Salted Butter Caramel

There’s something magical about caramel, especially when it’s homemade and infused with the perfect balance of salt and sweetness. This Salted Butter Caramel recipe is a delicious, velvety-smooth sauce that you can drizzle over desserts, swirl into your coffee, or even eat by the spoonful (no judgment here!). It’s a classic indulgence that brings a gourmet touch to simple treats and is surprisingly easy to make at home.

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If you’ve ever tasted salted caramel from a gourmet shop or restaurant, you know how delightful that mix of sweet caramel and savory sea salt can be. The rich, buttery flavor combined with the silky texture of caramel is enough to make anyone swoon. And while it might sound complicated to make, it’s actually a straightforward process that you can master with just a few simple ingredients and a little patience.

In this post, we’ll dive into the steps to make Salted Butter Caramel from scratch, along with helpful tips to ensure success. Plus, we’ll explore different ways to use your caramel creation and how to store it for later.

Ingredients Breakdown: What You’ll Need for Perfect Salted Butter Caramel

The beauty of homemade caramel lies in its simplicity. With just four main ingredients, you can create a decadent sauce that rivals anything you’d find in a store. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:

• 1 Cup Granulated Sugar: Sugar is the foundation of caramel. As it heats, it melts and caramelizes, transforming into that deep amber color and rich, complex flavor we love. It’s important to use regular granulated sugar, as its fine texture allows for even melting.
• 1/2 Cup Heavy Cream: The heavy cream gives the caramel its luxurious, creamy texture. It also helps to cool down the sugar once it’s caramelized, preventing it from burning. The fat content in the cream is crucial for creating a smooth sauce, so be sure to use full-fat heavy cream rather than a lighter alternative.
• 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and depth to the caramel, creating that signature buttery flavor that makes salted caramel so irresistible. Unsalted butter is recommended so that you have complete control over the salt level in the recipe.
• 1 Teaspoon Sea Salt (Adjust to Taste): Sea salt is the star of the show here, balancing the sweetness of the caramel with a subtle savory note. You can adjust the amount of salt to suit your taste, but start with 1 teaspoon and increase if needed. Flaky sea salt is ideal for this recipe because it dissolves easily and adds a delicate crunch when sprinkled on top of finished dishes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Salted Butter Caramel

Making caramel may seem intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s quite simple. The key is to be patient, keep a close eye on the sugar as it melts, and stir constantly to prevent burning. Follow these steps to make your own rich, flavorful salted butter caramel.

1. Heat the Sugar

To start, pour 1 cup of granulated sugar into a heavy-bottomed saucepan. A heavy-bottomed pan is essential because it distributes heat more evenly, reducing the risk of the sugar burning. Place the pan over medium heat and let the sugar begin to melt.

You’ll want to stir the sugar occasionally with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula to help it melt evenly. As the sugar heats up, it will start to clump together before eventually melting into a smooth liquid. This process can take several minutes, so be patient and resist the urge to turn up the heat to speed things along—high heat can cause the sugar to burn, resulting in a bitter caramel.

Once the sugar has fully melted, it will turn a golden amber color. This is a sign that the sugar has caramelized and is ready for the next step. Be careful not to let it go too dark, as over-caramelized sugar can taste burnt and unpleasant.

2. Add the Heavy Cream

Now comes the exciting part—adding the cream! As soon as the sugar has melted and reached the perfect amber color, carefully pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream while stirring constantly. Be warned: the caramel will bubble up vigorously when the cold cream hits the hot sugar, so take care to avoid splatters. It’s best to stand back slightly and pour the cream in a slow, steady stream to minimize the bubbling.

The bubbling is normal, and it will subside after a few moments as the cream incorporates into the caramel. Keep stirring to ensure that the sugar and cream blend smoothly. If the caramel seizes up and forms clumps, don’t worry—just continue stirring over low heat, and the clumps will eventually melt back into the sauce.

3. Add the Butter

Once the cream is fully incorporated and the bubbling has subsided, it’s time to add the butter. Cut 1/2 cup of unsalted butter into small pieces and add them to the pan, stirring constantly until the butter melts completely. The butter not only adds richness and flavor but also helps to create a smooth, glossy texture in the caramel.

