Caramel sauce is a versatile and delicious topping that can elevate both sweet and savory dishes. With its rich, sweet, buttery flavor, caramel sauce pairs wonderfully with everything from ice cream and fresh fruit to crepes, waffles, and coffee drinks. It can also be used in savory applications as a glaze for meat or mixed into a pan sauce.
When shopping for the best caramel sauce to buy, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Ingredients - High-quality caramel sauces are made with real butter, cream, and vanilla. Avoid products with artificial flavors or colors.
- Consistency - Look for a sauce with a smooth, silky texture, free of graininess or separation. The consistency should coat the back of a spoon.
- Flavor - Caramel sauce should taste rich, sweet, and buttery, without any burnt or bitter notes. It should highlight the natural flavors of butter and cream.
- Versatility - Opt for an all-purpose caramel sauce that can be used for both cooking and as a topping. Avoid sauces tailored only for drizzling.
- Storage - Choose a shelf-stable caramel sauce that keeps well after opening. Refrigerated sauces may need to be used quickly.
With an abundance of options on the market, this buying guide will walk you through what to look for to find the best store-bought caramel sauce for your needs. We'll also provide product recommendations and tips for storing and using caramel sauce.
Ghirardelli Caramel Sauce Squeeze Bottle, 16 oz
Finding the perfect caramel sauce to add sweetness to your coffee drinks or desserts can be difficult. But with Ghirardelli's Caramel Sauce Squeeze Bottle, you can easily elevate any beverage or treat. This rich, buttery caramel sauce has a wonderfully creamy texture that will take your homemade lattes and ice cream sundaes to the next level.
The 16 oz squeeze bottle makes it easy to drizzle the right amount on top of foamy milk drinks or generously cover a scoop of ice cream. With just a squeeze of the bottle, you can create sweet swirling designs on the tops of cappuccinos and desserts. The sauce has a delicious caramel flavor with notes of brown sugar and butter. It strikes the ideal sweetness balance, so a little goes a long way.
Key features:
- Creamy, smooth caramel sauce
- Rich flavor with butter and brown sugar notes
- Easy squeeze bottle dispenses perfect drizzle portions
- Elevates coffee drinks, milkshakes, ice cream
Pros:
- Convenient packaging and portion control
- Versatile - use for beverages and desserts
- Delicious authentic caramel taste
- Made by a trusted brand
Cons:
- Only available in 16 oz size
- Need to refrigerate after opening
Torani Puremade Sauce, Caramel, 16.5 Ounces(Pack of 4)
Searching for a versatile caramel sauce to flavor coffees, milkshakes, or pancakes? Look no further than Torani Puremade Caramel Sauce. This smooth, sweet caramel sauce comes in a convenient 4-pack of 16.5 oz bottles, so you'll always have extra on hand. The rich caramel flavor is authentic, reminiscent of homemade caramel with notes of butter and vanilla.
A little Torani caramel sauce goes a long way in transforming an ordinary coffee drink into a sweet indulgence. Simply swirl a tablespoon or two into your morning latte or iced coffee for a flavor boost. Drizzle it over ice cream sundaes and desserts for an extra pop of caramel. The squeeze bottle makes it easy to decorate drinks and plates with precision. This shelf-stable sauce can be stored at room temperature until opened.
Key features:
- Pack of 4, 16.5 oz caramel sauce bottles
- Made with natural flavors
- Sweet, buttery, vanilla-flavored caramel taste
- Easy squeeze bottle to drizzle and decorate
- Shelf-stable before opening
Pros:
- Smooth, creamy authentic caramel flavor
- Convenient multi-pack with extra bottles
- Versatile sauce for beverages and desserts
- Easy to drizzle from squeeze bottle
Cons:
- Only one flavor option in multi-pack
- Contains corn syrup
Torani Caramel Sauce, 16.5 oz
Craving an easy way to create delicious, coffeehouse-worthy caramel lattes and treats? Pick up a bottle of Torani Caramel Sauce. This top-selling caramel sauce has a luscious texture and mouthwatering flavor. It takes just a squeeze of the 16.5 oz plastic bottle to swirl artful caramel drizzle patterns on foamy drinks. You'll love the authentic taste - the caramel flavor profile strikes the perfect balance between buttery and sweet.
