Bourbon Sauce
A rich, sweet bourbon sauce with caramel and vanilla notes, perfect for drizzling over desserts like pound cake, ice cream, or pancakes to add warmth and depth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together cornstarch and melted butter in a saucepan.
- Add brown sugar and hot water to the mixture.
- Stir over low heat until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in bourbon.
- Serve over pound cake, gingerbread, pancakes, or ice cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of cornstarch slightly, but be sure to dissolve it in the melted butter completely to avoid lumps. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, consider adding a touch more brown sugar. For an alcohol-free version, substitute the bourbon with vanilla extract, which still adds depth to the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This bourbon sauce pairs beautifully with desserts like pound cake, gingerbread, or ice cream. It also works well drizzled over pancakes for a delightful breakfast treat. For a unique twist, try it with the Hickory Sausage Breakfast Pizza or drizzle it over a slice of Etta'S Coconut Pie for added richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bourbon sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much. Stir until heated through before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bourbon Sauce contains roughly 277 calories, with 0g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 4g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of alcohol in this sauce?
Yes, you can substitute bourbon with another type of whiskey or even rum for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the taste will vary slightly depending on your choice of alcohol.
What should I serve this sauce with?
Bourbon sauce is versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes. It goes great over desserts like ice cream and gingerbread, or even drizzled on pancakes. You could also pair it with savory dishes like grilled meats for a sweet and smoky contrast.
How can I make this sauce less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness of the sauce, you can decrease the amount of brown sugar used or add a bit of lemon juice or vinegar. This will help balance the flavors and cut through the sweetness, giving you a more nuanced sauce.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).