Philadelphia Butterscotch Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 2 Cuisine: American

A rich, creamy butterscotch sauce with deep caramel flavor, perfect for drizzling over ice cream or pound cake, adding sweetness and indulgence to desserts.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup dark Karo syrup
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. Mix syrup, milk, and sugar in a double boiler until sugar is dissolved.
  2. Cook, uncovered, for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
  3. Stir in butter and vanilla.
  4. Beat for 30 minutes or until thick.
  5. Serve over ice cream or pound cake.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar in place of white sugar. If you don't have dark Karo syrup, light corn syrup can be substituted, though the flavor will be slightly different. Keep the heat low and stir frequently to prevent burning. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency. This butterscotch sauce is a great topping for desserts like Mercers Chocolate Marshmallow Pie.

Serving Suggestions

This butterscotch sauce is perfect drizzled over ice cream or pound cake, making it a delightful addition to your dessert table. Try pairing it with Strawberry-Pecan Bread for a unique flavor combination. It also complements various fruit desserts, adding a sweet, buttery touch. For an indulgent treat, serve it alongside Fudge Krispies, which taste like a Nestle Crunch Bar.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover butterscotch sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously until smooth. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to prevent overheating. If it thickens too much, add a splash of evaporated milk to loosen it up.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Philadelphia Butterscotch Sauce contains roughly 1089 calories, with 10g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value), iron (45% of the Daily Value), and calcium (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

1089 kcal 54% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.3g 21% DV
Total Fat 28.6g 37% DV
Carbs 130g 47% DV
Fiber 5.8g 21% DV
Sugar 70.3g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 404.4mg 18% DV
Potassium 778.8mg 17% DV
Cholesterol 52.2mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 225.6mcg 25% DV
Vitamin C 62mg 69% DV
Vitamin D 2mcg 10% DV
Calcium 534mg 41% DV
Iron 8.1mg 45% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk

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 regular milk instead of evaporated milk?

While regular milk can be used, evaporated milk gives the sauce a creamier texture and richer flavor. If you're in a pinch, you can also try using half-and-half as an alternative for a similar effect.

How do I know when the sauce is thick enough?

The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. After beating for 30 minutes, it should have a smooth, pourable consistency that holds its shape slightly. If it's too thin, continue to cook it a bit longer on low heat.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Butterscotch sauce can be made a few days in advance. Once cooled, store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to reheat it gently before serving to restore its smooth texture.

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).

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