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How to Warm Caramel Sauce in Microwave

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To drizzle over ice cream or decorate baked goods, caramel sauce is heavenly when gently warmed. When a batch of caramel sauce is warmed up,  it’s easy to pour and serve, microwave is the quickest solution.

Without altering texture and taste, it is recommended to follow the right step to thoroughly heat the caramel sauce without scorching or burning.

How do you warm caramel sauce in microwave? Transfer desired amount of caramel into a microwave-safe dish and nuke on high for 30 seconds. 

Stir the sauce to ensure equal melting by distributing the heat. Adjust the power to 50% or medium power to continue microwaving for 30 second intervals until thoroughly melted.

Carefully watch the caramel sauce to avoid scorching as it warms. The amount of caramel sauce and microwave wattage will cause the timing to vary slightly. 

Caramel sauce thickens when chilled, therefore constant re-warming in the microwave is required at time of serving. Microwaving is the best method to warm without burning because a on the stove top simply gets too hot.

In this article, we are going to share microwave tips to heat caramel sauce. Answered below are frequently asked questions about the best way to warm caramel sauce in the microwave to save you time on a quick dessert fixing. 

Can caramel be heated in microwave?

Yes, caramel can be heated in the microwave. Caramel solidifies as it cools, therefore frequent reheating is necessary to turn the sauce into liquid again. 

These melted caramels tend to harden back once the temperature is cooled down. For this reason it is common to combine milk and butter to keep caramel soft after melting. 

Furthermore, adding an acid such as a half a tablespoon of lemon juice to caramel can help to prevent from crystallizing. 

Reheating the caramel does not affect the taste or change the texture, just make sure the sauce doesn’t burn by getting too hot during the microwave process.

Is it safe to warm caramel sauce in microwave?

Yes, it is safe to warm caramel sauce in the microwave. As a matter of fact, microwaving caramel sauce is the recommended method to avoid scorching or burning.

The stove top and double boiler are other warming methods. However, these method tend to be challenging to control the temperature for perfect melting. 

Caramel sauce is simple sugar that has been cooked until it browns. When sugar melts, the color start darkens and develops complex aromas and flavors, but reaching that point without going over can be difficult.

Tips to warm caramel sauce in microwave

A classic caramel sauce is more flavorful and delicious when it is at a perfect warm temperature to serve on ice cream, apples, popcorn, and many more. 

As simple as it sounds, microwave is the easiest and most convenient way to melt a variety of condiments. However, without watching carefully and following the proper instructions, caramel ends up scorching, burning and becoming unusable.

Here are few tips to warm caramel sauce in the microwave:

  • Use a deep microwave-safe bowl that is made with glass or ceramic.
  • Start with full 100% power, then lower to 50% medium to gently warm the caramel to prevent from burning.
  • Stir frequently at every interval to even out the heat. 
  • Add milk and butter to the warm caramel to keep the sauce soft and smooth.
  • To thicken the sauce, add confectioners’ sugar.
  • To thin the sauce, add a splash of heavy cream. 
  • Always watch your caramel to remove from microwave before it starts scorching.
  • Warm the caramel sauce to an internal temperature between 320 to 360 degree Fahrenheit for best consistency. 
  • Prevent the caramel from boiling, it is significantly hotter than boiling water and can be dangerous. 

Best way to warm caramel sauce in microwave

The best way to warm caramel sauce in microwave is by starting with high power and lowering the setting as it begins to liquidify. Switching the heat level can significantly reduce the chance of burning and scorching as the sauce melts.

Place caramel in an uncovered bowl that is microwave-safe, and microwave on high for 30 to 60 seconds. Give a nice thorough stir to evenly distribute the heat, change the setting on the appliance to 50% power and continue to microwave for 30 seconds at a time until fully softened. 

Melted caramel sauce tends to become solid once it has cooled down. Furthermore, reheating multiple times in microwave is allowed and does not affective taste or texture.

If you would like to keep caramel sauce soft, consider adding a splash of milk and butter to keep the consistency easy to serve and pour. 

Warming caramel sauce in microwave

Microwaving Caramel Sauce: Conclusion

Microwave makes the task of warming up condiments pretty easy. With this method, it is simple to control the temperature and prevent from burning.

Additionally, microwaving caramel sauce makes it quick to reheat multiple times whenever needed easier without changing texture nor flavor.

Pour the desired amount of caramel sauce into a microwave-safe bowl, no need to cover with a lid.

Set the appliance to high 100% power and nuke for up to 1 minute. Stop the microwave and stir to mix the heat well.

Change the power to 50% medium and continue heating for 30 seconds at a time until reaching desired consistency.

If the caramel sauce is too thick, add a spoonful of heavy cream, or if the sauce is too thin then add a confectioner’s sugar to get the right texture. Use a microwave to melt caramel sauce and get it to that perfect evenness every time.