prep time: 10 min | cook time: 15 min | total time: 1.5 hrs
If you’ve ever wanted to master the art of making salted caramel sauce, this recipe is for you. It’s quick, and easy, and uses just four simple ingredients to create a luscious, buttery sauce that will elevate any dessert. Whether drizzled over ice cream, brownies, or even a classic apple pie, this homemade salted caramel will become a go-to in your kitchen. For those making salted caramel for the first time, don’t worry this process could not be more straightforward and actually enjoyable! You’ll feel like a chemist in your own kitchen and you don’t need any fancy tools like a candy thermometer.
If you can imagine the most silky, smooth and warm texture – that is what this deliciously easy salted caramel feels like. It melts in your mouth and is the perfect topping for any cake, filling for a cupcake or drizzle in a coffee. Once cooled, the sauce thickens to a slightly chewy consistency, ideal for fillings in cakes and cupcakes or as a glaze on cheesecake and you can also make gorgeous caramel drip on cake with this recipe. After refrigeration, it becomes firmer, but can easily be reheated for that soft, pourable consistency (more on that later) If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add more heavy whipping cream during preparation.
In a saucepan, cook the sugar over medium heat until it melts and turns a golden amber color. Stir occasionally for even heating.
Once the sugar is melted, add the unsalted butter (a little at a time) and stir until fully incorporated.
Slowly pour in the warm heavy whipping cream in small amounts, stirring continuously. The mixture will bubble, so be cautious!
Remove from heat and stir in sea salt. Let the sauce cool slightly before using it or storing it in a container.
Caramelization is the process where sugar is heated until it melts and turns into a rich, golden liquid. As the sugar caramelizes, its flavor deepens, and it develops that signature caramel taste we all love.
What’s the Difference Between Caramel Sauce and Toffee Sauce?
Feature | Caramel Sauce | Toffee Sauce |
Basic Ingredients | Sugar, butter, cream | Brown sugar, butter, cream or milk, sometimes molasses |
Flavor Profile | Sweet, buttery, with a slight vanilla undertone | Rich, nutty, deeper flavor with a toasty undertone |
Cooking Process | Sugar is melted and caramelized, then butter and cream are added | Brown sugar and butter are cooked together, then cream is added |
Consistency | Smooth, can be thick or thin depending on cooking time | Thicker, with a more robust texture |
Common Uses | Drizzled over ice cream, in coffee, topping for desserts | Topping for sticky toffee pudding, drizzled over desserts, or as a filling |
This is something you absolutely do not want! A grainy caramel sauce really just defeats the purpose as it’s intended to be a luxuriously smooth addition. To avoid grainy caramel, make sure the sugar is fully dissolved before adding the butter and cream. Stir gently, and avoid letting the sugar crystals form along the sides of the pan. Using a stainless steel saucepan and stirring evenly will help.
This homemade salted caramel can last up to 2-3 weeks in the fridge when stored in an airtight container; however, good luck! There is a good chance you’ll be dipping into that by the spoonful when you can! You can also freeze it for up to 3 months if you want to make it ahead of time.
You can honestly add this salted caramel sauce to anything! In any measurement you want it will add something special. Here are a few ideas on how to use it:
Caramel is a sweet sauce made from sugar, butter, and cream, while salted caramel includes added sea salt for a balance of sweet and salty flavors.
No, dulce de leche is made by slowly heating sweetened condensed milk, while salted caramel is made by caramelizing sugar and adding butter, cream, and salt.
Stored in the fridge, homemade salted caramel sauce will last for up to 2-3 weeks. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.
If your salted caramel is too thin, let it cook for a few more minutes on low heat, or add an extra tablespoon of butter to thicken it.
Make the sauce as usual, then drizzle a small amount into your coffee for a rich, sweet-salty flavor boost. Stir well and top with whipped cream if desired.
This easy salted caramel sauce is a must-have for any dessert lover. It’s simple with only four ingredients yet tastes like a master chef made it! I guarantee you will use this recipe so many times you’ll know it off by heart because adding caramel sauce always elevates a dish! Whether you’re drizzling it over ice cream, using it as a filling for chocolate chip cookies, or adding it to your coffee for a sweet twist, this salted caramel recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
If you liked it – let me know in the comments!
2 Responses
Obrigada por essa excelência de caramelo.🤩🤩🤩🤩
Espetacular!
Thank you so much!