October 5, 2023
Review RecipeSalted Caramel Sauce
Rich and creamy salted caramel sauce is an easy and delicious treat to serve on top of all of your favorite desserts.
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This decadent salted caramel sauce is so easy to make and so delicious you’ll want to drizzle it on absolutely everything. The slightly salty flavor is the perfect balance to the sweet and creamy caramel.
Salted Caramel Sauce Ingredients
Imagine the perfect combination of sweet and salty blended in a creamy and luscious sauce that melts in your mouth.
The sweetness of the caramel is perfectly balanced by the subtle hint of salt, creating a flavor sensation that is hard to resist. The texture is smooth and velvety, making it the perfect topping for just about anything.
You’ll need:
- 2 cups of granulated sugar
- ½ cup of cold water
- 2 tablespoons of corn syrup
- 1 cup of warmed heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup of salted sweet cream butter
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
Substitutions And Additions
VANILLA EXTRACT: Try experimenting with different flavor extracts. For a warm, cozy twist, use almond extract, or for a holiday vibe, opt for peppermint extract.
A dash of espresso or coffee extract can infuse a subtle coffee flavor into your caramel sauce.
SALT: While we love classic salted caramel, consider experimenting with different types of salt.
Pink Himalayan salt will impart a delicate, mineral flavor, while smoked sea salt can add a hint of smokiness.
Just remember, a little goes a long way with specialty salts, so use sparingly and adjust to your preference.
How To Make This Salted Caramel Sauce Recipe
Our simple directions below will walk you through gently simmering the ingredients to create this delicious salted caramel sauce.
STEP ONE: Add the granulated sugar, water, and corn syrup to a 2 to 3-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.
Gently whisk until the sugar dissolves.
STEP TWO: Use a pastry brush dipped in water to wash down the sides of the pan to ensure no sugar crystals cling to the sides above the mixture line.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
Washing down the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush and avoiding agitation once the caramelization process begins are helpful steps to avoid grainy caramel. The corn syrup also aids in preventing grainy caramel.
STEP THREE: Once the mixture begins to simmer, do not stir any longer.
Allow the mixture to simmer for 12-15 minutes until the color of the mixture turns a deep golden or amber color. Remove from the heat.
PRO TIP:
I recommend using a candy thermometer while making the sauce. The ideal temperature is 350°F to 355°F.
PRO TIP:
To save steps, you can stir the vanilla into the warm heavy cream before drizzling it into the sugar mixture.
STEP FOUR: Slowly drizzle the warmed heavy cream into the mixture while whisking the entire time. Be VERY careful; the hot sugar mixture will bubble up and splatter.
PRO TIP:
To prevent splatter injuries, wear an apron and drizzle a little at a time, whisking until the bubbles subside before adding more cream.
STEP FIVE: Whisk in the vanilla extract and the butter, two tablespoons at a time.
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before adding the sea salt. Stir to combine.
How To Serve
The uses for this rich sauce are only limited by your imagination.
It’s the perfect topping for ice cream sundaes with our vanilla ice cream or cookie dough ice cream as a base.
if you’re looking for something a little fancier, why not try pairing it with fresh apple enchiladas or on top of waffles, French toast, or apple pie.
If you love this sauce, you should also check out our hot fudge sauce and toffee sauce.
MORE SAUCE RECIPES
Storage
This salted caramel sauce is a great thing to have stashed in your fridge or freezer for a treat.
MAKE AHEAD: If you’re planning ahead or making a larger batch, you can definitely prepare this caramel sauce in advance.
After cooking and letting it cool to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. Seal it well to prevent any air from getting in, as exposure to air can cause the sauce to crystallize.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for longer storage.
IN THE FRIDGE: Store leftover homemade caramel sauce in an airtight container (8-ounce mason jars are the perfect container) in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
IN THE FREEZER: You can freeze this easy caramel sauce recipe in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Why We Love This Recipe
IRRESISTIBLE FLAVOR: This homemade caramel sauce boasts a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of saltiness. It’s the ideal combination that keeps you coming back for more, whether you’re drizzling it over ice cream, using it as a dip for apple slices, or stirring it into your morning coffee.
EASY TO MAKE: The step-by-step instructions make it incredibly easy for both beginners and experienced cooks to whip up this delectable sauce. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create something that tastes so gourmet right in your own kitchen.
PERFECT FOR GIFTING: Homemade gifts are always cherished, and a jar of this salted caramel sauce makes for a thoughtful and delicious present.
Who knew that a few simple ingredients would result in this fantastic creamy salted caramel sauce? We are sure that no matter how you serve the sauce, whether on ice cream or dessert, it will be a huge hit.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is my caramel sauce grainy?
When sugar crystals form on the sides of the pan before they’re completely dissolved, they can crystalize and fall back into the caramel mixture, causing it to be grainy. To prevent this, take great care to be sure the sugar is dissolved and that you wash down the sides of the pan.
How long will this homemade salted caramel recipe last?
This sea salt caramel sauce can be kept in the fridge in a glass jar or airtight container for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to three months.
Could I use regular milk instead of heavy cream for this homemade salted caramel sauce?
We have not tried this, but I think this would work fine. Your caramel sauce may be ever so slightly less creamy but still delicious.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Wendy’s Frosty
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Fudge
- Black Magic Cake
- No Bake Pumpkin Pie
- Caramels
- Cookie Dough Ice Cream
- Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Cookie Monster Ice Cream
- Caramel Brownies
- Mexican Ice Cream
- Caramel Apple Cheesecake
Salted Caramel Sauce
Rich and creamy salted caramel sauce is an easy and delicious treat to serve on top of all of your favorite desserts.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 3
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup cold water
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- 1 cup warmed heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup salted sweet cream butter
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Add the granulated sugar, water, and corn syrup to a 2 to 3-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Gently whisk until the sugar dissolves.
- Use a pastry brush dipped in water to wash down the sides of the pan to ensure no sugar crystals cling to the sides above the mixture line.
- Once the mixture begins to simmer, do not stir any longer. Allow the mixture to simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until the color turns a deep golden or amber color. Remove from the heat.
- Slowly drizzle the warmed heavy cream into the mixture while whisking. Be VERY careful; the mixture will bubble up and splatter.
- Whisk in the vanilla extract and the butter, 2 tablespoons at a time. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before adding the sea salt. Stir to combine.
Notes
- Washing down the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush and avoiding agitation once the caramelization process begins are helpful steps to avoid grainy caramel. The corn syrup also aids in preventing grainy caramel.
- I recommend using a candy thermometer while making the sauce. The ideal temperature is 350°F to 355°F.
- To save steps, you can stir the vanilla into the warm heavy cream before drizzling it into the sugar mixture.
- To prevent splatter injuries, wear an apron and drizzle a little at a time, whisking until the bubbles subside before adding more cream.
Nutrition
Calories: 1100kcal | Carbohydrates: 147g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 60g | Saturated Fat: 38g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 171mg | Sodium: 1052mg | Potassium: 89mg | Sugar: 147g | Vitamin A: 2112IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 0.2mg
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