Ingredients
Caramel Dip
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ heaping teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup water
- 2 Tablespoons light corn syrup
- ½ cup heavy cream (room temperature)
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into 2 pieces, room temperature)
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Dipping
- Apple slices (for dipping)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine sugar, salt, water, and light corn syrup. Stir occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves. Use a damp pastry brush to wash down any sugar crystals clinging to the sides of the pot to prevent crystallization.
- Boil Mixture: Increase heat to medium and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a boil. This helps the sugar syrup begin to thicken and caramelize.
- Caramelize Sugar: Allow the boiling mixture to continue cooking until it turns a light amber caramel color and reaches 340°F (171°C) on a candy thermometer. Be careful not to burn it.
- Add Cream Carefully: Remove the saucepan from heat immediately. Slowly and cautiously drizzle in the room temperature heavy cream while stirring continuously. Expect bubbling and splattering, so take care to avoid burns.
- Incorporate Butter: Once the cream is fully combined, stir in the unsalted butter pieces one at a time until the caramel dip becomes smooth and glossy.
- Flavor with Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract to add depth and enhance the caramel flavor.
- Cool and Serve: Let the caramel dip cool to room temperature where it will thicken. Serve with fresh apple slices or your favorite dippers like graham crackers.
Notes
- Use room temperature heavy cream and butter to prevent the caramel from seizing when added.
- A candy thermometer is recommended for precise temperature control and to avoid burning.
- If you don’t have a pastry brush, carefully tilt the pan and use a wet spoon or cloth to rinse down sugar crystals.
- The dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week; reheat gently before serving.
- Try using other dippers like pretzels, marshmallows, or banana slices for variety.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dip
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
