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A simple recipe for homemade salted caramel sauce that is the perfect topping for just about anything, from apples and ice cream to brownies and cheesecake.
Yesterday I was watching The Biggest Loser on the DVR while making mini cheesecakes – the irony, right? Come on, they were mini!
When I was ready to top them, I realized that I was out of salted caramel sauce. I made a batch about 2 weeks ago, but had forgotten that we had used it up last week.
I was feeling a tad bit lazy and totally engrossed in watching the last chance workout – again with the irony.
Needless to say, I wasn’t quite up to the task of making a new batch of salted caramel sauce.
However, changing out of my yoga pants and slippers and heading to the market seemed like so much more of a hassle considering it was 10pm. I can’t be the only one.
I ended up pausing the DVR and heading into the kitchen to whip up a fresh batch of salted caramel sauce. It’s definitely more delicious than the store bought version, and who wants to shell out $7 for a small jar at the market?
Not this girl, especially when I can make salted caramel sauce at home with ingredients that I always have on hand. And customize it to make it just right for us.
HOW TO MAKE SALTED CARAMEL SAUCE
If you’ve never made homemade salted caramel sauce, it can definitely seem a bit overwhelming, but it’s honestly not too hard – I promise.
One key tip is to rely on the color of the sugar before adding in the cream.
You can definitely use a candy thermometer if you have a reliable one. I have 3 and each of them varies by 3-5 degrees, which can be quite a difference when you’re making homemade caramel sauce or candy.
In my opinion, it’s best to look for that deep amber color. But be forewarned – that gorgeous deep amber color can transition to a burnt mess in a matter of seconds.
Just be sure to be free from distractions and keep your eye on the pan and you’ll be good to go!
I’m pretty confident that if you follow the directions below, you’ll be a salted caramel sauce-making pro in no time! Besides, knowing how to make caramel sauce is a pretty useful trick.
WHAT TO DO WITH SALTED CARAMEL SAUCE
Salted caramel sauce is pretty darn delicious drizzled over just about any dessert. From ice cream and cakes to a dipping sauce for apples, pretzels and brownie bites – it’s addictive!
I like to drizzle it over Mini Apple Pies, use it for topping Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes, or blend it into Salted Caramel Pretzel Milkshakes. If you like fun drinks, you could even mix it into a Salted Caramel Apple Cocktail.
You can keep salted caramel sauce in the fridge for a week or so, if it lasts that long! Once I made it, we were dipping apples and pretzel sticks every chance we got. Dangerous situation, let me tell you.
If you’re feeling fancy, you can also add a few spices – cinnamon or apple pie spice would be awesome, or even pumpkin pie spice if you’re making it in fall. Do a trio of customized sauces and gift them to your favorite hostess!
Salted caramel sauce is just so easy to make, I bet you’ll find yourself in the kitchen at 10pm whipping it up. Biggest Loser or not!
Salted Caramel Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup heavy cream heated until warm
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1 teaspoon fine grain sea salt or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a heavy saucepan (at least 5 cup capacity), stir together the sugar, corn syrup, and water until the sugar is completely moistened. If you are using a candy thermometer, place it into the pot taking care that it is tip in immersed into the sugar mixture.
- Heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the sugar syrup is bubbling. Stop stirring completely and allow it to boil undisturbed until it turns a deep amber (like the color of Bass Ale) (see notes below). This will occur right around 350 degrees. Immediately remove it from the heat and slowly and carefully pour the hot cream into the caramel. It will bubble up furiously.
- Use a high-temperature heat-resistant rubber spatula or wooden spoon to stir the mixture until smooth, scraping up the thicker part that settles on the bottom. If any lumps develop, return the pan to the heat and stir until they dissolve. Stir in the butter and salt. The mixture will be streaky but become uniform after cooling slightly and stirring.
- Allow the sauce to cool for 3 minutes. Gently stir in the vanilla extract.
Notes
- Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days; refrigerated, about 3 weeks. To reheat, simply place in a microwave safe container and heat for about 45-60 seconds. Stir well.
- I have 3 thermometers and they all register different temperatures. In my opinion, it's best to rely on the color of the caramel as opposed to the temperature. You want to look for a dark dark amber color. However, dark amber goes to burnt in a matter of seconds. If using a thermometer, start paying close attention at about 340 degrees. Once the color deepens, pull the mixture from the heat.
- Yields just over 1 cup
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Made this recipe and didn’t get very dark no big deal but why not also didn’t get very thick is a little issue to me also you speak about hot cream I didn’t see any thing about heat it be pouring in mixings hope you can tell me what I did worong thanks. has a
Hi, Steve! I think maybe the sugar syrup should have cooked longer. Let me know if you give it another try!
“Immediately remove it from the heat and slowly and carefully pour the hot cream into the caramel”. What do you mean “Pour over caramel? Are you talking about caramel candies? (Caramel is not included on your ingredient listing?? What did I miss?
Hi, Katherine! The sugar syrup in the pan that’s bubbling is the caramel. Let me know if I can help with anything else. I hope you enjoy it!
So I attempted to make this but I burned the sauce so it didn’t have a good taste. My husband tried and he nailed it. It tastes amazing!!! I’m still a little annoyed his was better hehe!! Thank you for the recipe
So glad to hear that, Sandra!
I made this yesterday and I absolutely loved it! The caramel sauce is truly divine and the cheesecake itself is scrumptious! I did not use carmel pretzels–I used crushed pretzels and graham crackers for the crust, and put whole salted pretzels on the top with lots of drizzled caramel on top. I am positively obsessed with this caramel sauce, as it is simply perfection!
I’m so glad to hear that, Jennifer!
This is awesome!!!! First time I ever made caramel sauce and I’m in heaven!!! Thank you.
You’re very welcome, Pat!
Is this something that can be canned and saved along with jams and jellies?
I don’t think so, Keri. I think the heavy cream and butter in the recipe would be a problem. I hope this helps!
I tried this delicious sauce but it set hard in the jar and I couldn’t get any of it out !!!! I tried to warm it up to no avail . Can you help me as to why it happened? Did I over heat it ? I’m usually a good cook and can manage most things in the kitchen,I will try again .Love you blog.
Hi, Linda! I’m sorry your caramel sauce hardened up. I think maybe it was overheated. Caramel hardening is a common problem and has no reflection on you as a cook! Maybe stop before the caramel reaches 350 degrees…around 330 or 340 maybe? Let me know if this helps. I appreciate your kind words!
Hi, how long will this last for please? I’m going to make it and give as presents. Thank you
Hi, Jodie! I think it will only last for a few days. I hope everyone enjoys it!
Could you give me an estimated approximate time it takes to reach the recommended amber color? Thank you.
Hi, Cindy! It probably won’t take very long for the caramel sauce to darken…probably just a few minutes. I hope this helps!
I just made a batch…it took abt a minute an a half to become the amber i wanted.
I love caramel but not salted caramel. can I make this without the salt? thanks.
Hi, Caroline! You can absolutely leave out the salt. I hope you enjoy it!