There’s something about caramel that evokes a sense of warmth and nostalgia as if each spoonful is a trip down memory lane to cherished moments. Perhaps it’s the rich, buttery sweetness or how it pairs perfectly with almost any dessert. And when it comes to caramel, Werther’s Original stands as a timeless favorite. Best known for their classic hard candies, Werther’s brings the same beloved flavor to a new form with their Werther’s Caramel Sauce recipe.
How to make Werther’s Caramel Sauce
Werther’s Caramel Sauce is a sweet, smooth, and creamy sauce made with Werther’s Original caramel flavor. It is typically used as a topping for desserts like ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or cakes. The sauce is made from ingredients like sugar, cream, and butter, along with Werther’s signature caramel candy flavor, known for its rich buttery taste.
Ingredients:
30 Werther’s Original Hard Caramels
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons of butter
1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by unwrapping the Werther’s Original Hard Caramels. This step, although time-consuming, is crucial for a smooth sauce. Measure out your other ingredients so they’re ready to go.
Melting the Caramels: In a medium saucepan, combine the unwrapped caramels with one tablespoon of water. Melt the caramels over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Add Cream and Butter: Once the caramels have fully melted and combined with the water to form a smooth mixture, carefully stir in the heavy whipping cream and butter. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until all the ingredients are well combined and the sauce is smooth.
Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the caramel sauce cool for a few minutes. It will thicken slightly as it cools. If you’re not using it immediately, pour the sauce into a glass jar or an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Reheating: If the caramel sauce thickens too much in the fridge, simply reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds or warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat until it reaches your desired consistency.
Tips for Perfect Caramel Sauce:
Low and Slow: Patience is key when melting caramels. Keep the heat low and stir constantly to ensure the sauce doesn’t burn or stick.
Avoid Water: Do not introduce water into the mixture once you’ve started adding the cream and butter, as this can cause the sauce to seize.
Customize It: Once the sauce has been removed from the heat, feel free to add a pinch of sea salt for a salted caramel version or a teaspoon of vanilla extract for added depth of flavor.
Cream Temperature: To avoid the sauce from seizing, ensure your heavy whipping cream is at room temperature when you add it to the melted caramels.
Cleanup Tip: Caramel can be messy. Fill your saucepan with water and bring it to a boil; this will help melt away any caramel residue, making cleanup a breeze.
What to serve with
Werther’s Caramel Sauce, with its luxuriously smooth texture and rich buttery flavor, is incredibly versatile and can transform any ordinary dessert into an extraordinary treat.
1. Desserts
Ice Cream: Drizzle the caramel sauce over vanilla, chocolate, or salted caramel ice cream for a classic topping that enhances the flavors with its creamy richness.
Cakes and Cheesecakes: Whether it’s a chocolate cake, a vanilla sponge, or a creamy cheesecake, a generous drizzling of Werther’s Caramel Sauce can elevate these desserts significantly. It adds not only flavor but also a visually appealing finish.
Brownies and Bars: To add a sweet and gooey element, swirl caramel sauce into your brownie mix before baking or simply drizzle it on top of baked brownies and bars.
Fruit Platters: For a fresh and slightly healthier option, serve the caramel sauce as a dipping sauce for sliced apples, pears, or bananas. The sweetness of the caramel pairs wonderfully with the natural sugars of the fruit.
Pastries and Pies: Apple pie, pear tarts, or puff pastries can be significantly enhanced with a bit of caramel sauce either infused into the filling or drizzled over the top after baking.
2. Breakfast Dishes
Pancakes and Waffles: Elevate your morning routine by topping pancakes or waffles with caramel sauce and a dollop of whipped cream. It adds a special touch to weekend brunches or festive breakfasts.
French Toast: For a decadent breakfast, soak your bread in an egg mixture and fry it until golden. Serve with a generous amount of caramel sauce for a truly indulgent dish.
Oatmeal or Yogurt: Stir some caramel sauce into your morning oatmeal or yogurt to start your day on a sweet note. It pairs particularly well with cinnamon or nutmeg-spiced dishes.
3. Snacks and Appetizers
Popcorn: Toss freshly popped popcorn with Werther’s Caramel Sauce and a pinch of salt for a sweet and salty snack that’s perfect for movie nights.
Cheese Boards: Surprisingly, caramel sauce adds a delightful dimension when drizzled over strong cheeses such as blue cheese or aged cheddar on a cheese plate.
Milkshakes: Blend a tablespoon or two of caramel sauce into your vanilla or chocolate milkshake to enhance its creamy caramel flavor.
5. Creative Confections
Homemade Candies and Truffles: Use the caramel sauce as a filling for chocolates or truffles, adding a luxurious, soft center that melts in the mouth.
Ingredients Substitutes
Werther’s Caramel Sauce is a delightful treat, but if you’re making your own version at home and find yourself missing some ingredients or you need to adjust the recipe due to dietary restrictions, here are some detailed substitutions you can use.
Dairy Substitute: For those who are lactose-intolerant, a rich lactose-free cream can be used. Otherwise, half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter can serve as a substitute in a pinch, though the sauce may be less rich.
Non-Dairy Substitute: If dairy is off the table, there are several non-dairy alternatives such as full-fat coconut milk, almond cream, or soy cream. These will affect the taste and potentially the texture, but they can mimic the creaminess of the original ingredient.
Butter:
Substitute: Unsalted butter is typically used in caramel to add richness. Vegan margarine or plant-based butter substitutes can be used for those who can’t consume dairy. They might alter the taste slightly but should provide the necessary fat content for a similar texture. Clarified butter or ghee could also be used for a slightly nuttier taste.
Final Thoughts
This Werther’s Caramel Sauce recipe is not only simple but utterly delicious.Â
Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by unwrapping the Werther's Original Hard Caramels. This step, although time-consuming, is crucial for a smooth sauce. Measure out your other ingredients so they're ready to go.
Melting the Caramels: In a medium saucepan, combine the unwrapped caramels with one tablespoon of water. Melt the caramels over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Add Cream and Butter: Once the caramels have fully melted and combined with the water to form a smooth mixture, carefully stir in the heavy whipping cream and butter. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until all the ingredients are well combined and the sauce is smooth.
Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the caramel sauce cool for a few minutes. It will thicken slightly as it cools. If you're not using it immediately, pour the sauce into a glass jar or an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Reheating: If the caramel sauce thickens too much in the fridge, simply reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds or warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat until it reaches your desired consistency.
With a background rooted in both classic techniques and modern twists, Kate brings a fresh perspective to the kitchen. Her recipes are a harmonious blend of creativity and simplicity, designed to inspire both seasoned chefs and home cooks alike.
