Discover how easy it is to make a delicious salted caramel sauce with this simple guide, This no-fuss salted caramel recipe requires just four readily available ingredients and is perfect for enhancing the flavor of cakes, cookies, pound cakes, ice cream, cheesecakes, scones, salted caramel apple pie, and a range of other delicious treats.
Salted Caramel Sauce is a luscious confection, seamlessly blending the rich sweetness of caramel with a perfect hint of saltiness, This versatile and indulgent sauce elevates a myriad of culinary creations, from decadent cakes to delicate scones.
Crafted with precision and care, our salted caramel sauce recipe harmoniously combines four essential ingredients, ensuring a delightful balance of flavors. Whether drizzled over cakes, cupcakes, cookies, pound cake, ice cream, cheesecake, or paired with the classic salted caramel apple pie, this exquisite sauce adds a touch of gourmet sophistication to your culinary repertoire. Elevate your desserts with the unmatched allure of Salted Caramel Sauce, a culinary masterpiece that transcends expectations.
This beloved salted caramel recipe has earned its place as a reader favorite, securing a spot among the top 10 most sought-after recipes on website, Its irresistible combination of sweetness, stickiness, and buttery goodness enhances the flavor of anything it graces. While a spoon is all you truly need to savor its perfection, once you've experienced it just once, you'll find yourself captivated.
Crafting Salted Caramel Sauce
Unlock the delightful essence of salted caramel with the following detailed instructions:
- Begin by initiating the mesmerizing process of caramelization, melting sugar to perfection.
- Utilize a small pot accompanied by a trusty wooden spoon or a heatproof spatula, ensuring a seamless amalgamation.
- Stir diligently until the sugar achieves a luscious melt.
- Introduce the richness of butter into the mix, followed by the incorporation of heavy cream, allowing the concoction to gracefully boil for precisely one minute.
- As the grand finale, infuse the caramel with a touch of salt.
- Voila! Your delectable salted caramel masterpiece is now complete.
Exercise caution while working over the stove, as the mixture may splatter due to the hot liquid, butter, and cream. For added safety, consider the use of kitchen gloves as a practical precautionary measure.
No need for a candy thermometer
Diverging from typical caramel recipes, this Salted Caramel Sauce variation eliminates the need for a candy thermometer. Embrace a more intuitive approach by following the recipe and relying on your keen eyes to discern the ideal moments for adding each ingredient.
Witness the magic as the caramel naturally thickens during the cooling process. This method offers a unique and accessible way to create a luscious salted caramel without the reliance on specialized tools.
This is the perfect consistency for salted caramel
Upon removing it from heat, the caramel exhibits a liquid consistency that transforms into a chewy texture as it cools. Post-refrigeration, the caramel hardens, necessitating reheating to restore its liquid state. If a thinner caramel is desired, consider incorporating an additional 2 tablespoons of heavy cream into the recipe.
It's worth noting that this sauce isn't suitable for crafting homemade wrapped candies, For that purpose, I recommend exploring my soft caramel candies recipe, which offers a distinct and delightful alternative.
Storage and correct use of caramel
Once the caramel has cooled, transfer it into a glass jar or airtight container, Refrigerate for a duration of up to one month. While the caramel solidifies during cooling, it can be easily reheated in the microwave or on the stove to return to its liquid state.
Additionally, freezing the salted caramel is an option. Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for a maximum of three months, Thaw either in the refrigerator or at room temperature, and warm it up before using as desired.
Tips to follow for recipe success
Unlock the secrets to crafting the most extraordinary caramel sauce with these invaluable tips:
Prep Your Ingredients with Precision: Ensure a seamless caramel-making process by having all your ingredients measured, at room temperature, and readily available before initiating the sauce. Given the swift pace of sugar melting, a well-prepared setup prevents interruptions that could lead to burning.
Mindful Scaling of the Recipe: Exercise caution when contemplating recipe Salted Caramel Sauce expansion. Due to the sauce's propensity to bubble up upon adding heavy cream, doubling or tripling the recipe is not advisable. For larger quantities, consider crafting separate batches to maintain optimal consistency and quality.
How to use caramel sauce
This versatile salted caramel sauce effortlessly complements a myriad of culinary delights, Consider these creative suggestions for enjoying, serving, or gifting it:
- Drizzle it over ice cream, brownies, pie, or cheesecake.
- Use it as a delectable dip for apple slices or other fruits.
- Enhance the richness of hot chocolate or coffee by stirring in a spoonful.
- Gift it thoughtfully by placing it in an elegant mason jar, adorned with a tied ribbon, suitable for occasions such as hosting, birthdays, or holidays.
- Elevate the flavor profile of buttercream frosting by whipping in this indulgent caramel sauce.
- Savor its deliciousness straight from the spoon for an instant treat.
Salted caramel sauce ingredients
Gather the following ingredients for this delectable Salted Caramel Sauce creation:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (ensure it's labeled as "pure cane")*
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, softened and sliced into 6 pieces
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt.
Start preparing with these smooth, magical steps
Embark on a culinary journey with these imaginative steps:
Waltz Whisk: As you blend your ingredients, imagine a graceful waltz, ensuring each ingredient harmonizes like a symphony of flavors.