Beyond coffee drinks, get creative with Torani Caramel Sauce. Drizzle it over ice cream sundaes, freshen up a fruit tray, or use it in muffin and cookie batters. A little bit of this sauce goes a long way thanks to its rich consistency. The shelf-stable formula means convenient storage without refrigeration before opening. Treat yourself and elevate everyday food and drinks with Torani's beloved caramel sauce.
Key features:
- Sweet, buttery caramel flavor
- Rich texture and smooth consistency
- 16.5 oz squeeze bottle for easy drizzling
- Shelf-stable formula; refrigerate after opening
Pros:
- Authentic caramel taste
- Convenient squeeze bottle
- Versatile for drinks, ice cream, and baking
- Made by a leading syrup brand
Cons:
- Only available in one size
- Contains corn syrup
Torani 16.5oz 2-pack Sauce Sampler, Chocolate & Caramel
Want to stock your home bar with indulgent topping sauces to elevate everyday food and drinks? Pick up this Torani 2-pack Sauce Sampler featuring 16.5 oz bottles of Chocolate Sauce and Caramel Sauce. You'll be ready to add a hit of sweetness and flavor to homemade coffees, desserts, cocktails and more. These rich sauces have an ultra-smooth, pourable consistency that makes decorating a breeze.
The chocolate sauce is dark, creamy, and sweet with a hint of bitterness - ideal for mochas. The sweet buttery caramel sauce boasts authentic flavor perfect for swirled latte art or ice cream. Both bottles have drip-free, flip-top lids for easy one-handed pouring. With this duo, you'll be ready to bring happy hour flair to weeknight treats.
Key features:
- 2-pack of 16.5 oz chocolate and caramel sauce
- Rich, indulgent sauce flavors
- Smooth, drip-free pour consistency
- Flip-top lids for easy drizzling
Pros:
- Convenient multi-flavor pack
- Versatile sauces for many uses
- Quality flavor from a top brand
- Easy flip-top dispensing
Cons:
- Only two sauce options
- Contains corn syrup
DaVinci Gourmet Caramel Sauce, Caramel, 64 Fl Oz
Searching for a rich, velvety caramel sauce to take your at-home coffee drinks and ice cream sundaes over the top? Look no further than DaVinci Gourmet Caramel Sauce. This luscious caramel sauce will make you feel like a master barista. The 64 oz plastic jug contains plenty of crave-worthy flavor to keep your baking and beverage experiments going.
Drizzle DaVinci Caramel Sauce into coffee, tea, smoothies, and milkshakes for an indulgent flavor boost. Generously pour it over pancakes, waffles, and French toast for next-level breakfast. Top off frosty milkshakes, ice cream scoops, and slices of cheesecake with its buttery sweetness. With bold caramel flavor and silky texture, a little of this sauce goes a long way. The convenient squeeze bottle gives you precise control over every drop.
Key features:
- Rich, buttery caramel flavor
- Velvety smooth, creamy texture
- 64 oz jug for bulk supply
- Easy to squeeze out portions
Pros:
- Authentic caramel taste
- Versatile for drinks and desserts
- Large size for value
- Allows decorating precision
Cons:
- Only available in 64 oz jug
- Contains corn syrup
Ghirardelli Chocolate Flavored Sauce, Creamy Caramel, 90.4-Ounce
Ghirardelli's Creamy Caramel Sauce is a delicious choice for anyone with a sweet tooth. This thick and smooth caramel sauce has a rich taste that makes it perfect for topping desserts like ice cream sundaes or drizzling over warm apple pie.
You can feel good about choosing Ghirardelli's caramel sauce. It contains no artificial flavors or colors. The ingredients are simple - just corn syrup, sugar, cream, and natural flavors. This gives it an authentic, old-fashioned caramel flavor.
