Brown Butter Bourbon Caramel
There’s something magical about caramel. Rich, golden, and just the right balance of sweet and smoky, it has a way of transforming any dessert into pure indulgence. At Six Degrees Chocolates, we’re always looking for ways to elevate classic flavors with modern craftsmanship. One of our most requested confections is our Brown Butter Bourbon Caramel bonbon—a silky, complex filling that pairs beautifully with dark chocolate.
Today, we’re sharing the recipe so you can bring a little of our chocolate kitchen into yours. Whether you’re making it to drizzle over ice cream, swirl into brownies, or fill homemade chocolates, this caramel will quickly become your signature treat.
Why Brown Butter + Bourbon?
Brown butter adds a deep nutty flavor that transforms caramel from simple sweetness into something layered and luxurious. When you combine it with a vanilla-forward bourbon, you get notes of oak, spice, and warmth that complement chocolate perfectly. This isn’t your average caramel—it’s a gourmet chocolate filling worthy of a place in any confectioner’s kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1.00 unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1.50 white sugar
- 0.10 water
- 1.00 heavy cream (room temp)
- 0.25 bourbon (choose a smooth, vanilla-forward one)
- 0.10 vanilla extract
- 0.05 coarse sea salt
- Preparation
- Brown the Butter Cut butter into chunks. Melt over medium heat in a stainless saucepan. Stir occasionally until it foams, turns amber, and smells nutty. Remove from heat and set aside. Make the Caramel Base In a separate heavy-bottomed pan, combine sugar and water. Heat on medium-high without stirring—just swirl the pan gently. Watch closely as it turns from clear to deep amber (about 8–10 minutes).
- Combine Remove caramel from heat. Carefully whisk in the browned butter (it may bubble). Then slowly add the cream while whisking continuously. Return to low heat and stir until smooth.
- Flavor It Stir in bourbon, vanilla, and salt. Simmer gently for 1–2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Cool & Use Let cool until thick but pourable. Use immediately to fill molded bonbons or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Tips
Once cooled, this caramel pairs beautifully with a thin layer of dark chocolate ganache or a smoked salt sprinkle. You could even infuse the cream with toasted pecans or orange zest before adding it for a deeper twist.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with dark chocolate ganache for the ultimate truffle center.
- Drizzle over brownies, cheesecakes, or ice cream sundaes.
- Infuse the cream with toasted pecans, espresso beans, or orange zest before adding for a custom twist.
- Sprinkle with smoked salt for a sweet-savory caramel sauce.
From Our Kitchen to Yours
At Six Degrees Chocolates, every recipe begins with the belief that flavor connects us—that just one bite can spark memory, joy, and conversation. This Brown Butter Bourbon Caramel is one of our favorite ways to share that connection, whether tucked into a handcrafted bonbon or made in your own home kitchen.
If you’d rather skip the stovetop and go straight to indulging, you can taste this recipe in our Signature Bourbon Caramel Bonbons, available seasonally in our online shop.