Sugar Ballet: Handle granulated sugar with finesse, and imagine it swirling in the pot, transforming into a golden caramel ballet.
Butter Symphony: Present butter as a symphonic conductor, each slice contributing to the melodic richness of your caramel composition.
Crescenting Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, imagining a crescendo of cream that transforms the mixture into a harmonious crescendo of flavors.
Boiling Ballet: As the mixture boils, visualize a ballet of bubbles rising in the pan, creating a captivating performance that excites the senses.
Tango Temperature: If you're using a candy thermometer, imagine a tango between heat and precision, as they dance to the perfect temperature of 220°F (104°C).
Salt Serenade: Add salt like melody, and add a touch of delicious perfection to your caramel concerto.
Cooling Rhythm: Let the caramel cool in a rhythmic rhythm, allowing it to thicken as if composing its beautiful melody.
Cooling Rhapsody: When stored, imagine a cooling rhapsody, as the caramel transforms into a symphonic masterpiece waiting to emerge.
Reheating: As you reheat, indulge in a daydream of flavors, orchestrating the return to the perfect liquid consistency.
I hope that your culinary creativity will be a masterpiece that dances on your taste buds, coordinated by your creative brilliance.
Important Notes
Prepare in Advance & Freeze with Ease: Elevate your Salted Caramel Sauce experience by planning ahead. Craft this delectable caramel in advance, ensuring it's securely covered, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a month.
When ready to use, gently warm the caramel for a few seconds. For additional insights into the texture of this salted caramel, refer to the section titled "What Is the Texture of This Salted Caramel?" in the above post.
Should you find yourself on the move or looking to present this as a gift, rest assured that this Salted Caramel Sauce maintains its quality at room temperature for a day.
Explore the option of freezing the Salted Caramel Sauce by placing it in an airtight container, preserving its richness for up to 3 months.
Thaw gracefully in the refrigerator or at room temperature, then reheat before incorporating it into your culinary creations.
Essential Tools for Success (affiliate links): Invest in a Medium Heavy-Duty Saucepan and a reliable Wooden Spoon or Spatula.
Sugar Selection: Optimal results are achieved with granulated sugar labeled "pure cane", Our preferred choice is Domino brand regular granulated sugar, bearing the "pure cane granulated" distinction on the packaging.
Heavy Cream Tip: Select heavy cream with approximately 36% milk fat, which may also be labeled as whipping cream, Alternatively, light whipping cream (30% milk fat) or double cream (48% milk fat) can be substituted, Steer clear of using milk, and for best results, use room-temperature cream.
Salt Savvy: Choose between regular table salt or kosher salt, If opting for larger flaky salt, start with 1 teaspoon, taste, and adjust as desired, This recipe accommodates 1 teaspoon of any salt variety, allowing you to experiment with flavors, For precision, begin with 3/4 teaspoon, taste, and customize to your liking.
Caramel Candies Note: While this caramel excels as a sauce, topping, or filling, it may not set up adequately for soft Salted Caramel Sauce candies, For that purpose, explore our soft caramels recipe.
Classic Caramel Sauce: If your preference is a regular caramel, reduce the salt to 1/2 teaspoon—just enough for a perfect balance, Omitting salt entirely is not recommended.
Scaling Up Caution: Avoid doubling or tripling this recipe Salted Caramel Sauce , as the increased volume may hinder the sugar from melting uniformly, Instead, opt for crafting multiple batches to ensure consistent quality.
FAQS
- Can I prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce in advance?: Yes, you can prepare the caramel in advance, Store tightly sealed in the refrigerator for up to one month, Remember to heat it for a few seconds before using it in the recipe.
- How long does Salted Caramel Sauce last at room temperature?: The caramel can be kept at room temperature for up to a day, making it suitable for travel or gifts, However, for longer storage, refrigeration is recommended.
- Can salted caramel sauce be frozen?: definitely! Freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months, Thaw it in the refrigerator or at room temperature, then warm it before use.
- What type of sugar is best for this recipe?: The recipe Salted Caramel Sauce is most successful using granulated sugar labeled "pure cane", It is recommended to use brands such as Domino's regular granulated sugar, which is labeled "pure cane granulated."
- Can I use different types of creams?: Heavy cream (about 36% milk fat) is recommended, It can also be sold as whipped cream, Avoid using milk Room temperature cream works best.
- What type of salt should I use?: Regular table salt or kosher salt is suitable, For a more flaky salt, start with 1 teaspoon, then taste and add more if desired, The recipe is valid with a teaspoon of any type of salt.
- Can I use this caramel to make candy?: Although great as a sauce, topping, or filling, this caramel would not be suitable for a soft dessert, Refer to a specific soft Salted Caramel Sauce for this.
- What if I prefer plain caramel without salt?: Reduce the salt to 1/2 teaspoon for a traditional caramel flavor, Don't delete it completely.
- Can I double or triple the Salted Caramel Sauce for larger batches?:
It is recommended to avoid doubling or tripling the recipe, as increasing the volume can prevent the sugar from dissolving evenly, It is best to make several separate batches.