Ghirardelli's caramel sauce comes in a large 90.4 oz plastic jug. The jug makes it easy to store the sauce in the refrigerator after opening. It also includes a pump top for convenient pouring straight from the bottle. This is perfect if you'll be using it frequently for coffee drinks or desserts.
Key features:
- Thick, smooth texture
- Rich caramel flavor
- No artificial ingredients
- Large 90.4 oz jug
- Convenient pump dispenser
Pros:
- Authentic caramel taste
- Easy to drizzle and pour
- Versatile uses
Cons:
- Needs refrigeration after opening
Torani Caramel Sauce, 16.5 oz Squeeze Bottle (2-Pack)
Torani's caramel sauce comes in a handy squeeze bottle that makes it easy to drizzle over whatever you’re creating. This 2-pack contains two 16.5 oz bottles, giving you plenty of sweet and salty caramel goodness.
The recipe for Torani's caramel sauce is crafted to have an authentic, diner-style flavor. It contains butter along with corn syrup and brown sugar to produce a rich, creamy sauce. The texture is smooth and silky. It will quickly become your go-to for topping cappuccinos, milkshakes, waffles, pancakes, and more.
A squeeze bottle allows you to easily control the amount of sauce you use. Just give it a gentle squeeze to drizzle the ideal amount over coffee drinks, ice cream sundaes, or desserts. The plastic bottle is also convenient for storage - no need to refrigerate after opening.
Key features:
- Twin pack of 16.5 oz squeeze bottles
- Smooth, creamy texture
- Rich butter and brown sugar flavor
Pros:
- Easy to control drizzling
- Handy for storage
- No refrigeration required
Cons:
- Bottles may drip if squeezed too hard
Torani Caramel Sauce, 64 Ounce
With Torani’s bulk 64 oz jug of caramel sauce, you’ll always have plenty on hand for all your sweet treat needs. This extra-large plastic container holds over a gallon of silky smooth, diner-style caramel sauce.
The recipe uses real dairy ingredients like cream and butter to produce an ultra-rich flavor. There's no need for additives or preservatives. You can really taste the quality.
The container has a handy raised pump top that makes it easy to dispense just the right amount of caramel. No more messy drips or spills. It’s great for topping pancakes, waffles, and ice cream sundaes. You can also swirl it into coffee drinks and milkshakes.
With such a large volume, this jug is ideal for restaurants, coffee shops, and households that use a lot of caramel sauce. It provides great value and eliminates the need for frequent restocking.
Key features:
- 64 oz bulk size
- Made with real cream and butter
- Raised pump top
Pros:
- Provides great value per ounce
- Rich, smooth caramel flavor
- Easy to dispense just the right amount
Cons:
- Takes up substantial storage space
Classic Caramel Café SauceTM by Hollander Chocolate Co.
Hollander Chocolate’s caramel café sauce captures the flavor you’d expect from a high-end coffeehouse. This artisanal caramel sauce uses simple, natural ingredients like cane sugar and sea salt to produce a rich, buttery taste.
The consistency of the sauce is ideal for incorporating into hot and cold coffee drinks. It has a smooth, pourable texture that blends nicely when stirred. The subtle hint of sea salt provides a savory contrast to the sweetness.
Hollander’s caramel sauce comes in a generous 64 oz container equipped with a pump top. This makes it easy to quickly add just the right amount to customize drinks. The pump ensures minimal mess and waste.
Overall, Hollander’s caramel café sauce will be a go-to for hobby baristas. Its café-quality flavor elevates homemade lattes, cappuccinos, and specialty coffee beverages.
Key features:
- Uses simple, natural ingredients
- Smooth, pourable texture
- 64 oz size with pump dispenser
Pros:
- Captures artisanal café flavor
- Sweetness balanced with sea salt
- Pump prevents drips and waste
Cons:
- More expensive than mass-market brands
Ghirardelli Chocolate Company Sea Salt Caramel Sauce Squeeze Bottle
Ghirardelli puts a unique twist on caramel sauce with their Sea Salt Caramel version. It blends the sweet taste of caramel with hints of saltiness for a truly gourmet flavor.
