Learn how to make the BEST Salted Caramel Sauce! This easy recipe is virtually foolproof and the taste is simply mouthwatering. Use this delicious dessert sauce to top everything from cheesecake to waffles, stir it into coffee, and so much more!
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With Christmas just around the corner, I'm doing everything I can to get into the holiday spirit! I've been picking up last minute presents, decorating my apartment, and baking up a storm.
One of my favorite treats during the holiday season (or anytime of year) is this mouthwatering Salted Caramel Sauce. I love, love, love this luscious sauce and will eat it on pretty much everything. So much so, that I even have a whole Pinterest board dedicated to it!
This isn't a traditional caramel sauce. It's much easier to make! Rather than caramelizing granulated sugar, which can be tricky, this recipe starts with melted butter and uses brown sugar. The resulting Caramel is just as tasty as the classic recipe, but so much simpler to prepare. In fact, I'd say it's pretty much foolproof!
You are going to love this easy recipe! The flavor is out-of-this-world delicious, there are no thermometers or difficult techniques required, and it's ready in just 10 minutes. Use it to top desserts, drizzle over pancakes or waffles, or mix it into hot chocolate or coffee. It even makes a wonderful DIY gift!
Have I tempted you to try this delightful sauce? Then keep reading for all the details!
Ingredients
This recipe uses basic ingredients you can find in any grocery store! Here's what you'll need:
- Butter - It's important to use unsalted butter for this recipe, otherwise your sauce may turn out too salty.
- Brown Sugar - Unlike most caramels, which are made with granulated sugar, this recipe uses brown sugar. I recommend using light brown sugar, which will give the recipe a full flavor without being too molasses forward.
- Cream - Heavy cream adds richness and gives the sauce it's silky texture.
- Vanilla - A little vanilla extract gives the recipe another layer of flavor.
- Salt - And of course, you'll need some salt, and it's best to use a high-quality salt. I used kosher salt, but sea salt would also work great.
Note: This recipe was originally published in November 2014! To make it more user friendly, I've updated the original post with new photos and many helpful tips.
You'll Also Need
To make this recipe, you need a large frying pan, as well as a whisk. I used this Sauce & Gravy Whisk, which has become one of my favorite kitchen tools! It's works so much better than a traditional whisk when preparing cooked sauces.
How to Make Salted Caramel Sauce
This homemade sauce quick and easy to prepare! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's an overview of the steps:
- Melt butter. You'll start by melting the butter in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Add brown sugar and cream. Next, you'll whisk in the brown sugar and cream until smooth.
- Simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, then let this mixture simmer gently for five minutes, stirring frequently.
- Mix in salt and vanilla. Finally, whisk in the salt and vanilla extract, and remove from heat. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Tip: Be very careful when moving the sauce! It's extremely hot and needs to cool slightly before you use it.
Wasn't that simple? And for that minimal effort, you're rewarded with a decadent, gourmet Salted Caramel Sauce! This recipe truly is easy enough to throw together a batch anytime you're craving a special treat.
I also love to give this yummy sauce as a foodie present! Simply transfer the sauce to a small jar after it's cooled a bit, then attach a cute label with some twine, and it's all set to gift.
How to Use
You'll how versatile this dreamy Dessert Sauce is! Here are a few ways to use it:
- Ice Cream - Spoon over a scoop of ice cream or use it to make a sundae. It would be delish in this M&M Sundae!
- Cheesecake - Drizzle over a slice of your favorite cheesecake.
- Cakes + Cupcakes - Use to decorate or fill cakes and cupcakes.
- Pie - Add a dollop to a slice of homemade pie.
- Other Desserts - Drizzle over brownies, cookies, dessert pizza, pudding, shortcake, sweet breads, scones and other baked goods, and so much more! Try it on these Strawberries and Cream Crepes or these Indoor S'Mores.
- French Toast - Skip the maple syrup and spoon on this tasty sauce instead.
- Pancakes + Waffles - It also makes a wonderful topping for pancakes and waffles.
- Bread Pudding - Drizzle over bread pudding. I used it to top this Panettone Bread Pudding (check out the photo below!), and it was simply divine!
- Coffee - Mix into hot coffee for a morning treat or make this Salted Caramel Affogato for an easy after dinner dessert.
- Hot Cocoa - Stir into Hot Chocolate to make your drink even more decadent, or drizzle it over the top.
- Other Drinks - This sweet-salty sauce can be used in other hot drinks, like cider and tea, too.
- Dip - Your homemade Brown Sugar Salted Caramel Sauce also makes a wonderful dip for cookies, fruit, pretzels, marshmallows, and more (try serving it alongside this Easy Chocolate Fondue!). You could also drizzle apple slices with caramel and chocolate to make fruit nachos.
- Spoon - If you just want to enjoy it by the spoonful, I wouldn't blame you!
Storage
Store any leftover Salted Caramel in an airtight container (mason jars are perfect for this) in your refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for one week. When you are ready to use the sauce, rewarm gently in your microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds, or reheat over medium-low in a small saucepan.
Related Recipes
This tasty sauce is a twist on my classic Brown Sugar Caramel recipe ... check it out if you'd like an unsalted version! Looking for more caramel ideas? Try one of these recipes next:
Craving more dessert sauce ideas? You'll love these Blueberry Compote, Strawberry Compote, and Mixed Berry Compote recipes, too.
Salted Caramel Sauce
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (4 ounces / 113 grams)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Add brown sugar and cream. Whisk until smooth.
- Simmer gently over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Mix in salt and vanilla extract, then remove from heat.
- Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
How long will this keep? Thinking of making it for gifts, but don't want to make it too far in advance. Thanks!
I featured this in my first Daily Dose of EyeLoveKnots Finds for December 7th. Thank you for the opportunity to share!
http://eyeloveknots.blogspot.com/2014/12/daily-dose-of-eyeloveknots-finds.html
Such a wonderful gift! Thanks for linking up with SNF! Pinned to our party board!
Oh my! I would love caramel as a gift! Pinned and tweeted. We always love partying with you, I hope to see you tonight at 7 pm at our party. Happy Monday! Lou Lou Girls
This looks delicious! I'm a salted caramel nut. Pinning! Thanks for sharing this week with us at Much Ado About Monday!
~Emily @ Huckleberry Love
Great gift guide! That salad bowl is gorgeous! Salted caramel is one of my favorites too. I'm going to have to figure out how to veganize it this year.
Looks and sounds delicious! The last time I attempted to make caramel on the stove top, it took FOREVER. 10 minutes sounds great.