Yes, I do know that chai actually means “tea.” However, when people (here in the US, at least) hear the word “chai”, they often associate it with the flavor of spiced chai or masala chai, so I’m using the word that most people associate with those flavors. Besides, Masala Caramel Sauce doesn’t have the same ring to it. Or maybe it does, but fewer people would recognize it, I think.
Anyway, this caramel. This caramel is pretty much the antithesis of how I normally cook around here. When I make treats, I try to make things I wouldn’t mind my daughters eating, too. Anyone who’s ever eaten around a toddler knows that whatever you’re eating, toddler wants, too. It just makes my life a bit easier to make things that aren’t loaded with sugar.
And caramel is pretty much all sugar. Sugar. Butter. Cream. That’s what a good caramel is made of.
That’s what this caramel is made of, in fact. That plus a pinch of salt and a heaping of chai spices .
This stuff is addicting. I literally eat it with a spoon…when the girls are asleep. Ya, I’m that creepy mommy who busts out the caramel when the kids are in bed.
Seriously, this sauce is so good. It makes everything it touches a little extra special. Hot chocolate? Chai Spiced Caramel Hot Chocolate. Pumpkin bread? Chai Spiced Caramel Pumpkin Bread. Coffee? Chai Spiced Caramel Latte. Spoon? Chai Spiced Caramel Spoon.
Did I mention this would make a great gift? Edible gifts are the best, and any caramel or chai or life lover would be your BFF forever if you give them this. Hint: You can be your own BFF forever. 😉
Okay, I have to add that that last photos makes me laugh. Mini Foodie says delicious “wishus”, so when I see that last shot, it makes me think of her little voice saying “mmm… wishus.” 😀 Oh, is that one of those things only parents find funny? Sorry.
UPDATE: I tried making this with coconut sugar, and it’s delicious! So good news for anyone wanting a caramel sauce who is trying to avoid refined sugars!
Chai Spiced Caramel Sauce
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: approximately 16oz
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp ground clove
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- a few grinds of fresh black pepper to taste (or about 1/4 tsp)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Stir constantly and heat until mixture bubbles and thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat, pour into jars, and refrigerate until cold.
- Use on everything.
Notes
Mixture may be a little runny after bubbling but will thicken as it cools. https://thejoyfulfoodie.com/recipe-chai-spiced-caramel-sauce/ Do you like caramel on everything? Chai spice? Does it annoy you when people call the spice mix “chai”?
