Salted Caramel Sauce Recipe (2024)

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posted by Amy Johnsonon January 10, 2014 (updated Feb 11, 2019) 37 comments »

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Salted Caramel Sauce is the perfect addition to so many wonderful treats. This recipe is easy to follow to create a perfectly smooth caramel.

Once upon a time there was some sugar that melted. It met up with a little bit of butter, vanilla, cream and salt. They danced and swirled around creating wonderfulness all around. And they lived happily ever after. The end.

Isn’t that one of the most special stories ever? For me it is. And thank goodness it’s no fairy tale, it’s true. Caramel is truly a glorious thing. And Salted Caramel Sauce, very much so.

In the world of sweet treats, caramel reigns. At least in my world of sweet treats it does. Seeing how popular Salted Caramel is right now, I don’t think I’m the only one who thinks so. And no wonder. Caramel is not only good on it’s own, but when made into a sauce, like Salted Caramel Sauce, it’s the perfect addition to so many treats: ice cream, pound cake, coffee, apple pie, or simply drizzled over fruit, to name a few.

While the ingredients are basic, the process can be intimidating to even the best of cooks. I’ve ruined at least as many batches as I’ve conquered. But I’m here to say, that you have to persevere to achieve the goodness of caramel. It’s worth it. Working out the kinks makes the results even more sweeter.

Tips for Making Salted Caramel Sauce

  • The caramel process must be watched. Do not walk away. Do not answer the door. Do not begin to empty the top rack of dishwasher. Stay put. Keep watch. Sugar is sneaky. I’ve had the best results without using a candy thermometer, so standing watch in order to see the color change can mean the difference between a smooth result or an over-burnt sticky clump.
  • Have all the ingredients and tools needed ready to go. Since a watchful eye is required, and the end of the process moves quickly, there won’t be a bunch of time to calmly gather everything.
  • Avoid stirring. Stirring can trigger crystals to form. Crystals are the enemy of smooth caramel. The recipe below follows the wet caramel technique. Once the sugar dissolves in the water, don’t stir until it’s ready to add other ingredients.
  • Make sure all tools being used for cooking are clean. Crystals can be triggered by any impurities.
  • Make sure to use a saucepan/pot that has tall enough sides for the amount to double as it will bubble and foam up toward the end. It will get very hot! So splattering is not a good thing. A heavy-duty, non-coated saucepan or skillet with tall sides will work well.
  • The recipe below lists refined granulated sugar. Other sugars, like brown sugar, can be used as well, but it can be tricky to get consistent results due to impurities. If you choose to try it with something other than refined granulated sugar, be extra vigilant.
  • David Lebovitz is quite the expert on caramel. Check out his tips and tricks for making caramel. AND be sure not to miss his Salted Butter Caramel Ice Cream recipe. Oh my … it’s worth all the effort. It’s the best!
  • Don’t give up. If you botch a batch, try again! You will learn with each attempt and begin to see the pattern. You’ll become a caramel making champ in no time.

Salted Caramel Sauce Recipe

Salted Caramel Sauce Recipe (4)

Salted Caramel Sauce

Yield: 12

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

This Salted Caramel Sauce is the perfect addition to so many treats. It refrigerates and rewarms well too.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups refined granulated sugar (sift if needed to remove clumps)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Spread sugar evenly in the bottom of a clean heavy duty, uncoated 3-4 quart saucepan (stainless works great). Pour in water, and heat over medium. Do not stir.
  2. Bring to a boil. The sugar will begin to bubble and dissolve. If any undissolved sugar remains, a gentle swirl of the pan should help.
  3. Watch for the color to change from clear to a golden amber, the caramel should begin to slightly smoke then deepen to a reddish-brown color. The subtle scent of caramel should be able to be detected, but not full blown scorched. (Once the mixture begins to change in color, the process moves very quickly so be prepared with all ingredients and equipment.)
  4. Once it reaches the proper reddish-brown color, immediately remove from heat, and stir in remaining ingredients. Be prepared for mixture to foam up. Stir with a clean heat-proof spatula or wooden spoon until smooth. If a thinner consistency is desired, stir in more cream.
  5. Carefully pour in heat-safe glass container for storage and let cool, or serve right away. Once cool, cover and refrigerate.
  6. To rewarm heat very slowly in a saucepan stovetop, stirring occasionally, OR in the microwave in 8 second increments, stirring between each until warmed and smooth.

Notes

Makes a little over 2 cups.

Did you make this recipe?

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Candy Desserts

originally published on January 10, 2014 (last updated Feb 11, 2019)

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37 comments on “Salted Caramel Sauce Recipe”

  1. JulieReply

    How long does it take? It’s been boiling for as half an hour? It’s looking close, but with it being clear, I’m questioning the color. I’m used to brown sugar and butter first.

