Perfect Creamy Caramel

Ingredients

• 160 г Sugar
• 120 г Glucose syrup (The author buys it at a baking-supplies store.)
• 150 г 33% cream (Hot; add in batches.)
• 70 г Butter
• Salt (To taste.)
• 3 ст. л. Cocoa powder (Optional, for chocolate caramel; add instead of chocolate.)
• 50 г Chocolate (Optional, for chocolate caramel; use instead of cocoa.)
• 50 г Dulce de leche (Optional, for caramel with a richer flavor.)

Steps

1. 1

   Combine the sugar and glucose syrup in a heavy-bottomed saucepan or skillet.

2. 2

   Place the pan over medium heat and cook the mixture for 5–6 minutes, until golden and almost amber-colored. For a more pronounced burnt-caramel flavor, cook it until almost brown; for a milder flavor, keep it light.

3. 3

   Gradually pour in the hot cream, stirring after each addition. Be careful: the caramel will bubble vigorously and increase in volume.

4. 4

   Continue stirring the caramel for approximately 2 more minutes.

5. 5

   Place the butter in a tall glass and add salt to taste.

6. 6

   Pour the hot caramel into the glass with the butter and salt, then blend with an immersion blender until smooth.

7. 7

   If desired, add cocoa or chocolate for the chocolate version, or dulce de leche for a richer variation. Blend the mixture again.

8. 8

   Transfer the caramel to a bowl or container, cover with plastic wrap, and leave it to cool.

9. 9

   Once cooled, place the caramel in the refrigerator to set.

10. 10

    After refrigeration, the caramel will become firm; after approximately 15 minutes, it can be served or used in desserts—it will stretch behind the spoon.

Notes

The author does not specify the exact cooling and setting time. When adding the hot cream, the caramel may bubble vigorously, so use a tall heatproof glass and work carefully.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• sauce
• sweet
• creamy caramel
• chocolate variation
• no-bake
• home baking