The sauce has an ultra-smooth, velvety texture that makes it a joy to drizzle. It's neither too thick nor too thin. The 16 oz squeeze bottle gives you maximum control over pouring and drizzling. Just give it a gentle squeeze to release the ideal amount.
Unlike some caramel sauces, Ghirardelli's contains no corn syrup or artificial flavors. It relies on natural tastes from cream, milk, and sugar balanced by sea salt. This produces a rich, nuanced flavor you’re sure to love.
Drizzle it over ice cream, mix it into coffee drinks, or serve it alongside fresh fruit. The possibilities are endless with Ghirardelli’s Sea Salt Caramel Sauce. It will bring a taste of indulgence to everything it touches.
Key features:
- Sweet caramel with savory sea salt
- Velvety smooth texture
- Squeeze bottle for controlled pouring
Pros:
- Balanced, gourmet flavor
- Made with natural ingredients
- Versatile uses
Cons:
- Saltiness not for all palates
Caramel Sauce Buying Guide
When purchasing a ready-made caramel sauce, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind:
Ingredients
The ingredients list is arguably the most important factor when selecting a quality caramel sauce. High-end, gourmet caramel sauces are made with just a few simple ingredients:
- Sugar - Granulated white sugar or brown sugar are commonly used. Brown sugar adds deeper flavor.
- Butter - Real butter provides richness and texture. Avoid vegetable oil-based sauces.
- Cream - Heavy cream or evaporated milk contribute body and smoothness.
- Vanilla - Pure vanilla extract enhances flavor. Avoid artificial vanillin.
Ideally, the ingredients list should be short and contain no preservatives, stabilizers, or artificial coloring. Steer clear of high fructose corn syrup as well.
Consistency
A premium caramel sauce should have a luxuriously smooth and silky texture. It should be just thick enough to heavily coat the back of a spoon, without being too thin and runny.
Graininess or separation in the sauce indicates lower quality. Separation can often be fixed with a good stir or brief microwave heat, but graininess implies the use of inferior ingredients.
Flavor
Great caramel sauce is rich, buttery, and sweet, with deep toasted sugar flavor. It should taste like sweet melted butter with robust caramelized notes, without any bitterness or chemical aftertaste.
The caramelization of the sugar is key - sauces labeled as just "buttery sauce" will lack the complex caramel flavor. Be sure to sample the sauce before buying if possible.
Versatility
High-quality caramel sauce can be drizzled over ice cream, used to flavor coffee drinks, incorporated into a sauce, or used in cooking and baking.
Avoid sauces labeled solely as ice cream toppings, as they may contain stabilizers that make them less suitable for cooking. Seek an all-purpose sauce without add-ins.
Storage
Once opened, caramel sauce has a relatively short shelf life. Refrigerated sauces in particular can last as little as 1-2 weeks.
For maximum convenience, look for shelf-stable sauces sold in jars or squeezable containers. They keep for 4-6 months unopened, or about 1 month in the fridge after opening.
Jars are ideal for storing sauce in the pantry. Squeeze bottles are great for drizzling over finished dishes. Think about your planned usage when choosing a storage type.
Brand Recommendations
When looking for a top-notch caramel sauce that hits all the marks for quality and flavor, these brand options consistently rise to the top:
- Stonewall Kitchen Caramel Sauce - An exceptional jarred sauce made with butter, cream, sugar, and vanilla. Ultra smooth and pours beautifully.
- Ghirardelli Caramel Sauce - A rich, velvety squeeze bottle sauce with deep caramel flavor. Shelf-stable and easy to use.
- Vermont Maple Caramel Sauce - Small-batch maple-flavored sauce with butter, cream, and pure maple syrup. Complex flavor.
- Dulce de Leche - Made by slowly cooking sweetened condensed milk. Intensely rich, creamy caramel.
- Homemade - For the freshest flavor, cook your own on the stovetop using real ingredients.
