Homemade Butterscotch Sauce
If you’re looking to elevate your desserts, you’ve come to the right place. This Homemade Butterscotch Sauce is the ultimate indulgence, perfectly creamy and decadently rich. Drizzle it over ice cream, use it in your baking, or just enjoy it by the spoonful straight from the jar. With just a few simple ingredients, this sauce comes together quickly and easily, making it a must-have in your kitchen arsenal. Ready to sweeten your life? Let’s dive into the world of butterscotch!
Why This Recipe Works

This Homemade Butterscotch Sauce recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and richness. The combination of dark brown sugar and unsalted butter creates a deep caramel flavor that is wonderfully complemented by the addition of heavy cream. The fleur de sel adds an unexpected twist, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Plus, the vanilla extract rounds it all out, making this sauce irresistible.
What to Buy
When making your Homemade Butterscotch Sauce, it’s essential to use high-quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter (113.5g) – Room temperature for easy incorporation.
- Dark brown sugar (220g) – Provides that rich butterscotch flavor.
- Heavy cream (238ml) – Ensures a smooth and creamy texture.
- Fleur de sel or flaky sea salt – To enhance sweetness with a salty contrast.
- Vanilla extract – A flavor booster that rounds out the sauce.
Hardware & Gadgets
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your Homemade Butterscotch Sauce:
- Medium saucepan – For cooking the sauce.
- Whisk – To mix the ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Heat-resistant spatula – For scraping down the sides of the pan.
- Jar or container – For storing your delicious sauce.
Directions: Homemade Butterscotch Sauce

Step 1: Melt the Butter
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the unsalted butter. Allow it to melt completely, swirling the pan occasionally to ensure it doesn’t brown.
Step 2: Add the Brown Sugar
Once the butter is melted, add the dark brown sugar to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the sugar is combined and the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Incorporate the Heavy Cream
Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly. The mixture will bubble up, so be careful! Continue stirring until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Add Salt and Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the fleur de sel and vanilla extract. Whisk until completely incorporated.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Let the sauce cool slightly before transferring it to your jar or container. Allow it to cool to room temperature before sealing.
Better Choices & Swaps

If you’re looking to make some adjustments to your Homemade Butterscotch Sauce, consider the following options:
- Butter alternatives: Use vegan butter if you prefer a dairy-free option.
- Sweetener substitutes: Coconut sugar can replace dark brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
- Non-dairy cream: Substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Flavored extracts: Experiment with maple extract for a unique twist.
Learn from These Mistakes
Making Homemade Butterscotch Sauce is straightforward, but here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Don’t rush the melting process; keep the heat at medium to prevent burning.
- Stir continuously once you add the cream to prevent separation.
- Watch the bubbling when adding cream; it can overflow if you pour too quickly.
- Make sure to let the sauce cool slightly before transferring to avoid spills.
Best Ways to Store
To keep your Homemade Butterscotch Sauce fresh and delicious:
- Store in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator.
- It can last up to two weeks in the fridge.
- To reheat, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm.
- For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays and transfer to a zip-lock bag for up to three months.
Top Questions & Answers
Can I use granulated sugar instead of brown sugar?
While you can use granulated sugar, it will alter the flavor and texture of the sauce. Brown sugar is essential for that characteristic butterscotch taste.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer for an additional few minutes after adding the cream. Just be sure to stir constantly!
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure you use a larger saucepan to accommodate the increased volume and adjust your cooking time as necessary.
What can I use butterscotch sauce on?
This sauce is incredibly versatile! Drizzle it over ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or even use it in baking recipes like cakes and cookies.
Our Most-Loved Recipes
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- Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies
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- Creamy Cheesecake with Fruit Topping
Ready, Set, Cook
Now that you have everything you need to make this Homemade Butterscotch Sauce, it’s time to get cooking! Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and soon you’ll have a luscious sauce that will make any dessert shine. Enjoy the process and the delightful results!

Homemade Butterscotch Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the unsalted butter. Allow it to melt completely, swirling the pan occasionally to ensure it doesn’t brown.
- Once the butter is melted, add the dark brown sugar to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the sugar is combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly. The mixture will bubble up, so be careful! Continue stirring until everything is well combined.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the fleur de sel and vanilla extract. Whisk until completely incorporated.
- Let the sauce cool slightly before transferring it to your jar or container. Allow it to cool to room temperature before sealing.
Notes
- Store in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator.
- It can last up to two weeks in the fridge.
- To reheat, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm.
