Southern Comfort in a Jar: North Carolina’s Homemade Butterscotch Sauce Recipe

North Carolina is known for its rich culinary traditions, blending the best of Southern comfort food with a modern twist. Among the delightful array of sweet treats in the state, one stands out for its smooth, caramelized flavor: butterscotch sauce. There’s something about the rich, buttery sweetness of homemade butterscotch that reminds you of childhood and family gatherings, a simple yet indulgent comfort that pairs perfectly with almost any dessert.

Photo byjustataste.com

Whether you're drizzling it over ice cream, adding a special touch to pancakes, or simply enjoying it by the spoonful (we won’t judge!), North Carolina’s take on butterscotch sauce is a sweet homage to the state’s love for home-cooked delights. Made with only a few ingredients, this sauce is a quick and easy way to elevate your desserts, while keeping the tradition of Southern sweets alive.

The Essence of Butterscotch

Butterscotch sauce is often compared to caramel, but the two are uniquely different. Where caramel focuses on sugar, butterscotch emphasizes brown sugar and butter, creating a richer, more buttery flavor. The process of making this sauce is relatively straightforward, but the result is nothing short of magical, capturing the essence of slow-cooked sweetness.

This North Carolina-inspired recipe is perfect for any occasion, from topping off pies to mixing into your morning coffee for a sweet boost.

Recipe: North Carolina Style Homemade Butterscotch Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the brown sugar and stir constantly until the sugar has fully dissolved and the mixture becomes smooth, about 3 minutes.
3. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring as you go to prevent lumps. Let the mixture come to a low boil.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
5. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
6. Allow the butterscotch sauce to cool slightly before serving or transferring to a jar for storage. It will thicken as it cools.

This homemade butterscotch sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. Reheat it gently on the stove or microwave to bring back its silky consistency.

The Final Touch:

North Carolina’s homemade butterscotch sauce is a delightful way to enjoy a simple yet unforgettable sweet treat. Whether you use it to enhance a dessert or simply enjoy it as a standalone indulgence, this sauce brings out the warm, rich flavors that the South is known for. Drizzle it over apple pie, swirl it into your morning oatmeal, or dip fresh fruit into this silky sauce—no matter how you use it, one thing is certain: this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.

As you savor the taste, you’ll feel a connection to the tradition of Southern hospitality, where every bite and spoonful carries a little bit of love from the heart of North Carolina.

Sources:

Easy Homemade Butterscotch Sauce - Just a Taste

Easy Butterscotch Sauce - Tastes of Homemade

Butterscotch Sauce Recipe (simplyrecipes.com)