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    Home » Recipes » Sauces, Syrups & Dressings

    Starbucks Microwave Caramel Sauce

    by Mindy Boyd · Published: Dec 11, 2022 · Updated: Oct 16, 2024

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    ⏲️ 7 minutes mins
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    Starbucks Caramel Sauce recipe (made in the microwave) only requires 4 simple ingredients and is fail proof because we make it in the microwave. When I decided I wanted to make homemade caramel sauce I Googled it and, honestly, I was a little intimidated by the whole idea of cooking it on the stove.

    Then I found a microwave version on Epicurious. Now this is the recipe for me! I figured – what do I have to lose? If it doesn’t come out the first time I can just try again, right?! I had all the ingredients to make multiple batches if necessary. But I only had to make it once. It is so stinkin’ easy!

    Caramel sauce in a mason jar with the title written above it in black.

    Their recipe only made a little bit so I figured out how to make a larger batch. It stays good in the fridge for a while so why not? You just have to pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up and use it again. It makes a delightful cup of coffee that tastes just like I got it at a coffee shop. I can use it in any recipe that calls for caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream is taken to the next level with a drizzle of this deliciousness!

    Close up of a small glass clear bottle filled with starbucks caramel sauce.

    This tastes so much better than store-bought caramel sauce and I had no idea that it is so easy to make. It is also a fraction of the cost, another plus! I have a couple of poke cake recipes that I use caramel sauce for and I bought it at the grocery store. Well no more! The next time I make these cakes I will be using this yummy version because you get pure caramel flavor without the preservatives.

    Overhead view of caramel sauce in a mason jar with a spoon on the table next to it.

    Ingredients

    See recipe card for exact amounts.

    All four ingredients measured out to make starbucks caramel sauce recipe.

    Ingredient Notes

    Heavy Cream – you can use whole milk but we like the thicker consistency we get with heavy cream.

    Brown Sugar – I use light brown sugar because that is what I have on-hand, dark brown sugar can be used if that is what you have.

    Butter – unsalted butter is what I use, again because that is what I have.

    Salt – we use kosher salt but you can use sea salt if you like.

    Brown sugar, heavy cream and butter in a glass bowl ready to go into the microwave.

    How to Make Starbucks Caramel Syrup Recipe

    This is such an easy recipe!

    1. Put cream, brown sugar and butter in a microwave safe bowl.
    2. Microwave 1 minute, carefully take out and stir with a whisk until the butter is melted. Return to the microwave for 30 seconds, take out and whisk again, cook for an additional 30 seconds, until it is hot, thick, well combined and becomes a golden brown color. Stir and serve.
    Brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter in a glass bowl after it has been in the microwave.

    Storage

    We store our caramel sauce in a mason jar and keep it refrigerated for up to a month. This is also good because we can pour it right into the jar when it is hot. It is also good because we can pop it in the microwave to warm it up to a pourable consistency the next time we want to use it. You have to take the lid off before you put it in the microwave!

    The completed caramel sauce in a glass bowl with a wire whisk in it.

    Ways to Use This Starbucks Copycat Caramel Sauce

    • As a flavoring in coffee (of course) and other drinks. We add about a tablespoon of caramel sauce to an 8 ounce cup of strong coffee.
    • To finish off a beverage such as iced coffee, hot coffee, or hot chocolate. Just add a caramel drizzle to the top of the drink.
    • In any recipe that calls for caramel sauce.
    • As a topping on your favorite ice cream or sundae.
    • Add it into a shake.
    Vertical shot of a clear glass bottle filled with caramel sauce.

    What We Love About This Starbucks Caramel Sauce Recipe

    It is a simple recipe requiring only 4 ingredients we usually have on hand.

    We make it in the microwave and so it is quick.

    It only requires a couple of measuring devices, a bowl and a whisk.

    It keeps well in the fridge.

    We can adjust the recipe to make sure we have extra caramel sauce to keep on hand.

    A spoon with a stream of caramel sauce going into a mason jar.

    Use This Caramel Sauce in These Recipes:

    Twix Poke Cake

    Butter Brickle Poke Cake

    Use This Microwave Caramel Sauce To Top This Ice Cream:

    Sugar Cookie Ice Cream

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    Close up view of the side of a mason jar filled with caramel sauce.

    Starbucks Caramel Sauce

    Mindy Boyd
    Starbucks Caramel Sauce is perfect in a cup of hot or iced coffee. It is also great as a dessert topping on anything you would use caramel sauce. It is basically fail proof because it only requires 4 ingredients and is made in the microwave.
    4.95 from 20 votes
    Print – Email Required Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 2 minutes mins
    Total Time 7 minutes mins
    Course condiment, Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 20 tablespoons

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup brown sugar
    • 1/2 cup heavy cream
    • 1/4 cup unsalted butter 1/2 stick
    • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
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    Instructions
     

    • Place cream, brown sugar, butter and salt in a medium microwave safe bowl.
    • Microwave 1 minute, carefully take out and stir with a whisk until the butter is melted. Return to the microwave for 30 seconds, take out and whisk again, cook for an additional 30 seconds, until it is hot, thick, well combined and becomes a golden brown color. Total cook time should be between 1 1/2 – 2 minutes.
    • Stir and serve.

    Notes

    Makes a total of approximately 1 1/4 cups of caramel sauce. 
    Did you make this recipe? We would love it if you would leave us a comment and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below!
     
    Nutritional information is approximate.
     
    See tips, notes, and suggestions in the post above.
     
    Bookmark this page to find it quickly when you are ready to make this recipe!

    Nutrition Facts

    Calories: 82kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 63mg | Potassium: 21mg | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 158IU | Vitamin C: 0.04mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 0.1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was with a comment below.
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