Skip to main content

Lemon-Caramel Sauce

The sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Warm over gentle heat just before serving.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 1 1/4 cups

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon limoncello (Italian lemon-flavored liqueur; optional)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat the sugar and 1/4 cup water in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the syrup is clear. Continue to cook, without stirring, until the syrup comes to a boil, occasionally washing down the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush to prevent crystals from forming. Let the syrup boil, gently swirling the pan occasionally, until dark amber.

    Step 2

    Remove from heat; whisk in the lemon juice, liqueur (if desired), butter, and 2 tablespoons water. (The caramel will steam and spatter.) Serve warm.

The cookbook cover with a blue background and fine typeface.
Reprinted with permission from The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook: The New Classics by Martha Stewart Living Magazine, copyright © 2007. Published by Clarkson Potter, a division of The Crown Publishing Group. Buy the full book from Amazon.
Read More
Zesty jalapeño halves make the perfect vehicle for these crunchy, juicy, meat-filled snacks.
Creamy, vinegary, and with lots of fresh dill.
Crusty, chewy, and actually easy. No lye or barley syrup needed.
This chicken salad nails it—creamy, herby, and endlessly riffable.
Cinnamon bun fans, our time has come.
Assembled right in the skillet, no bowls needed.
A feel-good meal full of crunchy veg and even crunchier pita chips.
A summer side with main dish energy.