Name: Salted Caramel Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: ½ cup heavy whipping cream; 1 teaspoon Maldon sea salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 4 tablespoons water (divided); 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened and cubed); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

There’s something utterly magical about the moment you pour homemade Salted Caramel Sauce over a dessert. I remember the first time I tried making it myself; the warm, buttery aroma filled my kitchen, wrapping around me like a cozy blanket on a chilly day. I was feeling adventurous and wanted to add a special touch to my favorite vanilla ice cream. As I stirred the mixture, watching it transform from sugar into a beautiful amber hue, I knew that this recipe was going to become a staple in my home. The combination of sweet and salty has a way of elevating any dessert, and I couldn’t wait to share it with friends and family. Every time I serve it, I see their eyes light up as they drizzle that glossy sauce over their treats, and I can’t help but smile knowing I made something so special.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
45 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
30 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
220 kcal

Protein:
1 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
12 g

Tools Used:
Frying Pan, Whisk, Large Pot, Saucepan, Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl

What We Adore About This Salted Caramel Sauce

1. Irresistible Flavor Combination

What makes Salted Caramel Sauce truly stand out is the unique blend of flavors. The sweet, rich taste of caramel perfectly balances out with the hint of salt. This contrast creates a depth that enhances everything it touches, making it a versatile topping.

2. Easy to Make at Home

You don’t need to be a professional chef to whip up this scrumptious sauce. With just a handful of ingredients and a little patience, you can create a gourmet treat right in your kitchen. I love that it’s a straightforward process that anyone can master.

3. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a fancy gathering, Salted Caramel Sauce fits right in. It’s a crowd-pleaser that elevates simple desserts, making them feel special and indulgent.

4. Versatile Usage

This sauce isn’t just for ice cream! Use it to drizzle over brownies, pancakes, or even stir into your morning coffee for a decadent treat. The possibilities are endless, and it can easily be incorporated into your favorite recipes.

5. A Homemade Gift

Gift a jar of homemade Salted Caramel Sauce to friends or neighbors, and watch their faces light up. It’s a thoughtful, personal present that shows you care. Plus, it’s perfect for the holidays or any special occasion.

Shopping List for Salted Caramel Sauce

In this Salted Caramel Sauce, each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture. The combination of heavy cream, granulated sugar, and butter creates a rich and silky sauce that coats your desserts beautifully. The addition of Maldon sea salt enhances the flavor, providing that satisfying contrast that makes this sauce so irresistible.

½ cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature: This ingredient serves as the rich base of your sauce, adding creaminess and depth to the flavor.
1 teaspoon Maldon sea salt: The hero that enhances the sweetness, giving the caramel a sophisticated, savory edge.
1 cup granulated sugar: This is the primary ingredient that caramelizes to create that luscious flavor.
4 tablespoons water, divided: Water helps dissolve the sugar during cooking, ensuring even melting and caramelization.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened and cubed: Butter adds richness and smoothness to the sauce, creating a luxurious texture.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: This adds a warm, aromatic touch, elevating the overall flavor profile of the sauce.

How to Cook Salted Caramel Sauce

Making Salted Caramel Sauce is a delightful experience that allows you to witness the transformation of simple ingredients into something truly special. Follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a thick, glossy sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over desserts.

In a small saucepan, heat heavy whipping cream and Maldon sea salt over very low heat. Stir gently until the salt is completely dissolved, then remove from heat and set aside. This step ensures that your cream mixture is perfectly blended and ready to mix in.
In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar and 3 tablespoons of water. Place it over high heat, being careful not to splash the sides of the pan. You’ll want the sugar to look like wet sand at this stage. This is crucial for achieving the right texture when it caramelizes.
Use the remaining 1 tablespoon of water to brush down any sugar crystals on the sides of the pan. This helps prevent any crystallization that could ruin your sauce. Remember, do not stir once it starts to boil; just let it bubble away until a light amber color develops.
Once the candy thermometer registers 330°F (166°C), immediately remove the pan from heat. Be cautious, as the sugar can burn quickly at this stage. This is where your patience pays off, as you’ll soon see that rich caramel color!
Slowly add the warm cream mixture to the caramelized sugar, whisking continuously to combine. The mixture will bubble up, so take care to avoid splashes. This whisking action incorporates the cream beautifully, creating that silky sauce texture.
Add the unsalted butter, a few pieces at a time, whisking until fully combined. The butter contributes to the richness of the sauce, enhancing its flavor.
Finally, stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a lovely warmth to the sauce, rounding out the flavors perfectly. Let the sauce cool completely before using.

Things Worth Knowing

Watch the color: Caramel can go from perfect to burnt in seconds. Keep an eye on the color and remove it from the heat immediately once it reaches light amber.
Temperature matters: Make sure your cream is at room temperature to avoid shocking the caramel and causing it to seize.
Consistency check: If your sauce is too thin after cooling, you can reheat it gently and let it simmer a little longer to thicken.
Storage advice: Store your Salted Caramel Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Expert Tips about Salted Caramel Sauce

To elevate your Salted Caramel Sauce experience, consider these expert tips. They will help you perfect your technique and ensure the best results.

Storage: Properly store leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. The sauce can last up to two weeks and can be reheated gently in a microwave or on the stove.
Freezing: You can freeze Salted Caramel Sauce for up to three months. Just be sure to leave space in the container for expansion.
Pairing: This sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of desserts. Try it over brownies, cheesecake, or even drizzled on top of fresh fruit.
Serving temperature: For the best taste, serve the sauce slightly warm. You can microwave it for a few seconds to achieve the right temperature.
Experiment: Don’t hesitate to adjust the salt level to your liking. If you love a more pronounced salt flavor, feel free to add a bit more!

Serve This Salted Caramel Sauce With

Whether it’s for a cozy night in or a fancy dinner party, Salted Caramel Sauce is a versatile addition that enhances any dessert. Consider these pairing ideas:

Over ice cream: A classic choice, especially with vanilla or chocolate varieties.
With brownies: Drizzle over warm brownies for a decadent treat.
On pancakes: Add a sweet touch to your breakfast by pouring it over pancakes or waffles.
With cheesecake: Elevate your cheesecake by drizzling this sauce over the top before serving.
In coffee: Stir a spoonful of the sauce into your coffee for a luxurious morning boost.
With fresh fruit: Drizzle over strawberries or apples for a delightful sweet treat.

FAQ

Salted caramel sauce is made from just a few simple ingredients. The base includes heavy whipping cream, granulated sugar, and unsalted butter. The key ingredient that sets it apart is the Maldon sea salt, which enhances the sweetness and creates a delightful contrast. This combination results in a rich and creamy sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over desserts.

When stored properly in an airtight container, salted caramel sauce can last for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. If you’d like to extend its shelf life, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion as it freezes. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Absolutely! Making salted caramel sauce in advance is a great idea. It can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. Just warm it up gently in the microwave or on the stove before serving. This way, you’ll have a delicious topping ready for any dessert, saving you time during busy occasions.

Yes, salted caramel sauce can definitely be used in baking! It makes a fantastic filling for cakes, a drizzle over brownies, or even swirled into cookie dough for added flavor. The rich, sweet, and salty notes enhance baked goods, providing a gourmet touch that elevates your treats. Just be sure to adjust the quantities in your recipes if you’re substituting it for sugar or other sweeteners.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Salted Caramel Sauce is a delightful addition that brings a unique flavor to your desserts. Its rich sweetness combined with a touch of salt makes it irresistible. I encourage you to try making this sauce in your own kitchen; it’s easier than you might think and incredibly rewarding. You’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again to elevate your sweet treats to a new level of deliciousness.