Oh, friends—get ready to fall head over heels in love with this Butterscotch Sauce. Trust me, it’s a game-changer. This sauce is smooth, velvety, and just the right amount of sweet with a deep, rich flavor that’ll have you wanting to drizzle it on everything. Whether you’re serving it over ice cream, pancakes, or simply enjoying a spoonful straight from the jar (no judgment!), this butterscotch sauce will be your new go-to for that extra touch of indulgence. It’s quick, easy, and ridiculously satisfying. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Why You’ll Love Butterscotch Sauce
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating that little moment of joy. Here’s why this Butterscotch Sauce will win you over:
Versatile:
This sauce is like the Swiss army knife of dessert toppings. It’s perfect for everything from warm brownies to fresh fruit, or even as a decadent dip for crispy fried treats. Imagine adding a drizzle to your morning waffles, or using it as a filling for homemade cakes. The possibilities are endless.
Budget-Friendly:
Using simple pantry staples, this recipe is proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create something that tastes luxurious. It’s affordable, easy to make, and will definitely make you look like a dessert pro.
Quick and Easy:
This recipe doesn’t require any complicated steps or special tools. With just a few ingredients and about 10 minutes of your time, you’ll have a silky-smooth butterscotch sauce ready to impress anyone who’s lucky enough to taste it.
Customizable:
Want a hint of spice? Toss in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. Or maybe you want it extra creamy? Stir in a bit more butter or heavy cream. You can adjust it to your taste, making it perfectly suited to your personal flavor preferences.
Crowd-Pleasing:
Let’s be real: Everyone loves a good dessert sauce, and this one is no exception. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family, or serving at your next gathering. Expect lots of “wow, this is amazing” and “can I get the recipe?” moments.

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Ingredients in Butterscotch Sauce
This sauce comes together with just a handful of ingredients, but each one plays a key role in giving it that rich, smooth flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Butter: The base of the sauce, bringing all that wonderful richness and flavor. Brown Sugar: This gives the sauce its signature deep, caramelized sweetness. Heavy Cream: Adds a creamy texture that balances out the sweetness of the brown sugar. Vanilla Extract: Just a little splash for that extra layer of flavor. Salt: A pinch of salt is key for bringing out the full depth of sweetness in the butterscotch.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making that luscious butterscotch sauce. It’s simple, but the results are seriously impressive.
Step 1: Heat the Butter and Brown Sugar
In a medium saucepan, melt your butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cook until it’s fully dissolved. This is where the magic starts. You’ll see the sugar blend perfectly with the butter, turning into a silky, golden base.
Step 2: Add the Cream
Once the sugar is dissolved, slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. The mixture will bubble a bit as the cream combines with the butter and sugar, creating that perfect smooth texture. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 3: Add the Vanilla and Salt
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. This will bring a perfect balance of sweetness and flavor to the sauce.
Step 4: Let It Cool and Serve
Allow the sauce to cool slightly before serving. If you want a thinner consistency, feel free to add a little more cream or milk. If you’re looking for it to set up a bit more, just let it cool for longer.
How to Serve Butterscotch Sauce
This sauce is incredibly versatile, and it can be paired with so many delicious treats. Here are a few of my favorites:
Over Ice Cream: Classic, creamy vanilla ice cream topped with this rich sauce—can you say heaven? On Pancakes or Waffles: Forget syrup—this butterscotch sauce is your new go-to topping for a sweet, indulgent breakfast. With Warm Cakes or Brownies: Pour it over a slice of cake or brownie for a decadent finishing touch. With Fresh Fruit: Slice up some apples, pears, or bananas, and dip them into the sauce for a sweet and refreshing treat.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make your butterscotch sauce even more perfect:
Prep Ahead:
You can make this sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat it gently in the microwave or over low heat on the stove when you’re ready to use it.
Spice It Up:
If you’re craving a bit of extra warmth, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Or go bold with a dash of bourbon for a more adult flavor profile.
Make It Extra Creamy:
For a super creamy texture, you can stir in a little more heavy cream, or even a dollop of sour cream for a tangy twist.
Storage Tips:
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to use it again, just heat it gently.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
A1: Yes, it’s perfect for make-ahead! You can store it in the fridge for up to a week and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Q2: Can I use regular cream instead of heavy cream?
A2: Yes, you can! But for that rich, silky texture, heavy cream works best.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Q4: Can I freeze this butterscotch sauce?
A4: Yes, it freezes well! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Absolutely! Just make sure your saucepan is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients, and the cooking time should be about the same.
Q6: Is this recipe suitable for [specific diet]?
A6: You can adjust it to fit specific dietary needs by substituting ingredients. For example, use coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Conclusion
And just like that, you’ve got a jar of homemade Butterscotch Sauce that will turn any dessert into a showstopper! Whether you’re drizzling it over a cake, spooning it over ice cream, or just dipping your spoon in for a taste, this sauce adds that perfect touch of sweetness and richness. It’s easy, quick, and totally worth every drop. Get ready for all the compliments—and, of course, the requests for the recipe!
PrintButterscotch Sauce Recipe | Rich and Velvety
Indulge in this rich and velvety homemade butterscotch sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or fresh fruit! This simple sauce combines butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream to create a luxurious treat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 1.5 cups (12 servings) 1x
- Category: Sauce/Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
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1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
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1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/2 tsp salt (or more to taste for salted butterscotch)
Instructions
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Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Add the Brown Sugar: Stir in the brown sugar and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is fully dissolved, about 2-3 minutes.
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Add the Cream: Gradually add the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Finish the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract. Taste the sauce and add more salt if you prefer a salted butterscotch flavor.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the butterscotch sauce to cool slightly before serving. The sauce will thicken further as it cools. Serve warm over ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or as a dipping sauce for fruits.
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Store: Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Reheat gently before serving.
Notes
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You can adjust the amount of salt to your taste if you prefer a salted butterscotch flavor.
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Store the sauce in the fridge, and it will thicken as it cools. Reheat gently before using.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg