Salted Caramel Sauce You Can Spoon, Drizzle, or Dip
A smooth, buttery salted caramel sauce that balances sweetness with a touch of sea salt. Perfect for drizzling on cakes, spooning over ice cream, or dipping fruit.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (+30 minutes cooling)
- Yield: 1½ cups
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
6 Tbsp (84g) unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into cubes
½ cup (118ml) heavy whipping cream, room temperature or slightly warmed
1 tsp flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Place the sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to melt slowly without stirring, swirling the pan occasionally, until it turns deep amber.
- Carefully whisk in the butter until fully melted and incorporated.
- Slowly pour in the warm cream while whisking constantly, being cautious of steam and bubbling.
- Let the sauce simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in flaky sea salt.
- Allow the caramel to cool slightly before transferring to a jar. It will thicken as it cools.
Notes
Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Brown the butter before adding for a nutty richness.
For a boozy variation, stir in a tablespoon of bourbon or rum.
Cook the sugar slightly longer for a darker, more intense caramel.
Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks; reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 Tbsp
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
