Desserts > Sauces > Vanilla Sauces

Vanilla Hard Sauce Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt

Special Equipment Needed:
- Electric mixer
- Medium bowl
- Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, cream the butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
2. Add the confectioners’ sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until the mixture is light and creamy.
3. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and serve.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: None
Temperature:
- Room temperature
Serving size:
- Makes about 1 cup of sauce

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 20mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 14g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 13g
- Protein: 0g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Unsalted butter: Salted butter
- Light corn syrup: Honey
- Vanilla extract: Almond extract

Variations:
- Add a pinch of ground cinnamon for a spiced version
- Add a tablespoon of brandy or rum for an adult version
- Substitute the vanilla extract with orange or lemon extract for a citrusy version

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming it with the electric mixer
- Use a light hand when adding the confectioners’ sugar to avoid making the sauce too sweet

Storage Instructions:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave in 10-second intervals until warm.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the sauce in a small bowl with a spoon
- Drizzle the sauce over ice cream or cake

Garnishes:
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts or chocolate chips
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream

Pairings:
- Vanilla hard sauce pairs well with ice cream, cake, and other desserts

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fresh fruit
- Fruit salad
- Brownies

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or cream to thin it out.

Food Safety Advice:
- Store the sauce in the refrigerator and discard any leftovers after 1 week.

Food History:
- Hard sauce is a traditional English dessert sauce that dates back to the 18th century.

Flavor Profiles:
- Sweet
- Vanilla

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the sauce with ice cream, cake, or other desserts

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Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Vanilla, Rich, Sugary