Make all of your dessert dreams come true with this simple 5-Ingredient Bourbon Caramel Sauce that’s perfect for all of your favorite classic desserts like an ice cream sundae or chocolate cake. In under 20 minutes, you’re ready for summer entertaining!
What’s on your ice cream sundae?
If you’ve never made caramel from scratch before, now’s your chance. This recipe for 5-Ingredient Whiskey/Bourbon Caramel Sauce is absolutely divine and foolproof – I’m not just saying that.
I’ve always been more a fan of caramel than chocolate, so I’ve perfected the art of making the ultimate whiskey caramel sauce after years of experimentation. There have been hits and misses – some too thick, some too burnt, some too runny. Like Goldilocks, I’ve found the perfect solution.
This versatile sauce is unbelievably rich and smooth, making it the perfect topping for classic desserts, mix-in, or base for caramel frosting. The best part? Minimal mess. It’s one pot, and ready in under 20 minutes. This sauce is not meant to be a thick, sticky sauce – it’s more of a liquid syrup that has a delicious kick to it due to the bourbon or whiskey. When I say whiskey or bourbon, I mean – use whichever you have on hand. Use the best quality whiskey or bourbon that you have – it’ll be worth it, because the flavor really comes through in the sauce.
How to store your Whiskey Caramel Sauce:
I use boiled jam jars to store my caramel (just so it lasts a little longer), however, feel free to use airtight jars. One batch will yield enough to drizzle copious amounts of caramel over 12 sundaes which is perfect for summer entertaining. Airtight jars will keep your caramel sauce fresh for at least a week if you store it in the fridge.
Like I mentioned, this sauce can be used for more than just a topping. My favorite uses:
- Homemade caramel pecan ice cream
- Caramel buttercream
- Salted caramel pots de creme
- Chocolate caramel milkshakes
No matter how you use it, I’m sure you’re going to love it as much as I do. Happy caramelizing!
Ingredients
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp butter
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tbsp whiskey or bourbon
Instructions
- In a medium-sized pot, combine powdered sugar and water over medium heat. Whisk continuously for 15 minutes until sugar and water combine to form a deep amber color.
- Remove the pot from the heat and pour in cream and add in the butter while whisking continuously.
- Whisk in the whiskey or bourbon.
- Whisk until caramel has slightly thickened.
Notes
Home Chef Tip: When you are caramelizing the sugar, it will liquify and turn to a solid state again. Use the whisk to mash down the solid pieces, it will eventually brown and liquify into the deep amber color.

We hope you love this 5-Ingredient Bourbon Caramel Sauce from SoFabFood Home Chef, Ritika from R&M Cooks, as much as we do. If you enjoyed this decadent recipe, be sure to stop by our Desserts section to find more like it. For daily recipe inspiration, like us on Facebook and follow us on Pinterest. Enjoy!
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