Do You Know the Difference Between Caramel, Butterscotch and Toffee? (2024)

Updated: Mar. 15, 2023

Curious about the difference between these sticky treats? A professional pastry chef explains all.

You’ve probably eaten something drizzled withcaramelor made with bits ofbutterscotchandtoffeebefore. But can you point out the differences between these light-brown sweets? At their core, all three are made using sugar and butter. But small tweaks make each dessert delightfully unique. Let’s dive in.

What Is Caramel?

Plain caramel is typically made with white granulated sugar. Water, sugar and corn syrup are heated until the sugar dissolves. Then the mix is left to boil until the syrup turns golden brown. Butter, cream and vanilla syrup are added and the ooey-gooey sauce is heated again. “Caramel can be a sauce, a candy or a topping,” says Helen Fletcher, professional baker and author ofEuropean Tarts.“It all depends upon the temperature of the caramel you are making. The higher the temperature, the more set the caramel [will be].” Try out caramel of all kinds with our10 best homemade caramel recipes

What Is Butterscotch?

Like caramel, butterscotch is a cooked sugar. The main distinction is that butterscotch is made with brown sugar instead of white sugar. Thetraditional butterscotch recipecalls for butter to be melted with brown sugar to start. Once the mixture becomes more of a liquid (appearing less grainy), cream is added and the ingredients are boiled again until it reaches the optimal temperature. Drooling already? Check outour favorite butterscotch recipes and butterscotch chip recipes.

What Is Toffee?

Toffee is made from sugar and butter. Chefs cook toffee longer than caramel so it reaches a hardened, brittle state. (Check outAunt Rose’s Fantastic Butter Toffee for a tasty example.) The candy is usually topped with chocolate, nuts or coconut—and gobbled up instantly.

All three are extremely versatile and can be incorporated into other desserts. “I use caramel in brownies, cookies and tarts as well as salted caramel and plain caramel sauce,” Fletcher says. “I use toffee pieces in the bottom of a brown butter tart.” As for substituting one for the other, here’s Fletcher’s expert advice: “As long as the consistency is maintained in the switch, I suppose they can be substituted for each other.”

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Taste of Home

Caramel-Pecan Pumpkin Pull-ApartsWe love sticky buns made with my husband's angel biscuit dough, caramel and pecans. For a twist, try apple butter or applesauce instead of the pumpkin. —Carolyn Kumpe, El Dorado, California

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Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream with Salted Caramel Sauce Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream with Salted Caramel SauceTruthfully, I want those cozy flavors of Thanksgiving throughout the year. This ice cream has just the right balance of spices, and no matter when you make it, you'll find yourself surrounded in the warmth and love that pumpkin pie has to offer. —Angie Stewart, Memphis, Tennessee

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Chewy Caramel-Coated PopcornWhen I was a kid, my mom made this recipe often. I've adapted it to make it more chewy and gooey than her crunchy, nut-loaded version. I get requests to make this for every event that I host, and have never had a single leftover! —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta

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Dulce de Leche CheesecakeI'm originally from Paraguay, and dulce de leche reminds me of where I came from. If you can't find it at your grocery store, try caramel ice cream topping instead. It tastes different, but this decadent dessert will still be amazing. —Sonia Lipham, Ranburne, Alabama

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Taste of Home

Turtle BrowniesHomemade turtle brownies are a sweet addition to the appetizer table on game day. Your guests might forget the score, but I guarantee they'll remember these treats! —Sherry Miller, Columbia Heights, Minnesota

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Or try this classic turtle candy recipe!

Caramel Heavenlies Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Caramel HeavenliesBefore I cut these bars into triangles, I trim the edges so all the cookies look the same. My husband and daughter love this part because they get to eat the scraps. —Dawn Burns, Lake St. Louis, Missouri

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Taste of Home

Apple Pie a la ModeI was planning a dinner party and wanted a dessert that wowed. My caramel apple ice cream pie certainly does the trick. Now it's a family favorite. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

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Taste of Home

Nothing says "welcome home" like warm, gooey, chewy cookies right out of the oven with a cold glass of milk—mmm, heaven. You don't need a plate. Just grab and go. —Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania

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Salted Caramel Cappuccino CheesecakeAfter spending years living in Seattle, I’ve become a coffee junkie! I had to relocate across the country for a time, so I created this cheesecake with the flavors of salted caramel, coffee and espresso. It lifted me up on days when I felt blue about leaving one of the world’s amazing coffee destinations. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington

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Taste of Home

Caramel Nut BarsNo one can resist these chewy caramel and chocolate bars with a delightful oat crust and topping. They make a tempting dessert or a special snack anytime. These rich bars are perfect for a potluck since a little goes a long way.—Pat Hills, South Dayton, New York

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