Skip to main content

Basic Caramel

This recipe produces a caramel that, once cooled, is quite stiff—the ideal consistency for making bar cookies. If you plan to pour it over cake or ice cream, simply double the amount of heavy cream. This caramel can be refrigerated, tightly covered, for up to three days.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients

2 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
3/4 cup heavy cream

Preparation

  1. In a medium heavy-bottom saucepan, combine the sugar and cream of tartar with 1/2 cup water. Cook over high heat without stirring until sugar begins to melt and turn golden at the edges. Continue cooking, swirling the pan to cover evenly, until the sugar turns golden amber. Carefully pour the heavy cream down the side of the pan in a slow, steady stream (it will spatter), stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until combined. Transfer to a medium bowl, and let cool.

Reprinted with permission from Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook by Martha Stewart. © 2005 Clarkson Potter
Read More
Like a cucumber-cilantro chutney sandwich and scallop piccata.
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
Dressed in a spiced yogurt, with ginger and garlic, then roasted until caramelized and tender.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.