Y’all, once you give my hard sauce recipe a try, I bet you’ll be finding all sorts of excuses to whip up a batch. Some people prefer their hard sauce thick and rich. Others like it a tad looser. I like my hard sauce just in the middle. Not too thick, not too runny, but just right! And that’s how I’ll show you how to make it.
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How To Make Hard Sauce
- Add butter and sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer.
- Mix on medium until sugar is absorbed, then increase speed to high until the mixture is smooth.
- Add brandy, vanilla, and salt, and mix on medium until smooth and evenly mixed.
- Serve and enjoy over any warm dessert for an extra kick!
Hard Sauce Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons brandy or whiskey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- In bowl of stand mixer, add butter and sugar. Mix on medium until sugar is absorbed, then increase speed to high until mixture is smooth, about 1 minute.
- Add brandy, vanilla, and salt, and mix on medium for about 30 seconds until smooth and evenly mixed.
- Serve and enjoy over any warm dessert for an extra kick!
Notes
How To Store Hard Sauce
Just scoop it into an airtight container or wrap it snugly in plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge.How Long Will Hard Sauce Last In The Fridge?
In the fridge, your hard sauce will stay as good as new for 2 to 3 weeks if covered well.Can I Freeze This Hard Sauce Recipe?
Yep. Spoon your hard sauce into a freezer-safe container or bag, squeezing out as much air as you can. It’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. Then, simply move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. Give it a good stir to bring back that perfect texture.Nutrition
Recipe Tips
- Soft but Not Mushy Butter: Ensure your butter is softened to just the right consistency – it should yield to pressure but still hold its shape.
- Sift the Sugar: For an extra smooth sauce, sift to prevent any lumps.
- Scrape Down the Bowl: Every few minutes pause your mixer to scrape down the sides of the bowl so you make a consistent sauce.
- Chill Before Serving: If you prefer a firmer texture, chill the hard sauce in the fridge for a short while before serving. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to spread or dollop onto your desserts.
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Serving Suggestions
- Decadent Desserts: Drizzle it over a warm apple pie or add to a homemade pound cake even more irresistible.
- Holiday Favorites: You can have it ready for a classic Christmas bread pudding, add to fruit cake, or dollop on a spiced pumpkin pie.
- Breakfast Delights: Add some to a stack of warm pancakes or buttermilk waffles, or spread it on fresh, warm drop biscuits straight from the oven.
Recipe Help
Absolutely boo! You can also use a hand mixer or even a whisk and some elbow grease.
You can thin it slightly by adding a teaspoon of milk or cream and stirring well. Add the liquid gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Separation can happen if the ingredients aren’t at similar temperatures or if the liquor was added too quickly. To prevent this, ensure your butter is at room temperature and add the alcohol very slowly, mixing continuously.
More Toppings Recipes
- Easy Caramel Sauce Recipe
- Vegan Caramel Sauce
- Apple Butter
- Chocolate Ganache
- Chocolate Swiss Meringue Buttercream
- Hard Sauce
*Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating and leave comments below!* Post a photo of how your version of the recipe came out on Instagram (using #grandbabycakes)!!
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This was soo easy to make and totally delicious we used it on an orange cake and nothing was left to store!! Thanks for such an easy peasy recipe❤️
I ran out of pancake syrup so made your hard sauce to use on pancakes and I think we liked it much better than syrup or whipped cream. It was a really great change.
Thanks so much, Madelyn!
This was absolutely delicious. I made it with whiskey and used it atop my infamous apple cider cake, which took it from great to irresistable!
Oh my gosh. I forgot about the existence of hard sauce! I so need to go make a cake, just to slather this on top. It looks perfect!
I love the simplicity and flavor of this hard sauce! I sifted the sugar like suggested and the texture was so silky and smooth!
Your hard sauce recipe sounds delicious. Next time I make bread pudding I’m going to give it a try.
Thanks, boo!
This sounds so good and you could use if for alot of different desserts.
Thanks for so much of detailing. Sounds like everything in my kitchen. Cant wait to get my Hard Sauce ready for my next yummy treat.
This was absolutely perfect with a sticky date pudding that I made – it added such a lovely richness and was so simple to prepare.
This is the first time I tried hard sauce! The brandy has really brought in the kick! I drizzled it over my Asian sponge cake, and it is so good!