Caramel Syrup

Name: Caramel Syrup
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2 - 2 1/2 cups
Ingredients: 3 cups sugar; 1/2 cup cold water; 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

By Craig Claiborne

Updated Oct. 11, 2023

Total Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Rating: 4(5)
Comments: Read comments

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Ingredients

Yield:2 - 2½ cups

3cups sugar
½cup cold water
½teaspoon lemon juice

Ingredient Substitution Guide

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Preparation

Step 1
Combine sugar and water in a heavy-bottom saucepan made of stainless steel, aluminum, copper or unchipped agate. Start cooking over low heat. If any syrup spatters onto the inside of the saucepan, use a brush dipped in cold water to wipe it away. This will prevent the syrup from crystallizing when it has finished cooking.
Step 2
Once syrup is boiling, add lemon juice. Continue cooking until syrup has a clear dark-amber or caramel color. It should register about 248 degrees on a thermometer used for candy. It will take about 20 minutes for the syrup to start to boil.