My Favorite Fail-Proof Easy Salted Caramel Sauce Recipe
Few things in life are as indulgent and satisfying as a dollop of rich, velvety caramel sauce cascading over your favorite dessert. But let’s be honest, sometimes mastering homemade caramel can feel like a daunting task. The fear of grainy or broken caramel sauce can make even the most seasoned cooks hesitant to try it. Fear not, my friends! Today, I’m here to share a fail-proof, Easy Salted Caramel Sauce recipe that will make you feel like a culinary genius in no time. With just four simple ingredients, you’ll create a thick, decadent sauce that’s sweet, sticky, buttery, and oh-so-addictive. Perfect to drizzle over ice cream or brownies, or spoon it straight from the jar (no judgment here). Trust me, once you taste this homemade goodness, you’ll never go back to store-bought again!
What To Love About This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need, Substitutions & Notes
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
Granulated Sugar: The foundation of our caramel sauce, sugar is transformed into golden perfection when heated, creating that rich caramel flavor we all know and love. Unsalted Butter: Adds a luxurious richness and velvety texture to the sauce, making it oh-so-decadent. Feel free to use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand, adjusting the additional salt to taste. Heavy Cream: Provides creaminess and helps to achieve that lusciously thick consistency we crave in a caramel sauce. It is important to use heavy whipping cream with 35% milkfat content. The fat is important to help the sauce come together smoothly with a thick consistency. Do not use milk. Salt: A pinch of salt is the secret ingredient that elevates this sauce to new heights. Whether you choose sea salt or kosher salt, it balances out the sweetness and adds a delightful contrast of flavors. Pure Vanilla Extract (Optional): While not essential, a vanilla extract splash can enhance the caramel’s overall flavor profile, adding a subtle hint of warmth and complexity.
Process Overview: How To Make Easy Salted Caramel Sauce Step-by-Step
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
Step 1 – Melt the Sugar
Heat the sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly with a wooden or high-heat-resistant silicone spoon, until the sugar is completely dissolved, 3 to 5 minutes. The sugar will form clumps and eventually melt into a brown, amber-colored liquid. Be careful not to let it burn.
Step 2 – Add the Butter
Once the sugar is completely melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir the butter into the caramel. Keep whisking until the butter is melted and the mixture comes back together and is well combined.
Step 3 – Stir In The Heavy Cream
Place the saucepan over low heat and drizzle in the heavy cream very slowly, stirring constantly. The mixture will rapidly bubble when the cream is added, so be careful with this step. Keep stirring until well combined. Add salt and continue to simmer until it reaches the desired temperature.
Step 4 – Finish It Up
Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract (if using). Allow to cool slightly before using. The caramel will thicken as it cools.
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For Runny Caramel Sauce: If you prefer your caramel on the runnier side, simply add the cream as directed in the recipe, incorporate it into the mixture, and avoid simmering any longer. This will give you a sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over ice cream, pancakes, or whatever else your heart desires! For Thick Caramel Sauce: Looking for something a bit thicker? No problem! After adding the cream and incorporating it into the caramel, let the mixture simmer until it reaches a temperature of 220°F (or 104°C). This will result in a sauce that’s thick enough to cling to your desserts without being too stiff. For Thicker and Chewy Caramel: Craving a caramel sauce with a bit more chew? You got it! Add the cream, mix it in, and then simmer the mixture until it reaches a temperature of 230°F (or 114°C). This will give you a delicious, chewy sauce, perfect for dipping apples or drizzling over brownies. For Thickest Caramel that will set: If you’re dreaming of caramel candies, then this is the temperature for you! Add the cream, mix it in, and then simmer the mixture until it reaches a temperature of 245°F (or 118°C). At this point, your caramel will be at its thickest and will set beautifully once cooled – ideal for making homemade candies that will have everyone begging for more.
So there you have it, friends! With these simple tweaks, you can customize your caramel sauce to always achieve the perfect consistency. The choice is yours whether you like it thin, thick, or somewhere in between.
Chocolate Caramel: Stir in a tablespoon of cocoa powder or melted chocolate for a decadent twist. Whiskey Caramel: Add a splash of whiskey or bourbon for a boozy kick. Coconut Caramel: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream for a tropical twist. Dairy-Free/Vegan: Swap out the butter and heavy cream for vegan alternatives such as coconut cream or soy creamer. Just make sure it’s plain and not vanilla-flavored or any other flavor. Use an unsweetened version. Experiment with different types of salt for unique flavor profiles, such as smoked salt or pink Himalayan salt.
Serving Suggestions
Drizzle this delectable Easy Salted Caramel Sauce over ice cream, pancakes, waffles, brownies, cakes, cupcakes, cheesecake, or your favorite desserts for an indulgent treat. It’s also perfect for dipping fruit, swirling into coffee or hot chocolate, or simply enjoying by the spoonful! Freeze: Simply transfer the sauce to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Make Ahead: You can make this caramel in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Recipe Card 📖
