in a clean, airtight glass container in the refrigerator for maximum freshness.
- Warm the syrup slightly before use if it becomes too thick when chilled.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 800kcal
Carbohydrates: 200g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 65mg
