Salted Caramel Sauce Recipe (2024)

Published: Oct 17, 2018 · Modified: Dec 3, 2020 by Megan Porta · This post may contain affiliate links.

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Just 4 ingredients needed to make your own salted caramel sauce. This sweet sauce has so many uses – top or fill your next batch of baked goods with it. No candy thermometer needed and it turns out perfect every time!.

Why This Recipe Works

Caramel sauce is one of those sweet treats that I could literally pour over every single thing in my life. Add a touch of salt to it and it’s even more irresistible. I feel like nothing is off limits when it comes to Salted Caramel Sauce, am I right?!

It’s easy enough to stroll through the store and grab a jar from the shelf, but I am here to tell you that it is SO EASY to make and (in my opinion) so much tastier. I am talking four ingredients (FOUR!) and ten minutes of your life. This sweet and salty nectar will become a new staple in your fridge.

Fill or top cupcakes or cheesecake with the sweet sauce or drizzle it over your piece of apple crisp and vanilla ice cream. Top just about any type of baked good with it or use it as a dip for apples!

How To Make Salted Caramel Sauce

Step 1

Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan. Set heat to medium-high and stir mixture frequently. When the sugar has completely melted and the mixture is uniformly bubbly, with an amber color (this will take a couple minutes), add the heavy cream and butter.

Continue stirring for 2-4 minutes, or until butter has melted and the caramel is smooth and has turned a deep caramel color.

Step 2

Remove from the heat and stir in the sea salt. Let the caramel cool completely and pour into glass jar containers. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Recipe Notes

When you pull the sauce out of the fridge you can either bring it to room temperature to use or reheat the sauce. Remove the lid and microwave for about 30 seconds, then stir. It should be smooth and pourable, but not piping hot.
Do not substitute kosher salt or table salt for the sea salt. The result will be way too salty!

Ways To Use Salted Caramel Sauce

Add it to your coffee or hot chocolate!
Perfect for ice cream sundaes!
Dip your Easy Baked Churros in it!
Add a spoonful to your plain or vanilla yogurt bowl.
Top your Easy Apple Pie with your caramel!
Top your Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies bars with caramel instead of chocolate.
Use your own sauce for Chocolate Caramel Brownies.
Cut up some apples and drizzle caramel on top for apple nachos!
Make banana bread and drizzle caramel over the finished loaf.
Freeze banana slices dipped in caramel.
Dip graham crackers into it.

How To Fix Grainy Caramel Sauce – 4 methods!

If you find that your succulent sauce it isn’t as smooth and lustrous as you’d like, click over for tips about how to fix grainy caramel sauce!

FAQ About Caramel Sauce

How to thicken caramel sauce?

Toward the end of cooking caramel sauce, decrease heat to medium-low and allow the caramel to simmer for a few additional minutes (stir frequently to avoid burning). Remember that the caramel sauce will thicken once it cools, but if you want it even thicker dissolve 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water. Stir the mixture into the caramel.

How do you fix caramel sauce if you added too much butter?

If you have added too much butter to your caramel sauce, you may find that it is too oily or it might even begin to separate. To fix this, add 1 tablespoon of either water or milk and stir while cooking over medium heat. Adding 1-2 Tbsp of a simple cornstarch slurry may fix the problem, as well.

Are you always supposed to make caramel sauce with brown sugar?

Caramel sauce can be made using granulated white sugar instead of brown sugar. The end result will have a lighter shade of brown and will have a flavor without as much depth. Keep an eye on the mixture while cooking to ensure it does not burn. Stir often!

How to make caramel sauce without cream?

For every 1 cup of heavy cream in your caramel sauce, add a milk-cornstarch slurry (1 cup milk:2 tbsp cornstarch).

How to freeze caramel sauce?

Transfer caramel sauce to an airtight container (not glass) and freeze for up to 3 months. When you are ready to use the sauce, allow it to thaw completely in the fridge first. Pour it into a skillet and heat, stirring, until smooth.

How long does caramel sauce last?

Store caramel sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month.

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