Salted Caramel Sauce

Silken and seductive, this Salted Caramel Sauce is about to rule your world.

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Next time you visit the Bay Area, head for Fenton’s Creamery in Oakland, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor that started slinging lip-smacking sundaes and deliciously drippy cones in 1894. My grandmother used to order Fenton’s caramel sundaes when she was a little girl in the 1930s, and 90 years later, their homemade caramel sauce sends me to space. Must be genetic. Sweet, luxurious and surprisingly textured with tiny sugar crystals, Big Momma and I will order a simple vanilla and caramel sundae, and ask for an extra side order of caramel. When it’s time to party, we go big.

This salted caramel sauce is rich, buttery, and warm, conjuring up that classic Werther’s Original commercial with grandparents and cozy memories. The salt finish to this tasty treat adds another complex layer to a stone-cold classic.

Is Salted Caramel Sauce Healthy?

Though this caramel sauce is gluten-free, caramel is a sweet treat that’s high in sugar and not particularly healthy. Butter and cream are also both high in fat. However, this is a dessert! And when enjoyed in moderation, it’s okay to live a little and savor the goodness. For a dairy-free alternative, check out our Vegan Caramel Sauce.

Caramel vs. Butterscotch vs. Dulce de Leche

Subtle differences separate these absolutely delectable confections. It all comes down to what you simmer. Caramel is often made by simmering white sugar and some butter and/or heavy cream, until the sugar melts and turns dark amber in color. Butterscotch comes together by simmering butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream. And dulce de leche is formed by simmering milk and sugar until the milk takes on a golden hue. All are delicious, so simmer away!

INGREDIENTS

1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup unsalted butter, cubed
1/2 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS

Melt
Melt sugar and combine with butter.

Mix
Slowly add cream and boil.

Finish
Add vanilla and salt; cool down.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

Once prepared, transfer to a jar and let the caramel cool completely before putting a lid on it. Jarred caramel will last in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Caramel will solidify once in the fridge, so pop it in the microwave for 15 to 30 seconds or reheat it in a saucepan on the stovetop when ready to eat, and it will loosen up to its regular silky smooth state.

Timing is Everything

I have been making caramel for about a decade now, and it can be tricky. Simmer it too long, and you risk giving the caramel a burnt aftertaste. Too quick, and you have chunks of sugar and a taste that is good, but not great. In short, keep your eye on the pot. While whisking the entire time, make sure the sugar dissolves completely and the edges of the syrup are lightly browned. The final sign is when the syrup turns a deep amber and begins to smoke. Remove from the heat and keep whisking until the heat has subsided and the syrup has no sugar or butter chunks left.

Ways to Add Gourmet Variations

For chocoholics, throw in a half cup of chocolate chips. Like it a bit spicy? Adding 2 teaspoons of chai spice will jazz it up. Infuse the heavy cream with 1 teaspoon of instant coffee granules for coffee lovers, or add 1 to 3 tablespoons of bourbon to give it a nice boozy quality. A half teaspoon of maple extract will also give you a pancake twist that is irresistible. Once this recipe has been mastered, the world is your oyster!

Serving Suggestions

I will eat caramel straight out of the pot, but I truly believe in my heart of hearts, that there is no better vehicle for caramel than ice cream. A few fabulous recipes you can drizzle this sauce over include Coconut Milk Ice Cream With Rum, Cookie Dough Banana Ice Cream, Healthy Ice Cream With Chocolate and Pomegranate and Cottage Cheese Ice Cream.

Looking for something not frozen? Caramel can kick any dessert into high gear, like Instant Pot Brownies, Japanese Crêpes, and Christmas Sugar Cookie Greek Yogurt Cheesecake.

For more recipes to satisfy your caramel obsession, try these Chocolate Paleo Pecan Pie Bars, Caramel Apple Peanut Kettle Corn Bars, and Homemade Caramel Vanilla Iced Coffee.