As you stir, you’ll notice the caramel becoming thicker and more velvety. It should be smooth and glossy, with no visible lumps of sugar. If the sauce looks too thin at this point, don’t worry—it will thicken as it cools.

4. Add the Sea Salt

The final step in creating your salted butter caramel is to add the salt. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of sea salt (or more, depending on your taste) and stir to combine. The salt will dissolve into the warm caramel, giving it that perfect balance of sweet and savory.

If you’re using coarse or flaky sea salt, you can save a pinch to sprinkle on top of the caramel once it’s finished for a little extra crunch and visual appeal. Taste the caramel and adjust the salt level if needed—everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to add a little more if you prefer a stronger salty flavor.

5. Cool and Store

Once the caramel is smooth, glossy, and perfectly salted, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes. As it cools, the caramel will thicken even more, becoming the perfect consistency for drizzling or dipping.

Transfer the caramel to a glass jar or airtight container for storage. It’s important to let the caramel cool completely before sealing the container, as trapping steam can create condensation that may affect the texture of the caramel.

How to Use Your Homemade Salted Butter Caramel

Now that you’ve made your own batch of salted butter caramel, the fun part begins—deciding how to use it! Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy this rich and indulgent treat:

1. Drizzle Over Ice Cream: There’s nothing quite like a drizzle of warm salted butter caramel over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of creamy ice cream and sweet, salty caramel is a match made in heaven. You can also try it on other flavors like chocolate, coffee, or even fruit-based ice creams for a delicious twist.
2. Dip for Fruits: Caramel and fresh fruit are a classic pairing. Use your salted butter caramel as a dip for apple slices, strawberries, bananas, or pears for a healthier snack with a decadent touch.
3. Swirl Into Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Add a spoonful of salted caramel to your morning coffee or hot chocolate for a sweet, luxurious flavor boost. It melts beautifully into warm drinks, adding a rich, buttery sweetness that’s hard to resist.
4. Top Cakes and Brownies: Elevate your favorite baked goods by drizzling salted caramel over cakes, brownies, or even cookies. The rich caramel pairs wonderfully with chocolate desserts, adding an extra layer of flavor and indulgence.
5. Use as a Filling: You can use salted butter caramel as a filling for pastries, doughnuts, or even between cake layers. Its smooth, creamy texture makes it an excellent filling for all kinds of desserts.
6. Spread on Toast or Pancakes: For a decadent breakfast treat, spread salted caramel over warm toast, pancakes, or waffles. The combination of sweet, salty, and buttery flavors will make your morning feel extra special.
7. Gift It: Homemade salted butter caramel makes a thoughtful and delicious gift. Pour it into a pretty jar, tie it with a ribbon, and give it to friends and family for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions. You can even include a tag with serving suggestions for an extra personalized touch.

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Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to help you achieve caramel-making success every time:

• Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan: A heavy-bottomed saucepan is crucial for making caramel because it heats the sugar evenly, preventing burning. Avoid using thin pans, which can cause hot spots and uneven melting.
• Watch the Sugar Closely: Caramel can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds, so keep a close eye on the sugar as it melts. Stir it occasionally and remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches that deep amber color.
• Be Careful When Adding Cream: The caramel will bubble up vigorously when you add the cream, so pour it in slowly and stir constantly to prevent splatters.
• Adjust the Salt to Your Taste: The amount of salt you use is entirely up to you. If you prefer a more pronounced salty flavor, feel free to add a little more. Taste the caramel before adding extra salt to ensure you don’t overdo it.

Storage and Shelf Life

Salted butter caramel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The caramel will thicken as it cools, so you may need to warm it slightly before using it. Simply microwave it in 15-second intervals, stirring between each one, until it reaches your desired consistency.

If you want to store the caramel for a longer period, you can freeze it for up to three months. To freeze, let the caramel cool completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and seal it tightly. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the caramel in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Final Thoughts

Making your own Salted Butter Caramel at home is a rewarding and delicious experience. With just a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can create a rich, buttery, and perfectly balanced caramel sauce that’s sure to impress. Whether you drizzle it over desserts, swirl it into drinks, or use it as a dip, this homemade salted caramel will elevate any treat to gourmet status.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of making your own Salted Butter Caramel from scratch. It’s the perfect indulgence for caramel lovers and an excellent addition to any dessert repertoire!