5.0 from 165 votes
Easy Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce
Learn How to make easy salted caramel sauce recipe with this foolproof method! Made with six simple ingredients: water, vanilla extract, salt, granulated sugar, butter, and cream. No candy thermometer required for this amber colored homemade salted caramel sauce. It's so delicious on ice cream and brownies!
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 1 cup
Course:
Dessert
Ingredients
- 1 cup (199g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (113ml) water
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (113ml) heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Whisk together granulated sugar and water in a medium-sized saucepan with tall sides.
- Cook over medium-low heat until the sugar is completely dissolved, about 3 to 5 minutes, but maybe a little longer depending on your stove.
- Add in the butter and bring the mixture to slow boil over medium-heat. Continue cooking until the mixture turns a deep golden brown/copper color, about 12 minutes, maybe longer depending on your stove. Do not stir during this process!
- Once the caramel reaches this color, remove from heat and immediately add in the heavy cream. Be very careful during this step - the caramel will hiss and bubble up aggressively!
- Finally, stir in the vanilla and sea salt. Vigorously whisk the mixture smooth and set aside to cool. Store caramel in the fridge until needed.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- You may use salted or unsalted butter.
- You may make this caramel sauce up t0 2 weeks in advance. Just be sure to tightly cover it (I love storing mine in mason jars) and store it in the refrigerator.
- Heavy cream can be found in the diary aisle in most grocery stores. Whipping cream may also be used. Do not use milk!
- All stoves run a little differently, so be sure to watch the caramel as it evolves, and time accordingly. You might need to add an additional 5 or even 10 minutes to the boil time if your stove top runs low.