This Salted Caramel Sauce Recipe is perfect for drizzling over desserts like cheesecake, brownies, and ice cream, or for dipping apples or pretzels. Its rich, sweet-salty flavor adds a delicious twist to any treat, making it a must-have for dessert lovers! You can also easily omit the salt and just enjoy a traditional caramel sauce. However you like your caramel, this recipe is for you!

salted caramel drizzled on cheesecake slice

The Best Caramel Sauce Recipe

This salted caramel sauce recipe is hands down the best because it nails that perfect balance between rich sweetness and savory saltiness, taking any dessert to the next level. The magic is in the cooking: you heat the sugar until it turns a deep amber color, which brings out those amazing flavors. The added butter and cream gives it that velvety texture, and a generous amount of salt really amps up the flavor balances the sweetness. I am telling you, once you make this caramel sauce recipe, you wont go back to buying it in the store — it truly is the best!

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Ingredients Needed For this Salted Caramel

Granulated Sugar: the foundation of the sauce, providing sweetness and caramelization. When heated to a deep amber, it develops rich, complex flavors, but must be carefully monitored to avoid burning.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and creaminess, blending smoothly when at room temperature. It balances the sweetness, enhancing the sauce’s overall flavor profile. Make sure the butter is room temperature and I recommend cutting them into cubes.

Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its luxurious, silky consistency. Its high-fat content ensures a rich texture, making the sauce pourable and smooth. Make sure the heavy cream is room temperature.

Vanilla Extract: Elevates the flavor, introducing subtle complexity that complements the sweetness of the caramel.

Kosher Salt: Crucial for balancing flavors, cutting through the sweetness and enhancing the overall taste. It makes the caramel more dynamic and addictive, preventing it from being overly sweet. Kosher salt dissolves more evenly in hot mixtures, ensuring a consistent taste throughout the sauce and it’s a more mild saltiness than other salts.

How To Make this Salted Caramel Recipe

Step 1. Melt the sugar. In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly with a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon. The sugar will clump, but continue to stir until it melts and turns a rich, golden amber color. Be careful not to burn it, but you want a deep color for more flavor.

Step 2. Add the diced butter: Once the sugar is fully melted and a deep amber color, remove it from the heat and add the diced butter. Be careful, as the mixture will bubble up. Whisk until the butter is fully melted. Note, if the butter isn’t fully incorporated, that’s okay.

Step 3. Add the cream: Next, quickly, but carefully, pour in the heavy cream while continuing to whisk the sauce. The mixture will bubble vigorously again. Stir until the cream is fully mixed in and the sauce is smooth.

Step 4. Finish with vanilla & salt. Next, whisk in the vanilla extract and salt (the caramel will be thin like the picture below, but it will thicken as it cools). Then, transfer the caramel to a heat-safe container and allow to cool and thicken. Place in the refrigerator to store until use. Before use, microwave for 15-20 seconds (or more depending your preference) to get the best results.

Tips to Make the Best Caramel Sauce Recipe

Choose the Right Pan: Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to help distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.
Prep Ingredients Ahead: Make sure your butter and cream are at room temperature before you start. This prevents splattering when you add them to the hot sugar and helps to ensure your sauce is smooth and luscious and doesn’t seize.
Watch the Color: Pay attention to the sugar as it heats. You want it to turn a deep amber color—this indicates it’s ready, but be careful not to let it burn.
Work Quickly: Once your caramel is darkened, you will need to add the butter and heavy cream quickly to ensure the perfect consistency.
Add Salt Gradually: Start with a small amount of salt and taste as you go. This enhances the flavor without making it too salty.
Add Water if Necessary: If your caramel crystallizes, it may be due to sugar crystals forming. You can try to fix it by gently reheating it with a bit of water.
Cool Before Using: Let the caramel cool slightly before using it. It will thicken as it cools, making it easier to drizzle.
Practice Patience: Caramel-making requires some time and attention, so don’t rush it. Enjoy the process, and you’ll get the hang of it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make salted caramel sauce in advance?

Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

While you can use salted butter, it’s best to stick with unsalted to control the overall saltiness of the sauce.

How do I store the sauce?

Store the cooled sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I use a mason jar. It will thicken as it cools, so you may need to reheat it before using (start with a couple of seconds).

What if my caramel turns grainy?

If your caramel crystallizes, it may be due to sugar crystals forming. You can try to fix it by gently reheating it with a bit of water.

More Ways to Use this Caramel Sauce

There are a number of ways to use this delicious caramel sauce, including:

Make this delicious Homemade Salted Caramel Cheesecake;
Drizzle over a decadent Fudge Brownie sundae with vanilla ice cream; or
Pour caramel over this incredible Apple Crisp or drizzle over this Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe.
Add the salted caramel to the layers of this moist and delicious Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Drizzle the caramel sauce over our Brown Butter Sweet Potato Cheesecake or Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake.

I hope you love this Salted Caramel Sauce Recipe! It is rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious! If you do give this recipe a try, I want to know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @butterloveandsalt on Instagram.Your reviews help support Butter, Love & Salt and make it possible for me to continue to create delicious recipes.

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