Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce
Making homemade salted caramel sauce is easier than you might think, and the rich, buttery flavour is so much better than anything store-bought. With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can create a smooth, velvety caramel that’s perfect for drizzling over desserts, stirring into drinks, or giving as a holiday gift.
I’m sharing the quickest and easiest recipe for salted caramel sauce today. I use the word recipe lightly, as it requires only 4 ingredients and less than 10 minutes of your time. You don’t even need to pull out the candy thermometer!
You may already be familiar with this salted caramel sauce if you’ve ever tried my ginger apple crumble pie or apple cinnamon multi-grain bread pudding. It’s become a favourite dessert topping around here.
There are so many ways to use this sweet, salty, sticky, and downright delicious sauce!
Ways to Use Salted Caramel Sauce
This decadent sauce is perfect for drizzling or swirling! Add to:
- vanilla ice cream or milkshake
- sliced apples, peaches, pineapple and more
- waffles and pancakes
- hot chocolate, coffee and lattes
- hot apple cider
- popcorn
- apple galette or pie
- cinnamon rolls
- brownies and cupcakes
- gingerbread bundt cake
As you can see, the options go on and on. Use your imagination to come up with even more ideas. Of course, a spoonful here and there straight from the jar is totally acceptable too!
Quick Salted Caramel Sundae
Over the holiday season, I like to keep a jar of salted caramel sauce ready in the fridge. It’s a quick and easy way to whip up a delicious dessert for guests in minutes. Just warm the sauce slightly, spoon it over ice cream (in a pretty dish), and sprinkle with chopped nuts. Get ready for all the oohs and aahs!
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How to Make Salted Caramel Sauce
Kitchen Supplies
- medium-sized heavy saucepan
- measuring cups
- whisk, mixing spoon, and spatula
- glass jar(s)
Recipe Ingredients
- brown sugar
- salted butter
- whipping cream or heavy cream
- sea salt
The full list of ingredient measurements and instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by heating the brown sugar in a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, whisking until it starts to break down into very fine granules.
Add butter and stir until completely melted and bubbly (about 2 minutes).
Slowly pour in cream until it comes to a boil, stirring constantly. (Use caution while heating. The hot bubbly mixture can splatter, especially while adding the cream.) Remove from heat.
Finally, add sea salt and stir (makes about one cup).
Recipe Tips and Variations
- How do I make thicker caramel? Cut back on the amount of cream by about 2 tablespoons.
- Can I use unsalted butter? Yes! Increase amount of sea salt to your taste.
- Can I use golden sugar? For sure! However, brown sugar contains more molasses, which helps to create a stronger caramel flavour.
- Can I double the batch? You bet! Simply double the ingredient measurements. It will take a few minutes longer to prepare.
How to Store Salted Caramel Sauce
Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to a glass jar. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, if it lasts that long! You can also freeze it in an airtight container for up to three months—just leave some space at the top of the jar to allow for expansion.
How to Reheat
Warm the sauce gently in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until it reaches your desired temperature. Alternatively, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm and smooth.
How to Make It Gift Worthy
Be sure to double or triple the batch if you’re looking for an easy and affordable gift idea for teachers, neighbours, hostesses and more. Simply pour it into a pretty jar and tie a small bamboo or wooden spoon to the top with a touch of baker’s twine for a charming finishing touch.
If you’re looking for a larger gift idea, add a jar of homemade salted caramel sauce to a gift basket along with other kitchen goodies or ice cream sundae supplies. You may also want to check out this collection of yummy handmade gifts for more ideas.
And, if you love treats that combine salty and sweet, I suggest making these chocolate truffles with fleur de sel. They’re super easy and totally divine.
More Caramel Recipes to Try
Time crunched? This ready-made salted caramel sauce is a good option too.
Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce
Ingredients
- ¾ cup brown sugar, lightly packed
- ¼ cup salted butter, cut into small cubes
- ½ cup whipping cream or heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Add brown sugar to a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk until it starts to break down into very fine granules.
- Add butter and stir until completely melted and bubbly (about 2 minutes).
- Slowly pour in cream until it comes to a boil, stirring constantly. (Use caution while heating. The hot bubbly mixture can splatter, especially while adding the cream.)
- Remove from heat and add salt. Best served warm.
Notes
- Want a thicker caramel? Cut back on the amount of cream by about 2 tablespoons.
- Can I use unsalted butter? Yes! Increase amount of sea salt to your taste.
- Can I use golden sugar? For sure! However, brown sugar contains more molasses, which helps to create a stronger caramel flavour.
- Can I double the batch? You bet! Simply double the ingredient measurements. It will take a few minutes longer to prepare.
- How do I store salted caramel sauce? Cool, then transfer to a glass jar. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave space at the top of the jar for expansion.
- How do I reheat? Add to a small saucepan over medium heat and stir continually until desired temperature is reached. Or, transfer to microwave-safe bowl and heat for 15 seconds at a time, stirring between.
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Have a scrumptious day!
This sea salt caramel sauce recipe was originally published October 2021. Updated with fresh ideas and photos.