This simple stovetop Vanilla Sauce requires only five ingredients and less than 10 minutes prep time!
author’s note
Pour-On-Everything Vanilla Sauce!
Most mornings, I eat a pretty balanced breakfast – a protein shake, acai bowl, smoothie/green juice, or yogurt with granola and fresh fruit.
But, whenever I’m making a large breakfast/brunch meal (usually for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions), I’m all about the sweet, syrup-covered, should-actually-be-served-for-dessert kind of breakfast choices.
You know, like French Toast drenched in caramel or crepes stuffed to the brim with Nutella. Those are my special-occasion breakfasts. And those breakfasts are always in need of a really great sauce. This vanilla sauce is JUST that sauce to drench your breakfasts in. It’s smooth, creamy, sweet, flavorful, and the reliable topping or filling for so many different breakfasts.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Swaps & Tips |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | Salted butter works. Then skip added salt. |
| Granulated sugar | Use all white sugar for a lighter color. |
| Light brown sugar | Dark brown sugar gives deeper molasses flavor. |
| Heavy cream | Half and half or whole milk for a thinner sauce. |
| Pinch of salt | check the seasoning and adjust at the end. |
| Vanilla extract | Swap for vanilla bean paste or 1 whole split bean. |
How To Make Vanilla Sauce
- Combine ingredients: Add butter, both sugars, cream, and salt to a heavy pot.
- Thicken: Stir over a medium burner 5 to 8 minutes until fully boiling and slightly thick.
- Finish with vanilla: Pull off heat, cool a minute, mix in vanilla, and serve warm.
How Do You Thicken Vanilla Sauce?
Make sure you let the mixture come to a full boil to thicken the sauce. As the sauce cools, it will continue to thicken.
Variations
- Add a little cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy, spiced flavor.
- Maple-Vanilla: replace 2 tablespoons sugar with maple syrup
Storage
- Store the syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to two weeks. Remember to let it cool completely before storing.
- For best results, gently warm the syrup before serving, especially if it has thickened in the fridge.
Serve Vanilla Sauce Over:
Breakfast
Dutch Baby Recipe (German Pancakes)
Desserts
Raspberry Bread Pudding
Pancakes And Waffles
Chocolate Chip Waffles
