There’s something truly special about the rich, buttery taste and smooth texture of caramel that makes it a favorite for everyone. You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to whip up this sweet treat yourself. I’m here to show you how to make the most amazing caramel sauce right at home. Believe me, it’s easier than you might think and totally worth the little bit of effort!
Recipe of Caramel Sauce
I remember the first time I made salted caramel. The kitchen was filled with the sweet, rich aroma of sugar bubbling away, making salted caramel at home is one of those small victories that brings so much joy and satisfaction.
You can use this golden goodness to drizzle over ice cream, stir it into your morning coffee, dip apple slices into it, or just eat it by the spoonful. The possibilities are endless, and once you taste your homemade caramel sauce, you’ll be hooked.
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⭐Why You'll Love This Salted Caramel Sauce
Simple Ingredients: Just sugar, water, cream, sea salt, and vanilla are all you need for a classy caramel sauce.
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of sweet caramel and a touch of sea salt creates a deliciously balanced flavor that's hard to resist.
Creamy Texture: Heavy cream gives the sauce a smooth, silky texture that’s perfect for drizzling without being too thick.
Customizable: Feel free to tweak the salt or add extras like a splash of bourbon or a sprinkle of sea salt for a personal touch.
Great for Any Occasion: Use this caramel sauce to add a special touch to your everyday desserts and snacks.
🧾Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this Salted Caramel Sauce:
Sugar: I use granulated sugar for sweetness. As it caramelizes, it develops rich flavors like butter, toffee, and vanilla.
Water: It helps dissolve the sugar so it melts evenly and prevents crystallization.
Heavy Cream: I use room-temperature heavy cream for a rich, silky texture that makes the caramel smooth and luxurious.
Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt adds a nice salty kick that balances the sweetness and makes the flavor more interesting.
Vanilla Extract: I add vanilla extract for a warm, aromatic touch that complements the caramel beautifully.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
👩🏻🍳How to Make Caramel Sauce
These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.
1. In a medium saucepan, mix sugar and water, then heat on medium-high, Let the mixture boil without stirring. Occasionally, gently swirl the pan for even heating.
2. Watch the sugar carefully. When it turns deep amber, take it off the heat right away. This takes about 10-15 minutes.
3. Slowly pour 240 ml of heavy cream into the caramelized sugar. Be careful; it will bubble and steam, stir until the mixture is smooth and the cream is fully mixed in.
4. Stir in sea salt and vanilla extract until combined. Let the caramel sauce cool in the pan for a few minutes, then pour it into a heatproof jar.
🍽 What to Eat with Salted Caramel
You’ll totally love homemade salted caramel! It’s perfect for recipes like Waffles, Pancakes, Pumpkin Cheesecake, brownies, and Apple Fritters. You can use it as a dip for apples, drizzle it over ice cream, or pour it into cute jars to give as gifts during the holidays. It’s such a sweet treat!
💭Tips for Recipe Success
Use Room Temperature Cream: Cold cream can cause the hot sugar to seize up.
Be Patient: Don’t rush the melting process. Let the sugar melt and caramelize at its own pace.
Stir Constantly: This helps prevent the sugar from burning and ensures a smooth caramel.
Taste as You Go: Add salt gradually and taste to get the perfect balance.
Easy to Store and Reheat: Store it in the fridge for up to two weeks, and reheat gently for a quick treat whenever you need it.
❓Commonly Asked Questions
Caramel is a sweet, golden-brown substance made by heating sugar until it melts and caramelizes, developing a rich, complex flavor and a smooth, syrupy texture. It can be used as a sauce, candy, or flavoring in various desserts and confections.
Caramel is made by heating sugar until it melts and turns into a deep amber-colored syrup, which can be further enhanced with ingredients like butter, cream, and salt.
🍰More Dessert Recipes!
Here are more of my favorite dessert recipes! Try these:
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📖 Recipe
Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce
Ingredients
- 200 g Sugar
- 6 tablespoon Water
- 240 ml Heavy Cream
- ½ teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine sugar and water.
- Stir gently to combine, then heat over medium-high heat.
- Allow the mixture to come to a boil without stirring. You can gently swirl the pan occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Watch the sugar closely as it changes color. Once it turns a deep amber color, remove it from the heat immediately. This process can take around 10-15 minutes.
- Slowly and carefully pour the 240 ml of heavy cream into the caramelized sugar. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble vigorously and steam.
- Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and the cream is fully incorporated.
- Stir in sea salt and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Allow the caramel sauce to cool in the saucepan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a heatproof jar or container.
- The sauce will thicken as it cools. If it becomes too thick, you can reheat it gently and add a small amount of cream to achieve the desired consistency.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Sandra says
This salted caramel sauce recipe is a keeper, I always run out of caramel sauce when I need it, now I can make my own whenever needed, thanks for the recipe.