This Starbucks Caramel Sauce Recipe is an easy microwave copycat made with just four simple ingredients. It’s rich, buttery, and perfect for stirring into coffee, drizzling over ice cream, or topping your favorite desserts—without standing over the stove.
Unlike traditional caramel sauces, this version cooks in the microwave, making it practically foolproof. It comes together in just a few minutes and tastes remarkably similar to the caramel sauce Starbucks uses in many of its coffee drinks.
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I like making a larger batch because it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a month. Simply warm it in the microwave for a few seconds whenever you want a caramel drizzle for coffee, ice cream, or desserts.
We use this caramel sauce most often in homemade coffee drinks because it has the same rich, buttery flavor as Starbucks caramel sauce. It’s also delicious on vanilla ice cream, in poke cakes, and anywhere a recipe calls for caramel sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 4 simple ingredients.
- Microwave method means no candy thermometer.
- Ready in just a few minutes.
- Perfect for coffee, ice cream, desserts, cakes and more.
- Stores well in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
See recipe card for exact amounts.
Ingredient Notes
- Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, creamy caramel sauce. Whole milk can be used, but the sauce will be thinner.
- Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar works great, but dark brown sugar will give the sauce a deeper caramel flavor.
- Butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness.
- Salt: Kosher or sea salt both work well.
How to Make Starbucks Caramel Sauce
Put cream, brown sugar and butter in a microwave safe bowl.
Microwave for 1 minute, then carefully remove the bowl and whisk until the butter melts. Microwave for another 30 seconds and whisk again. Return to the microwave for a final 30 seconds, or until the sauce is hot, smooth, well combined, and golden brown.
Storage
Store the caramel sauce in a mason jar or other airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to use it again, microwave it for a few seconds until it’s warm and pourable. If using a mason jar, remove the lid before microwaving.
How to Use Starbucks Caramel Sauce
Starbucks caramel sauce isn’t just for coffee. Try it in drinks, desserts, and even baked goods.
- Coffee: Stir 1–2 tablespoons into hot coffee.
- Iced coffee: Mix with cold brew or iced coffee.
- Lattes: Add to homemade espresso drinks.
- Hot chocolate: Drizzle over whipped cream.
- Ice cream: Spoon over vanilla ice cream or sundaes.
- Desserts: Use in poke cakes, brownies, cheesecake, and other recipes calling for caramel sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Caramel sauce is thicker and richer because it contains dairy and butter, while caramel syrup is thinner and designed to dissolve easily into drinks. This recipe copies Starbucks caramel sauce rather than their caramel syrup.
The microwave method is quicker and easier than making caramel on the stovetop. It also eliminates the need for a candy thermometer, making it a great option for beginners.
More Homemade Coffee Syrups and Sauces
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Starbucks Caramel Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup unsalted butter ½ stick
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
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 ½ – 2 ½ minutes.
- Stir and serve.
About Mindy
Mindy has been cooking for over 30 years, starting as a young mother who learned how to create delicious meals on a budget. Today, she shares approachable recipes made with everyday ingredients that are easy, affordable, and family-friendly. Her goal is to show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.