Cinnamon Caramel Recipe for Irresistible Sweet Treats

Updated On: October 17, 2025

There’s something irresistibly comforting about the warm, spicy aroma of cinnamon mingling with the rich, buttery sweetness of caramel. Whether drizzled over ice cream, stirred into coffee, or enjoyed straight off the spoon, cinnamon caramel is a delightful treat that can elevate any dessert experience.

This luscious sauce combines the best of two beloved flavors, creating a decadent topping that’s both cozy and indulgent.

In this recipe, I’ll guide you through the process of making a perfectly smooth cinnamon caramel sauce from scratch. It’s easier than you might think, and the results are truly worth every bit of effort.

Plus, with simple pantry staples and a few helpful tips, you’ll be able to whip up this luscious sauce anytime your sweet tooth calls for a touch of magic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cinnamon caramel recipe stands out because it balances the rich, buttery sweetness of caramel with the warm, aromatic spice of cinnamon. It’s versatile enough to complement a wide variety of desserts and drinks.

From drizzling over pancakes and waffles to adding a flavorful twist to your latte, this sauce adds a gourmet touch to everyday treats.

Another reason you’ll love it is the simplicity of the ingredients—no fancy or hard-to-find items needed. Plus, you can customize the level of cinnamon to suit your taste, making it as bold or as subtle as you like.

It also stores well in the fridge, so you can make a batch and enjoy it for days.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed saucepan for even heat distribution
  • Wooden spoon or heat-resistant silicone spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Heatproof bowl (optional, for mixing vanilla)
  • Whisk for smooth blending
  • Glass jar or airtight container for storage

Instructions

  1. Heat the sugar: Place 1 cup of granulated sugar in the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. The sugar will begin to clump and eventually melt into a thick amber liquid. Be patient and keep stirring to avoid burning.
  2. Add the butter: Once the sugar is completely melted, immediately add 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Be careful as the mixture will bubble vigorously. Stir the butter into the caramel until it is fully melted and combined.
  3. Incorporate heavy cream: Slowly pour in the 1/2 cup of room temperature heavy cream while stirring continuously. The mixture will bubble again, so proceed slowly and keep stirring to create a smooth sauce.
  4. Mix in cinnamon and salt: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir well to blend the flavors evenly throughout the caramel.
  5. Finish with vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This will add a lovely depth and enhance the overall flavor.
  6. Cool and store: Allow the caramel to cool slightly before transferring it to a glass jar or airtight container. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Tips & Variations

“For the smoothest caramel, use a heavy-bottomed pan and keep your heat moderate to prevent scorching.”

If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, try increasing the cinnamon to 1 1/2 teaspoons or even sprinkling a little extra on your finished dish. For a smoky twist, you can substitute ground cinnamon with smoked cinnamon or add a pinch of cayenne for heat.

Want a dairy-free version? Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use coconut oil instead of butter.

The sauce will have a subtle coconut flavor but remain just as delicious.

If you find your caramel too thick after refrigeration, simply warm it gently in the microwave or in a small saucepan over low heat until it reaches your desired consistency.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per 2 Tbsp Serving
Calories 120
Total Fat 7g
Saturated Fat 4.5g
Cholesterol 25mg
Sodium 90mg
Total Carbohydrates 14g
Sugars 14g
Protein 0g

Serving Suggestions

This cinnamon caramel sauce is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:

  • Drizzle over vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a warm, gooey topping.
  • Pour it onto pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a decadent breakfast treat.
  • Stir a spoonful into your morning coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy flavored drink.
  • Use it as a dip for apple slices or pear wedges.
  • Drizzle over cakes, brownies, or cheesecakes to add a fragrant, sweet twist.

Conclusion

Creating homemade cinnamon caramel is a rewarding kitchen project that yields a mouthwatering sauce perfect for countless desserts and drinks. The combination of warm cinnamon spice and buttery caramel sweetness is simply irresistible and sure to impress friends and family alike.

This recipe’s simplicity and versatility make it an excellent addition to your culinary repertoire.

Whether you’re looking to elevate a simple bowl of ice cream or add a special touch to your holiday desserts, this cinnamon caramel sauce will become a favorite go-to. Remember, the key to perfect caramel is patience and attention, but once mastered, you’ll have a delicious sauce ready to enhance any treat.

Give it a try—you might just find it’s the best caramel you’ve ever made!

📖 Recipe Card: Cinnamon Caramel Recipe

Description: A rich and creamy caramel infused with warm cinnamon spice. Perfect for drizzling over desserts or adding to beverages.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 1 cup

Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Heat sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until melted and amber-colored.
  2. Add butter carefully and stir until melted and combined.
  3. Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring; mixture will bubble.
  4. Stir in ground cinnamon and salt, continue cooking for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract.
  6. Let caramel cool slightly before using or storing.

Nutrition: Calories: 120 | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 15g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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