Butterscotch Saucern

Name: Butterscotch Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Ingredients: ½ cup salted sweet cream butter; 1 cup dark brown sugar, (packed); 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

a close up shot of Butterscotch Sauce in a mason jar

Rich, creamy, and easy to make, this delicious old-fashioned butterscotch sauce will make all your favorite treats unforgettable!

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Table of Contents

Butterscotch Sauce Ingredients
Substitutions And Additions
How To Make This Butterscotch Sauce Recipe
How To Serve
Storage
Why We Love This Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
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JUMP TO RECIPE
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Butterscotch sauce is one of those things that just makes everything better; the sweet, buttery, rich flavor is simply irresistible. Pour it over ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or straight out of the jar—it will taste amazing no matter what delivery system you choose.

a close up shot of Butterscotch Sauce in a mason jar with a spoon

Butterscotch Sauce Ingredients

Butterscotch Sauce raw ingredients that are labeled

This butterscotch sauce owes its decadent flavor to ingredients, including butter, which provides a slightly salty base, while brown sugar infuses a deep, molasses-like sweetness.

Heavy whipping cream lends a silky texture, and vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic note.

You’ll need:

½ cup of salted sweet cream butter
1 cup of dark brown sugar, packed
1 cup of heavy whipping cream
1½ teaspoons of vanilla extract

Substitutions And Additions

SALT: If you want a slightly salty kick, you can add ⅛ teaspoon of kosher salt.

BROWN SUGAR: You can use light brown sugar for a slightly lighter-colored sauce.

BUTTER: You can also use unsalted butter instead of salted sweet cream in this easy recipe.

How To Make This Butterscotch Sauce Recipe

We will walk you through the step-by-step instructions for making this delightful sauce.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

This sauce will freeze well. Consider making a big batch of butterscotch sauce and keep it for later.

STEP ONE: Using a 2 to 3-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, add the butter and stir until melted.

STEP TWO: Whisk in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Continue to whisk just until the sugar dissolves.

Stop whisking and allow the mixture to boil for four minutes. Do not stir.

PRO TIP:

Keep a close eye on your mixture and follow the boiling time closely, as you don’t want it to burn to the bottom of your pan.

STEP THREE: Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the butterscotch sauce to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.

Pour into a half-pint mason jar. The longer the sauce sits, the thicker it will get.

PRO TIP:

The butterscotch sauce will thicken as it cools. Once it is completely cool, if it is too thick to pour smoothly, it can be reheated for 10 to 15 seconds at a time in the microwave to make it more pourable.

vanilla extract stirred in a pot and then poured in a jar

How To Serve

This easy butterscotch sauce is just the thing to top your vanilla ice cream.

Add a dollop of whipped cream, serve it in a chocolate chip cookie cup, and, of course, don’t forget the cherry on top.

Craving more sweet dessert sauces to top your favorite confections?

Our hot fudge sauce and caramel sauce are just as rich and creamy as this one.

MORE SAUCE RECIPES

Condiments

Homemade Pasta Sauce

Condiments

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Storage

You might be wondering how to store this butterscotch sauce for future indulgences.

MAKE AHEAD: After cooking and allowing it to cool to room temperature, transfer your sauce to an airtight container.

It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

When you’re ready to use it, gently reheat it following the instructions below, stirring occasionally until it’s smooth and pourable.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store homemade butterscotch sauce in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

When you are ready to serve the sauce, remove the lid and microwave for 25-30 seconds. Stir well, or screw the lid back on and gently shake and pour.

IN THE FREEZER: You can freeze this creamy butterscotch sauce recipe in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

Why We Love This Recipe

IRRESISTIBLE FLAVOR: This butterscotch sauce boasts a perfect balance of rich, buttery sweetness with hints of caramel and vanilla.

EASY TO MAKE: With clear, step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, even novice cooks can successfully whip up this sauce. It’s a foolproof recipe that guarantees delicious results.

HOMEMADE GOODNESS: There’s something truly special about homemade sauces, and this butterscotch sauce embodies that homemade goodness.

a close up shot of Butterscotch Sauce being poured on top of an ice cream

Just the thought of butterscotch sauce makes my mouth water. It’s such a decadent, luxurious flavor, and it’s so versatile! You can use it as a dip, pour it over ice cream sundaes or cake, or even add it to your coffee for a sweet and creamy treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will this homemade butterscotch recipe last?

This easy sauce can be kept in the fridge in a glass jar or airtight container for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to three months.

Could I use regular milk instead of heavy cream?

We have not tried this, but I think this would work fine. Your butterscotch sauce may be ever so slightly less creamy but still delicious.

What is the difference between butterscotch and caramel sauce?

While both are similar and are delicious on top of desserts, caramel sauce is made with granulated sugar, while butterscotch sauce is made with brown sugar.

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