You can make this sauce 2-3 days ahead so that it is firm and use it for filling and topping.
In a medium sized saucepan add all the sugar and 1 tablespoon of water. Let it sit until combined and sugar is wet.
Let the sugar melt on medium heat. This can take a few minutes, let it bubble until sugar granules are melted and turn to amber caramel color.
Stir occasionally with a spatula for even heat distribution.
When sugar is completely dissolved and turns golden brown (not dark), add a few knobs of butter & stir with heat proof spatula.
Don’t add all the butter at once.
After all the butter is properly mixed, then slowly pour warm heavy cream in a slow stream.
Add only 1/3 of the cream at a time and mix. Add the remaining cream until all the cream is mixed.
Allow the caramel to boil on very low heat for less than a minute, remove from heat.
Add salt and stir.
Store in a heatproof container and cover the surface with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
If the sauce is too thick and cold then microwave the sauce for 5 seconds or longer if needed. For this cake, it is recommended to use a thick caramel so that it doesn’t leak from the sides of the cake.