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 perfect 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 | Taste 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 medium heat 5 to 8 minutes until fully boiling and slightly thick.
- Finish with vanilla: Pull off heat, cool a minute, stir 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)
Pancakes And Waffles
Blueberry Pancake Recipe
Desserts
Raspberry Bread Pudding
Pancakes And Waffles
Chocolate Chip Waffles
Vanilla Sauce
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar firmly packed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt in a heavy-bottomed pot.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 5–8 minutes or until the mixture thickens up and comes to a full boil.
- Remove from heat and allow the mixture to slightly cool (stir frequently). Stir in the vanilla. Serve over your favorite breakfast or dessert!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I have always had vanilla in sauce over hot banana fritters and it is heavenly.
But I have never heard of using brown sugar, just white sugar.wouldnt that add a kind of maple flavor? I’m curious if it is better than the sauce I’m used to
We’ve tried it both ways and like it better with brown sugar! 🙂 But, if you’re concerned, you can use all white sugar instead.
Yes, I made this recipe. It turned out really good. I Put it over toast.
Great idea! 🙂