With any of these high-quality sauces in your pantry, you'll be ready to take your desserts, snacks, and recipes to the next level of indulgence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I store caramel sauce?
Once opened, caramel sauce should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 1 month refrigerated. For longer shelf life, buy shelf-stable jars and store them unopened in a cool, dry pantry. Refrigerate after opening.
How do I thin out thick caramel sauce?
If your caramel sauce has become too thick, try adding a bit of heavy cream, milk, or water to thin it out. Start with 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Stir well after adding liquid. Briefly warming the sauce can also help thin it.
What can I use caramel sauce for?
The possibilities are endless! Drizzle it over ice cream, fresh fruit, crepes, waffles, and desserts. Swirl it into coffee drinks, milkshakes, and smoothies. Use it in cookies, brownies, cakes, and puddings. Brush onto meat before cooking or mix into pan sauces. The options are limitless!
Is caramel sauce gluten-free?
Many caramel sauces are gluten-free, but always check the label to be sure. Avoid malt-containing sauces. Quality brands made with just sugar, cream, butter, and vanilla are typically gluten-free. Homemade caramel is naturally gluten-free too.
Can I substitute caramel sauce for other ingredients?
Caramel sauce can often be used as a substitute for other liquid sweeteners. Replace an equal amount of corn syrup, honey, maple syrup, or molasses with caramel sauce in recipes. The flavor profile will change, but it will still provide sweetness.
How long does homemade caramel sauce last?
Homemade caramel sauce will keep 1-2 weeks refrigerated. For longer shelf life, freeze caramel sauce in airtight containers for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using again. It may need a quick reheat or stir to smooth it out after thawing.
Why did my caramel sauce crystallize?
Caramel sauces crystallize when too much sugar is present. It can happen if the sauce reduces too much as it cooks or if liquid ingredients like cream are insufficient. Crystallized sauce can still be used, but has a grainy texture. Adding a bit of water or cream and gently warming it may help improve the texture.
How do I fix a burnt caramel sauce?
If your caramel burns while cooking, immediately remove it from the heat. Try whisking in a bit of water, cream, or butter to dilute the burnt flavor. Strain out any unsalvageable black bits. Incorporating flavors like vanilla, maple, or chocolate can also mask burnt tastes.
What's the difference between caramel and butterscotch?
Butterscotch and caramel are similar, but butterscotch relies on brown sugar for its primary flavor while caramel comes from caramelized white sugar. Butterscotch typically contains butter but little or no cream. Caramel uses both for a richer taste.
Conclusion
With its melt-in-your-mouth sweetness and versatility, having a go-to caramel sauce in your kitchen arsenal is a must. Seek out top-quality sauces made with simple, natural ingredients for the best flavor and performance. Brands like Stonewall Kitchen, Ghirardelli, and Vermont Maple offer premium options worthy of your desserts. Or for freshness, whip up your own stovetop caramel loaded with butter and cream. However you choose to drizzle it, a little caramel sauce always makes life a little sweeter.
Resources
- Belly Full: This website provides a quick and easy recipe for caramel sauce that uses just a few simple ingredients. The author also includes tips for making the perfect caramel sauce and ideas for how to use it.
- Alphafoodie: This website offers a recipe for homemade caramel sauce that requires only 4 ingredients and no thermometer. The author also provides tips for flavor variations, such as spiced or fruity caramel sauce.
- Handle the Heat: This website provides a step-by-step guide for making caramel sauce, including photos and detailed instructions. The author also includes tips for troubleshooting common issues that may arise during the cooking process.
- Life Love and Sugar: This website offers a classic recipe for caramel sauce that uses only 3 ingredients. The author provides helpful tips for avoiding common mistakes and ensuring a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Fifteen Spatulas: This website provides an easy recipe for homemade caramel sauce that requires no thermometer. The author also includes tips for customizing the sauce with different flavors and ideas for how to use it.
I've not compared the 3 brands here... but the best I've had was King's Cupboard, though it's very pricey. I'm curious how it would compare to these 3.