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Salted Caramel Sauce

Featured in Desserts.

This caramel comes together fast—just five simple ingredients. Cook carefully to melt the sugar. Adds a perfect salty balance to desserts like ice cream or warm apple tart. Stores well in the fridge and tastes way better than pre-made!
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Updated on Thu, 17 Apr 2025 16:11:30 GMT
A glass bowl holds golden caramel sauce, dripping from a spoon, garnished with sea salt flakes and framed by butter cubes. Pin it
A glass bowl holds golden caramel sauce, dripping from a spoon, garnished with sea salt flakes and framed by butter cubes. | tasteofmoms.com

The way this caramel sauce with salt transforms ordinary desserts is pure kitchen alchemy. I've tweaked this method countless times and found the tricks to nailing that deep amber color and velvety consistency. Watching plain sugar melt into this golden liquid while your home fills with sweet buttery scents is truly captivating.

Utterly Flawless

This caramel sauce stands out because it's straightforward yet packed with rich taste. You won't need fancy tools, just a bit of focus and timing. Everyone who tries it can't believe something so luxurious comes from just five basic ingredients they already have.

Your Ingredients

  • Sea Salt: Go for flaky varieties.
  • Vanilla: Only use the real stuff.
  • Butter: Get it unsalted and softened.
  • Cream: Heavy kind at room temperature.
  • Sugar: Just plain granulated works best.

Creating Wonder

Final Touch
Vanilla and salt bring it all together.
Build the Richness
The butter adds that amazing texture.
Add with Care
Pour cream gradually and gently.
Watch It Transform
The sugar slowly turns amber before your eyes.

Winning Tips

Making awesome caramel sauce comes down to taking your time and staying alert. Don't hurry when the sugar's melting and make sure your ingredients aren't cold. These small things separate an okay sauce from one that's mind-blowing.

Countless Uses

This salty-sweet caramel makes any treat better. Pour it on some ice cream, mix it into your brownie batter, or just grab a spoon and enjoy. It stays good in your fridge for whenever you need a little sweet magic in your day.

A jar of glossy caramel sauce with a wooden spoon drizzling caramel over the top, set on a textured cloth. Pin it
A jar of glossy caramel sauce with a wooden spoon drizzling caramel over the top, set on a textured cloth. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why keep ingredients warm?
Warm butter and cream help everything mix smoothly, avoiding hardened sugar chunks from cold temperatures.
→ Why is constant stirring needed?
It avoids scorching the sugar and ensures it melts down smoothly and evenly.
→ Why pick a thick pan?
A sturdy pan spreads the heat better, which stops sugar from burning in certain spots.
→ How long can I store it?
Once sealed and refrigerated, it stays good for a few weeks.
→ Why add cream quickly?
Quick mixing keeps the caramel calm while combining, so it doesn’t clump up.

Salted Caramel Sauce

Create a buttery salted caramel in no time. Great for pouring over cakes, pies, or cupcakes—ready in 20 minutes!

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (1 cup)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 6 tablespoons of cubed, softened unsalted butter.
02 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt.
03 1 teaspoon of vanilla flavoring.
04 1/3 cup of cream, slightly warm.
05 1 cup of white sugar.

Instructions

Step 01

On medium to low heat, stir sugar steadily until it's liquid and turns a golden shade. This takes about 10-15 minutes.

Step 02

Turn off the heat. Quickly mix the warm cream in, being careful—it may bubble up. Stir fast to keep it smooth.

Step 03

Toss in the cubes of butter, one piece at a time. Stir until each one fully melts.

Step 04

Blend in salt and vanilla, making sure everything’s mixed well together.

Step 05

Put it into a container that can handle the heat. Let it sit until it’s at room temperature before using.

Notes

  1. You won’t need a candy thermometer for this.
  2. Make sure all ingredients aren’t cold.
  3. Keep it chilled in the fridge.

Tools You'll Need

  • A sturdy stainless steel pot with a heavy bottom.
  • A wooden stirring spoon.
  • A container that can handle high heat.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 125
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: ~