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    Home » Fall

    Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce

    August 29, 2022 by Ginger Snap Leave a Comment

    *This post may contain affiliate links. See my full disclosure policy.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce is super easy to make and only requires 5 ingredients. You can use this salted caramel recipe with any and all of your favorite desserts too!

    Caramel drizzling from a spoon into a glass jar.

    This homemade caramel sauce comes out perfect everytime and is practically fool proof.

    Making caramel from scratch is a lot easier than you think and so much better than anything you can buy from the store. And, you don't even need a candy thermometer!

    Here are some recipes that would go well with this caramel sauce: apple cider coffee cake, maple rice krispie treats, and apple crisp.

    A close up view of caramel in a jar.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • It's made using the dry method as opposed to the wet method.
    • All you need are 5 simple ingredients.
    • You can easily double the recipe.
    • It's perfect for all of your favorite caramel desserts!

    Having a go-to easy caramel sauce is super important in my house. We use it in our coffees, on top of vanilla ice cream, and even to drizzle on top of apple pie.

    You defintely need to try it!

    Looking down into a jar with a spoon that is filled with salted caramel.

    Expert Baking Tips

    1. Room Temperature Ingredients: It's super important that both the butter and heavy whipping cream are at room temperature. If it's still cold, the caramel might seize up.
    1. Saucepan: Use a light-colored or stainless steel saucepan. That way you can keep track of the color and won't accidentally burn the sauce.
    1. Storage: Keep the sauce in a glass jar on the counter for up to 3 days or in the refigerator for up to 2 weeks.

    Ingredients Needed

    Here are some notes on the ingredients we'll be using. For the full ingredients list, look at the recipe card below.

    • Sugar: Use white granulated sugar and make sure it's labeled "pure cane."
    • Unsalted Butter: Be sure to cube the butter and that it's at room temperature.
    • Heavy Whipping Cream: This also needs to be at room temperature. You can also substitute this with heavy cream.
    • Salt: You can use normal table salt or flaky sea salt.
    Ingredients needed: sugar, butter, heavy whipping cream, vanilla, and salt.

    Instructions

    Here are the step by step instructions on how to make this homemade salted caramel sauce recipe.

    Step 1: Melt the sugar. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the sugar. Once it starts to clump together, continuously whisk it until completely melted.

    Crystalized sugar in a metal saucepan.
    Melted sugar in a metal pot.

    Step 2: Cook the sugar. Allow the melted sugar to sit until it starts to turn amber in color (about 10-15 seconds). Then remove it from the heat.

    Pro Tip! Be sure to pay close attention as it can start to burn quickly!

    Step 3: Add the butter. Add the cubed butter and constantly whisk it until melted.

    Butter added to the saucepan and sugar mixture is bubbling.
    Freshly made warm caramel sauce in a metal pan.

    Step 4: Add the heavy whipping cream. Then whisk in the heavy cream until fully incorporated.

    Step 5: Add the salt and vanilla. Finally, whisk in the salt and vanilla extract.

    Pour the hot caramel into a glass jar and cool completely before using.

    Salted caramel sauce in a glass jar.

    Storing Tips

    Keep the sauce in an airtight container or small mason jars on the counter for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I Reheat Caramel?

    If needed, you can reheat your caramel sauce in the microwave for about 30 seconds.

    Why Did My Caramel Crystalize?

    This is because your butter and heavy cream wasn't at room temperature.

    Homemade salted caramel sauce drizzling from a spoon.

    If you made this recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below. I love hearing from you! Also, please tag me on Instagram and check out my Pinterest for even more recipe ideas.

    It brings me so much joy to see you make my recipes. 🙂

    Happy Baking!

    More Fall Recipes

    • Pumpkin S'mores Cookies
    • Apple Cider Cupcakes
    • Pumpkin Shortbread Bars
    • Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread
    Caramel drizzling from a spoon into a glass jar.

    Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce

    Karissa Parrish (Ginger Snap)
    This Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce is super easy to make and only requires 5 ingredients. You can use this salted caramel recipe with any and all of your favorite desserts too!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 cup

    Equipment

    • Saucepan
    • Whisk
    • Glass Jar

    Ingredients:
      

    • 1 cup sugar (make sure it's labeled "pure cane")
    • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed, room temperature
    • ½ cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

    Instructions:
     

    • In a medium saucepan over medium-heat, add the sugar. Once the sugar starts to melt and clump together, continuously whisk it until completely melted.
    • Allow the melted sugar to sit until it starts to turn amber in color (about 10-15 seconds). Then remove it from the heat.
    • Add the cubed butter and constantly whisk it until melted. Be careful, as the mixture will start to bubble once the butter comes into contact with the melted sugar.
    • Then add the heavy whipping cream, whisking constantly until incorporated. Then whisk in the salt and vanilla extract.
    • Pour the hot caramel into a glass bowl, jar, or container and cool completely before using. The caramel will thicken up as it cools down.
    • Keep the salted caramel in an airtight container or glass jar on the counter for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

    Notes:

    Room Temperature Ingredients: It's super important that both the butter and heavy whipping cream are at room temperature. If it's still cold, the caramel might seize up.
    Saucepan: Use a light-colored or stainless steel saucepan. That way you can keep track of the color and won't accidentally burn the sauce.
    Storage: Keep the sauce in a glass jar on the counter for up to 3 days or in the refigerator for up to 2 weeks.
    Keyword caramel sauce, homemade salted caramel sauce, salted caramel
    « Pumpkin S'mores Cookies
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    ABOUT KARISSA

    Hey, I'm Karissa, and I am the recipe developer, food photographer, and lover of all things desserts here at Ginger Snap's Baking Affairs. I love to create easy desserts that every home baker can make in their own kitchens!

    Learn more about me →

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