Caramel Syrup

Jul 3, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Pantry Sauces syrups glazes Vanilla: Extract Easy

A small glass bottle of caramel syrup with a pour spout, beside an iced latte sweetened with it

A rich homemade caramel syrup made with real caramelized sugar and enhanced with pure vanilla extract for a smooth, deep flavor. Perfect for drizzling over desserts, coffee, and pancakes.

Prep 10 min

Cook 10 min

Total 20 min

Servings 12

Diet —

Ingredients

Adjust yield

servings

1.0 cup (200.0 g)granulated sugar
½ cup (120.0 ml)water, divided
½ cup (120.0 ml)heavy cream
1.0 tsp (5.0 ml)pure vanilla extract
¼ tsp (1.0 g)fine sea salt
2.0 tbsp (40.0 g)dulce de leche caramel sauce

Make it at home

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Instructions

In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and 1/4 cup (60 ml) water over medium heat. Stir gently just until the sugar is moistened.
Stop stirring and let the sugar mixture cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until it turns a deep amber color and smells nutty, about 8 to 10 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Remove the pan from heat and carefully add the heavy cream and remaining 1/4 cup (60 ml) water. The mixture will bubble vigorously—stir constantly with a wooden spoon until smooth.
Return the pan to low heat and cook for 2 minutes, stirring gently, to thicken the syrup slightly.
Remove from heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract, fine sea salt, and dulce de leche caramel sauce until evenly incorporated.
Let the syrup cool to room temperature. It will thicken more as it cools. Store in a clean jar or bottle.

Tips

Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent hot spots and burning during caramelization.
Add vanilla extract after caramelizing to preserve its delicate flavor and aroma.

Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make caramel syrup?

Plan on 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking. The recipe makes about 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) caramel syrup.

How should I store caramel syrup?

Store the caramel syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Warm gently before using if it thickens too much.

Can I make caramel syrup ahead?

Make the syrup up to 1 week in advance and refrigerate.

Can I use a different form of vanilla?

Yes. This recipe uses 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (5 ml). Each teaspoon of pure vanilla extract can be swapped for 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, the seeds of half a vanilla bean, or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder. Paste and seeds add the classic dark specks.

A rich homemade caramel syrup made with real caramelized sugar and enhanced with pure vanilla extract for a smooth, deep flavor. Perfect for drizzling over desserts, coffee, and pancakes.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 12 servings this recipe makes.

110 Calories / serving

3.9g Fat

19.1g Carbs

0.3g Protein

18.7g Sugar

Whole recipe (12 servings): ~1320 cal · 47g fat · 229g carbs · 4g protein · 224g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.

Per serving · 110 calories

What it takes to burn one serving

Brisk walking 21 min·1.2 mi·~2450 steps
Walking uphill or incline treadmill 15 min·0.8 mi·~1500 steps
Moderate cycling 11 min·2.2 mi
Swimming laps 15 min
Jogging 11 min·0.9 mi·~1750 steps
Stair climbing 10 min·~900 steps
Dancing 18 min
Bodyweight circuit training 11 min
Cleaning, errands, or playing with the dog 26 min

Rough estimates for one serving, based on standard MET values at about 155 lb. Your own burn depends on body size, effort, and fitness. Shown for context only — food is not something you have to earn.

Made with VanillaGoods

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