Oh my gosh, if you haven’t tried making your own salted caramel sauce yet, you’re seriously missing out! This sauce is pure decadence, with its rich, buttery flavor and that perfect touch of salt that just elevates everything. It’s incredibly versatile too—drizzle it over ice cream, swirl it into brownies, or even use it to top your morning pancakes. It’s my secret weapon when I want to impress friends or just treat myself to something special. Trust me, once you whip up this salted caramel sauce at home, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again. It’s simply irresistible!

Ingredients List
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This is the base for our caramel, giving it that delicious sweetness.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: Always use unsalted, so you can control the saltiness of the sauce perfectly.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: This adds that luscious, creamy texture that makes the sauce so dreamy.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: The star of the show! Feel free to adjust this to your taste for that perfect balance of sweet and salty.
How to Prepare Salted Caramel Sauce
Making salted caramel sauce is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a rich, creamy sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over your favorite desserts. Just remember, patience is key, and keep a close eye on the sugar as it melts. Ready? Let’s get started!
Step 1: Melt the Sugar
First things first—grab a medium saucepan and pour in your cup of granulated sugar. Set the heat to medium and start stirring constantly. This part is crucial! You need to watch the sugar transform into a beautiful golden color. If you don’t stir, it can burn quickly, so keep that spoon moving!
Step 2: Incorporate Butter
Once your sugar has melted and is a lovely amber hue, it’s time to add in the unsalted butter. Quickly drop in those tablespoons, and stir until everything is beautifully blended together. You’ll see the butter melt right into the sugar, creating a luscious mixture!
Step 3: Add Heavy Cream
Now comes the fun part! Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. But be careful—this mixture will bubble and steam like crazy! Just take it slow, and keep stirring until it’s all combined and smooth. The aroma will be heavenly!
Step 4: Stir in Sea Salt
Once your sauce is all mixed, remove it from the heat and stir in that glorious sea salt. This is where you can adjust the saltiness to your liking. I always recommend tasting it—trust me, it’ll be hard to resist!
Step 5: Cooling
Let your salted caramel sauce cool for a bit before serving. It thickens up nicely as it cools, so don’t rush this step! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and you can easily reheat it in the microwave when you’re ready to indulge again.
Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Sauce
- Rich and buttery flavor that complements any dessert.
- Incredibly versatile—perfect for drizzling, dipping, or swirling.
- Quick and easy to make in just 20 minutes.
- Only four simple ingredients that you probably already have!
- Customizable saltiness for your ideal sweet-salty balance.
Tips for Success
To nail the perfect salted caramel sauce, quality ingredients are key! Use a good brand of unsalted butter and heavy cream for that rich flavor. Timing is everything—don’t walk away while the sugar melts, as it can go from perfect to burnt in seconds. Keep stirring, and watch for that beautiful golden color. If you find your sauce is too thick after cooling, you can always whisk in a bit more cream to loosen it up. And remember, you can always adjust the salt to make it just right for your taste buds!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutrition for a serving size of 2 tablespoons of this delicious salted caramel sauce: about 100 calories, 5g of fat, 0g of protein, and 12g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and measurements!
FAQ Section
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar? Yes, brown sugar will give your salted caramel sauce a deeper flavor and a hint of molasses. Just keep an eye on the melting process, as it may behave a little differently.
How long will this salted caramel sauce last? When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it can last up to two weeks. Just remember to reheat it gently before using!
Can I make this sauce dairy-free? Absolutely! Swap the unsalted butter for a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a delicious vegan version.
What desserts can I use salted caramel sauce on? The possibilities are endless! It’s perfect on ice cream, drizzled over brownies, or even stirred into coffee for a sweet treat.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your luscious salted caramel sauce, simply transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to two weeks! When you’re ready to indulge again, just reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds, stirring in between until it’s warm and gooey. You might just want to drizzle it over everything—trust me, it’s that good!
Print
Salted caramel sauce: 5 Reasons to Love This Decadence
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Category: Sauces
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy salted caramel sauce perfect for desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until melted and golden brown.
- Add butter and stir until melted and combined.
- Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring. Be careful, as the mixture will bubble.
- Remove from heat and stir in sea salt.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before use.
- Adjust salt to taste if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Salted caramel sauce, dessert sauce, caramel recipe