Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce has a rich, buttery sweetness that combined with a hint of saltiness makes as irresistible as it is versatile. Plus, it's ready in just 10 minutes with a few simple ingredients. Try it on ice cream, pancakes, hot drinks, desserts and more.
Caramel, in all its glorious forms, is the quintessential indulgence. The mere mention of it conjures up images of buttery, velvety, sweet perfection.
But today, I'm going to share with you all my absolutely favorite dessert drizzle: Salted Caramel Sauce. Pure bliss.
I have a soft spot for this golden elixir, and it's no wonder why. It's one of the simplest yet most transformative ingredients in your culinary arsenal.
You can drizzle it over ice cream for an instant upgrade, use it to elevate your favorite cakes, or even make a mouthwatering dip for apple slices. The possibilities are as endless as they are delectable.
What sets this Salted Caramel Sauce apart is the subtle kick of saltiness that balances out the intense sweetness, creating a dance of flavors in your mouth.
But don't let the thought of caramel-making intimidate you. This recipe is a breeze, and I'm here to guide you through it step by step.
With just a handful of ingredients, a little patience, and a pinch of confidence, you'll have a jar of this liquid gold at your disposal whenever a craving strikes.
Try your homemade salted caramel sauce on vanilla ice cream, pancakes (I love it on zesty Lemon Pancakes), cheesecakes, or hot drinks like Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Elevate Your Desserts: A drizzle of this Salted Caramel Sauce can instantly take your ordinary desserts to extraordinary heights. Ice cream, cakes, pies, or even a simple bowl of fruit will be transformed into decadent delights. Try it on Mini Dark Chocolate Tarts.
- Homemade Goodness: Making this sauce from scratch is incredibly satisfying. You'll appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into each batch and enjoy the rich, pure flavors of homemade goodness.
- Cost-Effective: Store-bought caramel sauces can be pricey, and you often end up with less than you'd like. With this homemade version, you can create a generous amount without breaking the bank.
- Customization: You can tailor the level of saltiness to your liking. Whether you prefer just a hint of salt or a more pronounced flavor, this recipe allows you to adjust it according to your taste.
- Impress Your Guests: Serving a dessert with a drizzle of homemade salted caramel is an instant way to impress your friends and family. They'll think you're a culinary genius!
Ingredients
- Water: Nothing can replace water in this recipe. It's essential for dissolving the sugar and creating the caramel base.
- Granulated Sugar: This is the primary sweetener and the key ingredient for caramel.
- Double (Heavy) Cream: Cream adds a rich, velvety texture to the caramel sauce.
- Vanilla: Vanilla extract adds depth and aroma to the sauce.
- Sea Salt: The flaky sea salt is the star of the show, adding that irresistible salty kick to balance the sweetness.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.
- Measure out all the ingredients first.
- Add the water to a saucepan, then pour in the sugar (Note: don’t stir, but just allow the sugar to melt into the water - you don’t want to splash the sugar against the sides).
- Bring to the boil over a medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes until it turns a rich amber colour and the food thermometer reads 175°C/350°F.
- Remove the pan from the heat and very carefully (the sugar water is HOT!) whisk in the cream. It will bubble up a lot. Then stir in the vanilla and salt.
- Allow to cool, then store in a sterilised glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Variations
- Spiced Caramel: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a hint of cayenne pepper to the caramel for a spiced twist. It's a great way to add warmth and complexity to the sauce.
- Whiskey Caramel: Stir in a tablespoon of your favorite whiskey or bourbon for a boozy caramel sauce that pairs perfectly with desserts like bread pudding or brownies.
- Coconut Caramel: Substitute some or all of the cream with coconut milk for a tropical twist. This coconut caramel is fantastic with tropical fruit or as a topping for coconut-flavored desserts.
- Espresso Caramel: Dissolve a tablespoon of instant espresso powder in the cream before adding it to the caramel. The result is a heavenly blend of coffee and caramel that's perfect for drizzling over ice cream or coffee-flavored desserts.
Serving Suggestions
Salted Caramel Sauce is incredibly versatile, and there are numerous ways to enjoy it:
- Ice Cream: Drizzle it over your favorite ice cream flavor for an extra-special sundae.
- Pancakes and Waffles: Transform your breakfast into a gourmet experience by topping your pancakes or waffles with a generous pour of caramel.
- Apple Slices: Dip apple slices in the caramel for a classic and addictive treat.
- Cakes and Pies: Use it as a glaze for cakes or a drizzle for pies to take your desserts to the next level. It's incredible on gingery Parkin Cake.
- Brownies: Swirl salted caramel into your brownie batter for a gooey, decadent treat.
- Fruit Salad: Elevate your fruit salad by drizzling a little caramel on top for a sweet and savory contrast.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve it as a dip for churros, pretzels, or any other dippable delight.
Storage
Your homemade Salted Caramel Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you plan to use it for an extended period, you can also freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and gently reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring until it regains its smooth, luscious texture.
Top tips
- Patience is Key: Caramel-making can be a bit slow, so don't rush it. Allow the sugar to melt gradually and develop that beautiful amber color. Rushing can result in a burnt or grainy caramel.
- Be Cautious with Hot Cream: When you add the cream to the caramel, it will bubble and release a lot of steam. Be careful not to burn yourself.
- Watch the Temperature: A candy thermometer is your best friend in this recipe. Keep a close eye on the temperature, especially as the caramel approaches the desired stage. This will help you achieve the perfect consistency.
FAQ
Caramel can become grainy if sugar crystals form on the sides of the pan. To prevent this, you can use a wet pastry brush to wipe down the sides of the pan as the sugar cooks. Also, avoid stirring the sugar once it begins to melt.
While a candy thermometer is very helpful for precise results, you can make caramel without one. Keep a close eye on the color and texture of the sugar as it melts. When it reaches a deep amber color, it's usually ready for the next step.
Yes, you can gently reheat caramel sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop. Be sure to stir it as it warms up, and add a splash of cream if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
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📖 Recipe
Salted Caramel Sauce
Equipment
- Pot
- Whisk
- Candy thermometer
Ingredients
- 125 ml water ½ cup
- 200 g granulated white sugar 1 cup
- 175 ml double cream / heavy cream ¾ cup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Measure out all the ingredients first.
- Add the water to a saucepan, then pour in the sugar (Note: don’t stir, but just allow the sugar to melt into the water - you don’t want to splash the sugar against the sides).
- Bring to the boil over a medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes until it turns a rich amber colour and/or the food thermometer reads 175°C/350°F.
- Remove the pan from the heat and very carefully (the sugar water is HOT!) whisk in the cream. It will bubble up a lot. Then stir in the vanilla and salt.
- Allow to cool, then store in a sterilised glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Suja md
Perfect! I loved this recipe! Thanks!
Nikki
Oh wow, I'll put this amazing, salted caramel sauce on everything!
Ashley
There's nothing like salted caramel! I like the idea of making my own so I can control how much salitness I like. 🙂
Kristine
This caramel sauce is INCREDIBLE! The rich flavor and sweetness are perfection! Great recipe, thank you!