What is Caramel Extract?
Caramel extract is used to infuse caramel flavor into food, drinks and desserts. It’s made by letting caramel steep in alcohol or another liquid for an extended period of time, allowing the alcohol to absorb the caramel flavor. It’s a great addition to any pudding, ice, cream, cake or cooking recipe. It’s actually fairly easy to make caramel extract at home yourself, but it does take some steeping time. If you’re in a pinch and need a quick and easy substitute, keep reading.
Caramel Extract Substitutes
1. Caramel Syrup
Caramel syrup is something you might have on hand to make fun coffee drinks. It works great as a caramel extract substitute. Keep in mind that it is likely sweeter than caramel extract, so you may want to water it down or use less if using as a substitute.
2. Caramel Sauce
Caramel sauce is easy to find or make yourself. It’s found in any grocery store, and will work as a perfect substitute if watered down. You can use the watered down caramel sauce in the same way you would the extract.
3. Caramel Candies
Caramel candies, melted, crushed up or whole, can all work as caramel extract substitutes. It depends on the recipe you need the extract for, but the candies will provide the caramel flavor you’re looking for, regardless of form.
4. Butterscotch
Butterscotch flavor is similar enough as caramel for any butterscotch extract, syrup, or candies to work as a substitute. The buttery sweet flavor is vey similar to caramel, as caramel is basically made out of butter and sugar.
Caramel Extract Recipe
Course: food and recipesDifficulty: Medium10
minutes300
kcalIngredients
an extract bottle or mason jar
a few caramel candies
1 cup vodka
strainer
Directions
- Place the caramel candies in the jar with the vodka. Make sure the caramels are completely covered by the alcohol.
- Close the jar and store in a cool, dark place for 6 to 8 weeks, gently swishing the jar occasionally.
- After the 6 to 8 weeks, strain the mixture, and you’re left with caramel extract!
