This Brown Sugar Rhubarb Caramel is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Rhubarb, with its tart, bright flavor, mellows beautifully into a sweet, buttery caramel, creating a symphony of taste that’s both comforting and sophisticated. It's something everyone can enjoy. The deep, molasses-like notes of brown sugar complement the rhubarb’s natural tang, while a touch of vanilla rounds out the flavors with a hint of warmth. Picture this: you're at a friend's BBQ talking about your time in France when you tasted the caramel for the first time! What a rush! The rhubarb needs to be vibrant and the brown sugar should be packed nice and tight.
Whether you’re drizzling it over vanilla ice cream, spooning it onto warm pancakes, or using it as a luscious topping for a rustic pie, this caramel is versatile enough to elevate any dessert. I even put it on my toast sometimes, don't tell anyone, okay? It's also incredibly simple to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and a little patience. The hardest part is resisting the urge to eat it straight from the pan!
Required Equipments
- Saucepan
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Baking Dish
- Parchment Paper
Brown Sugar Rhubarb Caramel: Frequently Asked Questions
Brown Sugar Rhubarb Caramel
Indulge in the delightful combination of tart rhubarb and rich brown sugar with this easy-to-make caramel. Perfect for topping desserts or enjoying by the spoonful, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: About 2 cups servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Prep the Rhubarb: Wash the rhubarb stalks thoroughly. Trim the ends and chop the stalks into 1/2-inch pieces. Aim for uniformity to ensure even cooking. I usually discard the leaves cuz' they're not good for you, right?
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped rhubarb, brown sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The salt enhances the sweetness, trust me.
- Melt the Butter: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Make sure the sugar begins to dissolve into the butter.
- Simmer the Mixture: Once the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolving, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Monitor Consistency: Keep an eye on the mixture as it simmers. You want the rhubarb to break down and soften, and the sauce to thicken into a caramel-like consistency. Stir more frequently as the sauce thickens to prevent burning. This is crutial.
- Add Heavy Cream: Once the rhubarb is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream. The mixture will bubble up, so be careful!
- Stir Until Smooth: Continue to stir the caramel until it is smooth and well combined. The color should be a rich, golden brown.
- Cool Slightly: Let the caramel cool slightly before using it. It will thicken further as it cools. If it gets too thick, you can gently reheat it before serving.
- Test for Doneness: To ensure the caramel is perfect, drop a small amount into a glass of cold water. If it forms a soft ball, it's ready. If it disperses, continue to cook for a few more minutes and test again.
- Prepare the Baking Dish (Optional): If you're using the caramel as a topping for a baked dessert, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Assemble the Dessert: Pour the brown sugar rhubarb caramel over your favorite dessert – ice cream, cake, pancakes, or even just enjoy it by the spoonful! If baking, pour the caramel over the base of your dessert and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the brown sugar rhubarb caramel warm over your dessert of choice. Garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence. What does this mean for you?
📝 Notes
- For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar.
- Add a tablespoon of bourbon or rum for an adult twist.
- If the caramel is too thick, add a splash of milk or water to thin it out.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 250 kcal
Protein: 1g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Calcium: 30mg
