This simple butterscotch sauce is rich and buttery, making it perfect for topping desserts. Made with easy-to-find ingredients like brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, and vanilla, it takes just minutes to make on the stove. If you like caramel sauce or hot fudge, you'll enjoy this homemade butterscotch-it's a great ice cream topping to have on hand.
The brown sugar and butter give the butterscotch a deep, cozy flavor. It may seem fancy, but it's an easy recipe that can make desserts feel special, especially in fall.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Uses simple, common ingredients you likely already have.
- No candy thermometer needed-just a medium saucepan and a little stirring.
- Smooth, creamy texture with a rich butterscotch flavor.
- Makes the perfect butterscotch topping for ice cream sundaes, pies, and cakes.
- Stores easily in an airtight container for up to a week.
Ingredients in Butterscotch Sauce
- brown sugar (dark brown sugar for richer flavor or light brown sugar for a milder taste)
- unsalted butter - room temperature
- heavy cream
- vanilla extract
- kosher salt
- butterscotch morsels
How to Make Butterscotch Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add in the brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves and blends smoothly with the butter.
- Pour in the heavy cream and add kosher salt. Stir until combined.
- Add the butterscotch morsels, stirring constantly as they melt into the sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a low boil and continue to stir for 3-5 minutes. (No candy thermometer required, just keep stirring to avoid burning.)
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Allow the sauce to cool before using it as a filling or topping.
See the recipe card for the full list of ingredients and directions.
Recipe Tips
- For deeper flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.
- If the sauce looks grainy, keep stirring gently until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Always stir while it's boiling to avoid sticking or burning at the bottom of the saucepan.
- Let the sauce cool slightly before pouring it over vanilla ice cream or other desserts-it will thicken as it cools.
- Want a little extra shine? Add a teaspoon of corn syrup while cooking.
How to Store Butterscotch Sauce
Once cooled, transfer the sauce to an airtight container or a small glass jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To reheat, microwave in short intervals or warm gently in a medium saucepan over low heat until pourable.
How to Use Butterscotch Sauce
This homemade butterscotch sauce is one of the best ice cream toppings, but don't stop there-it's incredibly versatile! Here are some delicious ways to use it:
- Drizzle over Butterscotch Cupcakes or Butterbeer Cupcakes for a bakery-style finish.
- Pour over vanilla ice cream or use it in ice cream sundaes alongside hot fudge and whipped cream.
- Add as a filling between cake layers or swirl it into pie crust desserts.
- Spoon over cheesecake, bread pudding, or moist vanilla cupcakes for an extra depth of flavor.
- Use as a dip for apple slices or as a topping for brownies and chocolate cupcakes.
Whether you use it as a drizzle, a dip, or a swirl, this butterscotch topping is one of those tasty treats that makes any dessert feel special.
📖 Recipe
Butterscotch Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup butterscotch morsels
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add in the brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves and blends into the butter.
- Pour in the heavy cream and add the kosher salt. Mix well.
- Stir in the butterscotch morsels, allowing them to melt into the sauce.
- Bring the sauce to a low boil, stirring constantly for 3-5 minutes. (No candy thermometer needed-just keep stirring until smooth.)
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Let cool slightly before using as a topping or filling. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
Notes
- Dark brown sugar gives a deeper flavor, while light brown sugar makes a sweeter, lighter sauce.
- Keep stirring while the sauce boils to prevent burning.
- If you want extra shine and smoothness, add a teaspoon of corn syrup.
- Let the sauce cool before pouring over vanilla ice cream, pie crust desserts, or cupcakes.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate based on third-party calculations. Actual values may vary due to ingredients, measurements, and serving sizes.
© Popular Recipes
Dana is the lead recipe developer and photographer for PopularRecipes.com. With her 10+ years of experience creating, testing, and photographing recipes, she has become an artist in developing wholesome, family-friendly meals that are a hit with both kids and parents.
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