Nothing beats the blissful combination of sweet and salty, especially when it comes to salted caramel. Imagine a velvety smooth sauce that drizzles over desserts and dances on your taste buds, creating an explosion of flavor. It’s like a hug for your palate, making everything from ice cream to brownies feel like a gourmet treat.
I remember the first time I made salted caramel; my kitchen turned into a sweet-smelling sanctuary. The aroma of melting sugar mixed with butter wafted through the air, drawing my family in like moths to a flame. The moment they tasted it, their faces lit up with joy, and I knew I had created something magical. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with friends, nothing elevates an ordinary dessert quite like this divine sauce.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This salted caramel recipe is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion
- Its rich flavor balances sweetness and saltiness beautifully
- The golden hue adds elegance to your desserts, making them irresistible
- Versatile enough to be used on everything from cakes to popcorn!
My friend once declared it the best thing he’d ever tasted after I topped his brownie sundae with this luscious creation.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Granulated Sugar: Use high-quality granulated sugar for the best melting results and flavor.
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Unsalted Butter: Opt for unsalted butter; you can control the saltiness better this way.
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Heavy Cream: Choose thick heavy cream for a rich texture that pairs perfectly with sweetness.
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Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances flavors; go for quality sea salt for the best impact.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare yourself for a delightful journey as we whip up this salted caramel together!
Gather Your Ingredients: Start by measuring out all your ingredients; having them ready makes cooking much smoother. Trust me; no one enjoys scrambling around mid-recipe.
Melt the Sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the granulated sugar. Stir consistently until it melts and turns a beautiful amber color. Watch closely—this process can go from perfect to burnt in seconds!
Add Butter: Once melted and golden brown, remove from heat and whisk in unsalted butter until fully incorporated. The mixture will bubble vigorously; don’t panic! Just embrace the excitement.
Pour in Heavy Cream: Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. Be careful as it will steam and bubble again! This step creates that creamy texture we crave.
Add Sea Salt: Finally, sprinkle in sea salt to taste, giving that essential salty kick to balance out the sweetness. Let it cool slightly before using or storing.
Let your imagination run wild with how you’ll use this salted caramel masterpiece—it’s perfect drizzled over ice cream or even spooned straight from the jar when no one’s watching!
You Must Know
- Salted caramel is the perfect blend of sweet and salty, elevating desserts to new heights
- The rich, buttery flavor brings a delightful twist to classic treats, making every bite a little piece of heaven
- This versatile sauce can transform everything from ice cream to brownies
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by melting sugar until it reaches a deep amber color, then add butter and cream carefully. This sequence ensures the sugar doesn’t burn while creating that smooth, luscious texture we crave.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment by adding a sprinkle of sea salt or even a dash of vanilla extract for a richer flavor. You can also incorporate spices like cinnamon for an unexpected twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store your salted caramel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. When ready to use, simply reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect salted caramel, use high-quality sea salt for better flavor balance
- Always have your cream measured and ready; adding it too quickly can cause splattering
- Keep stirring constantly after adding butter to prevent burning for smooth results
The first time I made salted caramel, I managed to turn my kitchen into a sticky disaster zone! Friends still tease me about my “sugar explosion,” but they were amazed by how delicious it turned out.

FAQ
What type of salt should I use for salted caramel?
Using flaky sea salt enhances the flavor without being overpowering in sweetness.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, using brown sugar will give your salted caramel a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
How can I make my salted caramel thicker?
To achieve a thicker consistency, cook it longer until it reaches a higher temperature before cooling.
Salted Caramel
Salted caramel is the ultimate sweet-and-salty treat that transforms ordinary desserts into extraordinary delights. This easy-to-make sauce features a luxurious blend of rich, buttery flavors and a hint of saltiness that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for drizzling over ice cream, brownies, or even enjoying straight from the jar, this salted caramel recipe is sure to impress at any gathering or cozy night in.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings (2 tablespoons each) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Sauce making
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp flaky sea salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the unsalted butter until fully combined; expect bubbling.
- Gradually add the heavy cream while stirring continuously to create a creamy texture.
- Sprinkle in sea salt to taste, then let the mixture cool slightly before using or storing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg


