How to Make Whey Caramel Sauce

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This whey caramel sauce is a fun and delicious way to use up any extra whey from straining yogurt or making cheese. The brown sugar that is added to the concentrated whey turns this plain liquid into a sweet treat that can be enjoyed in many applications like on ice cream or on a cake, in a delicious iced coffee, for dipping fruit or in yogurt!

What is Whey? 

Whey is the leftover liquid after straining yogurt or making cheese. This liquid has been studied for its nutrients and has been found to aid in muscle building and reducing inflammation. 

Why Make Caramel Sauce With Whey? 

If you make yogurt or cheese, you know how much whey you can be left with after straining yogurt or making cheese. This whey caramel sauce is the perfect way to turn what seems like a waste product into something delicious and just a bit more nutritious than what you can buy in the store. 

The Flavor of Whey Caramel Sauce

Since whey is liquid from a fermentation process, the flavor of why itself can have a bit of a tang. Some people call this tang sour. This tang or sour flavor is very similar to a plain greek yogurt.

This recipe calls to simmer the whey until it has greatly reduced. When this whey reduces, the slightly mild sour flavor will become more concentrated. The addition of the brown sugar and vanilla will give this caramel sauce its sweetness. 

When you taste the caramel by itself, you will still taste some of the sourness through the sugar and vanilla. However, my family hardly notices the slightly sour flavor when eaten with ice cream or other items with a strong flavor.

Ways to Use Whey Caramel Sauce

Whey caramel sauce can be used like any other caramel sauce. The most common avenue to use caramel sauce is on desserts like ice cream or drizzled on top of a chocolate cake, a pie or muffins. 

This whey caramel sauce can also be used on top of pancakes, waffles or french toast in the morning. If you prefer to use caramel sauce for dipping, you can use this as a dessert dip for apples, pears, or pretzels. Don’t forget about on top of a milkshake, coffee, hot chocolate or in homemade yogurt!

Ingredients and Tools

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4 cups of whey from straining yogurt

1 cup brown sugar – Learn to make homemade brown sugar here!

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

1/4 tsp Sea Salt – I like to use Redmond Real Salt to add good minerals

A medium saucepan

A small whisk 

A pint canning jar with an airtight lid

Directions

Add whey to a medium pot and set to a medium to medium-low heat and stir every 10 minutes or so.

Keep the whey on the same heat and stir occasionally until reduced by half.

Whisk the brown sugar into the reduced whey until well combined.

Keep your pan on medium heat and reduce again by half. Whisk every few minutes to ensure the bottom does not burn. The color should continue to deepen as the mixture reduces. 

After the whey and brown sugar mixture has reduced by half, add your salt and vanilla extract and mix well. 

When all ingredients are well incorporated and your mixture has thickened, transfer into your pint canning jar to cool. 

Your caramel sauce is now ready to be used! Enjoy this caramel sauce on delicious treats or desserts. 

Whey Caramel Sauce Storage Tips: 

To store, secure an airtight lid and place in the refrigerator. Use your nose to know when you can no longer use a batch and need to make new caramel sauce. 

For longer term storage, you can store it in the freezer. If you decide to freeze caramel sauce, I recommend freezing it in smaller portions using a silicone mold. 

Whey Caramel Sauce FAQ:

What is whey? 

Whey is the leftover liquid after straining yogurt or making cheese. This liquid has been studied for its nutrients and has been found to aid in muscle building and reducing inflammation. 

Why make caramel sauce with whey? 

If you make yogurt or cheese, you know how much whey you can be left with after straining yogurt or making cheese. This whey caramel sauce is the perfect way to turn what seems like a waste product into something delicious and just a bit more nutritious than what you can buy in the store. 

What Does Whey Caramel Sauce Taste Like?

Since whey is liquid from a fermentation process, the flavor of why itself can have a bit of a tang. Some people call this tang sour. This tang or sour flavor is very similar to a plain greek yogurt.

This recipe calls to simmer the whey until it has greatly reduced. When this whey reduces, the slightly mild sour flavor will become more concentrated. The addition of the brown sugar and vanilla will give this caramel sauce its sweetness. 

When you taste the caramel by itself, you will still taste some of the sourness through the sugar and vanilla. However, my family hardly notices the slightly sour flavor when eaten with ice cream or other items with a strong flavor.

How do you use Whey Caramel Sauce?

Whey caramel sauce can be used like any other caramel sauce. The most common avenue to use caramel sauce is on desserts like ice cream or drizzled on top of a chocolate cake, a pie or muffins. 

This whey caramel sauce can also be used on top of pancakes, waffles or french toast in the morning. If you prefer to use caramel sauce for dipping, you can use this as a dessert dip for apples, pears, or pretzels. Don’t forget about on top of a milkshake, coffee, hot chocolate or in homemade yogurt!!

How Do I Store Whey Caramel Sauce?

To store, secure an airtight lid and place in the refrigerator. Use your nose to know when you can no longer use a batch and need to make new caramel sauce. 

For longer term storage, you can store it in the freezer. If you decide to freeze caramel sauce, I recommend freezing it in smaller portions using a silicone mold. 

Did you try this? Share your creations in the comments or by tagging @MissysHomestead on Instagram.