  2. RebeccaReply

    I can’t wait to try the carmel,apple &cream cheese.
    Looks delicious

Leave a comment »

Salted Caramel Sauce Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is salted caramel sauce made of? ›

This truly the best salted caramel I've ever had and there's only 4 ingredients required: sugar, butter, heavy cream, and salt. This salted caramel is a reader favorite recipe, marking its spot in the top 10 most popular recipes on my website. It's sweet, sticky, buttery, and tastes phenomenal on anything it touches.

Does homemade salted caramel sauce need to be refrigerated? ›

Caramel sauce should be stored in a heat-resistant, airtight container such as a jar or a glass microwave-safe bowl with a lid. This sweet sauce can be left out at room temperature for a few days, but because of the dairy incorporated into the sauce, it's best kept refrigerated.

What is the difference between caramel sauce and salted caramel? ›

Caramel is simply sugar that has been melted and then cooked until it browns (caramelized). Salted caramel is the same, just with the addition of salt.

Can I add salt to store-bought caramel? ›

The salt will bring out the caramel flavors and make it more palatable. How much salt do I add to store-bought caramel? To turn a store-bought caramel into salted caramel sauce, I recommend starting with ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon per serving. If you use large sea salt, use less rather than more.

How is caramel sauce made from scratch? ›

Combine brown sugar, butter, and milk in a saucepan and bring ingredients to a boil. Remove thickened mixture from heat before adding (optional) vanilla extract. Let the caramel cool slightly before using. The result is an impossibly rich sauce that is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Is salted caramel sauce the same as dulce de leche? ›

Caramel and dulce de leche might look and taste somewhat similar, but they are actually pretty different. While caramel is made from slowly simmering water and sugar until it caramelizes, dulce de leche is made from simmering milk and sugar super slowly until it turns into a creamy, caramelized substance.

How long will homemade caramel sauce last? ›

Homemade caramel typically lasts about 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Refrigerating homemade caramel can extend its shelf life to about a month, and freezing it can further prolong its usability up to a year. However, the texture may change slightly upon thawing.

Does Smucker's caramel harden? ›

We suggest storing Smucker's® Magic Shell Caramel Flavored Topping at room temperature, even after opening. Do not refrigerate. If Magic Shell Toppings are stored below 65º, the product will separate and harden.

Does homemade salted caramel go bad? ›

Caramel sauce isn't necessarily dangerous if it's been kept for a few days too long, but it certainly won't taste as nice. The absolute exception to that rule is the presence of mold. If you notice mold, toss the sauce immediately. Before you reheat your sauce, be sure to check it for signs that it might have spoiled.

Are butterscotch and salted caramel the same thing? ›

Butterscotch vs Caramel

The difference between butterscotch and caramel is that caramel is made with white granulated sugar and cooked to 340 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas butterscotch is made with brown sugar and cooked to 289 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can I use caramel sauce instead of melting caramels? ›

Caramel sauce results either from cooking sugar until it browns or by thinning melted caramel candies. When a recipe calls for melting caramel candies, you can use a homemade caramel sauce to replace the melted caramels.

Should caramel be made with white or brown sugar? ›

Sugar Note: Most chefs say that only granulated sugar can be successfully caramelized; other sugars — such as brown sugar and unrefined sugar such as cane sugar — contain impurities that can inhibit caramelization. It's those impurities that can burn before the sugar has time to caramelize.

Why does my homemade caramel taste bad? ›

You're Not Watching the Pot and the Syrup Got Too Dark

Caramel isn't one of those things you can set and forget—once the sugar starts to brown, the caramelization process happens quickly. If you're not careful, the sugar can burn and take on a bitter, unpleasant taste.

Why is my salted caramel sauce bitter? ›

Follow the recipe carefully, and never melt your caramel on your stove's highest setting—it will cause the caramel to scorch and taste burnt. Once it gets a burnt or bitter flavor, it can't be saved. Luckily, sugar is inexpensive, so you can always start over!

What makes salted caramel at Starbucks? ›

Sea salt, whipped cream and caramel flavors meet in your mug for this delicious drink.

Why is salted caramel so addictive? ›

The combination of salty and sweet flavours, plus fat, found in salted caramel releases an unusually intense rush of morphine-like endogenous opioids – or endorphins – in the brain. It does so, moreover, in a way that never gets boring, say scientists at the University of Florida.

Is salted caramel actually salty? ›

Overall, the science behind the flavour of salted caramel is a complex interplay of taste buds, neurotransmitters, and aroma receptors. The combination of sweet and salty flavours creates a satisfying and delicious taste experience that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people around the world.

Is sea salt caramel same as butterscotch? ›

Salted caramel sauce is made from white granulated sugar, heavy whipping cream and butter, with a dash of vanilla and sea salt (optional). Butterscotch, however, is made with brown sugar. With caramel, the butter and cream are added at the end of the process.

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