Make the best salted caramel sauce at home in just 15 minutes! This easy recipe uses 5 simple ingredients for a rich, buttery caramel that’s smooth, sweet, and perfectly salty. Makes about 1 ¼ cups.
- ¾ cup granulated white sugar
- 3 tbsp water
- ⅓ cup heavy cream, warmed
- 6 tbsp salted butter, cut into cubes (unsalted butter works too)
- ½ tsp sea salt adjust to taste
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Gently swirl the pan so all the sugar is moistened — but don’t stir. Place over medium heat and cook until the sugar dissolves.
Increase the heat to medium-high and let the mixture bubble away until it turns a deep golden amber color. Watch carefully — caramel can go from perfect to burnt in seconds.
Remove the pan from the heat and slowly pour in the warm cream while whisking. The mixture will bubble violently, so take your time.
If you need to place the pan back over low heat, then whisk in the butter a few cubes at a time until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the salt and vanilla.
Let the caramel cool for 10–15 minutes, then pour into a heatproof jar or container. It will thicken as it cools.
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Storage: Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Rewarm in the microwave (10–15 seconds) or on the stove over low heat until pourable.
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Freezing: Caramel sauce freezes beautifully! Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
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Uses: Drizzle over cakes, swirl into brownies, top ice cream, or stir into coffee.
Nutrition Facts
Salted Caramel Sauce (Easy, Rich & Buttery Recipe)
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.