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Salted Caramel is easier to make than you might think.  A few simple ingredients is all you need to make this sweet sauce at home.  Caramel is great drizzled over ice cream, as a topping for cakes or to dip apple slices in.

Salted Caramel in a jar with a spoon next to a bowl of vanilla ice cream drizzled with salted caramel

There are a handful of recipes that I believe everyone should know how to make and salted caramel is most definitely one of them.  Once you see how easy it is to make salted caramel, you’ll most likely find yourself making it often and keeping a jar tucked in the fridge at all times.

Seriously, store bought salted caramel doesn’t even compare to the taste of homemade.  It’s rich, creamy and utterly delicious.  The buttery, milky, sweet flavor is balanced perfectly by the pinch of salt added at the end.  It’s beautiful golden goodness in a jar.

Apple slice dipped in the salted caramel in a jar

I use only a few simple ingredients in my salted caramel recipe.  Items you probably have on hand; sugar, cream, butter and salt.  When combined, like magic these simple ingredients transform into liquid gold.

Caramel is one of those things I could literally eat by the spoonfuls.  It’s divine when spooned it over cinnamon rolls, drizzled over chocolate cake, poured over vanilla ice cream and of course, as a dipping sauce for apple slices.

Vanilla ice cream drizzled with salted caramel in a dessert glass

The combination of sweet and salty is a favorite combination of mine.  The salt both balances and enhances the sweetness of the caramel and boy, is it good!

I assure you, once you see how easy it is to make salted caramel, you won’t ever want to buy it from the store again.  The flavor of store bought caramel is so dull compared to homemade.  Nothing compares.

A small plate of apple slices next to a jar of salted caramel and a spoon

If you’ve never made caramel at home, it can be a little intimidating at first.  But it really is simple. You don’t even need a candy thermometer, just a watchful eye. Rely on the color of the sugar, when it begins to turn a gorgeous amber color, that’s when the magic happens.

The challenging part of making caramel is making sure you are free from distractions when you start the process.  The beautiful amber color that the sugar becomes when heated is what will let you know it’s finished cooking.  The caramel can quickly turn into a dark brown mess in a matter of seconds.  Don’t worry though, just keep your eye on the sugar and you’ll be alright.

Overhead view of a chocolate cake topped with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with salted caramel with a slice missing

To make salted caramel, start by placing  a cup of sugar in a heavy medium sized pot on medium-high heat.  Add one or two tablespoons of water, just enough to begin dissolving the sugar.

Closeup of Sugar and water boiling in a pot

As the sugar bubbles and begins to dissolve, resist the urge to stir.  Just leave it alone.

Overhead view of sugar and water boiling in a pot

When the sugar is dissolved and beginning to brown, stir it to ensure even cooking.  Be careful though, sugar burns are some of the worst burns there are.

Closeup of Sugar beginning to brown in a pot

When the sugar reaches a beautiful amber color, remove from the heat and carefully whisk in the cream.

Whisking in cream into the browned sugar in a pot

Then, whisk in the butter and stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt.

Whisking in butter into the browned sugar mixture in a pot

Pour the caramel into a jar and store it in the refrigerator.  Reheat when ready to use.

A jar of Salted Caramel with a spoon and caramel dripping down the side


Salted Caramel Recipe

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Servings: 1 cup
Salted Caramel is easier to make than you might think. A few simple ingredients is all you need to make this sweet sauce at home. It's great drizzled over ice cream, as a topping for cakes or to dip apple slices in.

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions 

  • Heat the sugar and water in a heavy medium sized pot on medium-high heat. Do not stir.
  • When the sugar is dissolved and beginning to brown, begin to stir the sugar.
  • When the sugar becomes a pretty amber color, remove from the heat and whisk in the cream, followed by the butter and salt.
  • Pour into a glass jar and store in the refrigerator.
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Hi, I’m Joanie and welcome to ZagLeft where we share favorite recipes as well as exciting travel experiences that we’ve enjoyed while always trying to take the road less traveled.

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6 Comments

    1. You’re right, Ellen. Homemade Salted Caramel in pretty little mason jars tied up with ribbpns would definitely make a great gift.

  1. Your recipes are killing me…In a good way of course! 😉 I especially like the caramel sauce over that chocolate deliciousness. Nom Nom!