JojoM

Master this easy liquid caramel recipe in just 15 minutes. Perfect for topping flans, custards, ice cream, or cakes with a glossy caramel finish.
There’s something magical about a perfectly made liquid caramel sauce — that deep amber shine, the rich toasted sugar flavor, and the way it drapes over desserts like silk. Luckily, you don’t need pastry chef skills to master it. With just sugar, water, and a touch of lemon juice, you can whip up a homemade caramel sauce in 15 minutes flat.
This recipe is the ultimate go-to for finishing flans, custards, ice creams, or sponge cakes with a glossy caramel crown. Unlike thicker butterscotch-style sauces, this one is beautifully pourable, making it ideal as both a topping and a base for French-style desserts.
Making caramel can feel intimidating, but it’s all about patience and timing. First, dissolve the sugar in water, then let it boil undisturbed until it transforms into a golden syrup. The key moment is when it turns deep amber — that’s when you add hot water to stop the cooking and transform it into a smooth sauce.
⚠️ Tip: Always wear an oven mitt when adding the hot water — it bubbles and splatters!
The beauty of this recipe is that it keeps for up to 1 month in the fridge. Store it in an airtight jar, and you’ll always have a glossy sauce ready to transform even the simplest dessert into something restaurant-worthy.
Once you’ve tried it, you’ll never go back to store-bought caramel again.
Master this easy liquid caramel recipe in just 15 minutes. Perfect for topping flans, custards, ice cream, or cakes with a glossy caramel finish.

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Combine sugar and 60 ml (1/4 cup) water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat. Stir until dissolved.
Brush down any sugar crystals from the sides of the pan to prevent burning.
Add lemon juice, increase heat, and bring mixture to a full boil. Stop stirring once boiling.
When syrup starts to color, swirl the pan gently for even browning. Do not stir.
Once caramel reaches a deep amber color, carefully add half of the hot water while stirring with an oven mitt on.
Add the remaining hot water, stirring until smooth and runny.
Let cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
8/5/2025
Worked great, but be careful when adding hot water—it splatters a lot!
7/22/2025
Turned out glossy and smooth—perfect for flan topping!
6/30/2025
So easy to make! I added a pinch of sea salt for salted caramel.
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Serving Size: 2 tbsp
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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The Heirloom Pantry's Kat and Alec adapted by JojoM